exercise

Machu Picchu

I spent the past three weeks traveling in Peru. The first week we hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu–a place as magical and mystical as everyone says and pictures attempt to show. The stone city rivals the pyramids. Machu Picchu may not be the engineering feat the pyramids were, but resting high on the peaks of the Andes where misty clouds glide in and out, it certainly feels more relatable. People lived here; they didn’t just get buried here.

Getting to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail was a challenge, but made the arrival even better. Camping in the Andes for three nights provided some of the best views I’ve ever gone to sleep with. I haven’t stayed in any hotel that provides views of snow capped mountains and waterfalls with brooks so loud you can’t hear anything but water cascading down rocks. Until morning. Somehow roosters overtake the sound of water.

It is a journey I would recommend.

Machu PicchuMaggie Downie2017-10-25T14:26:05-04:00

Reminder: Basic Principles of Pilates

One piece of knowledge that Pilates provides that many forms of exercise do not is the concept of the basic principles. You can consider them no matter what you are doing in life. Whether you are exercising, working, driving, cooking, or whatever situation you might find yourself in, you can always turn to the five basic principles to think about your body and help you focus.

In case you’ve forgotten what they are, here’s a friendly reminder:

1) Shoulder Stability
2) Pelvic Placement
3) Neck Alignment
4) Rib Cage
5) Breath

Reminder: Basic Principles of PilatesMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:27-04:00

Black Friday

If you’re going to out shopping and waiting in lines today, don’t feel discouraged. Make good use of your time. Lift your kegel while in line. Engage your core–pull your belly button to your spine. Feel your abdominals engage all the way to your pubic bone. Stand tall with your shoulders back and down.

Black FridayMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:27-04:00

Unstable Surfaces

Doing your ab work on an unstable surface like a stability ball or Bosu enhances the workout by engaging the abdomen muscles more. It’s has been tested in two different studies that prove it works.

Unstable SurfacesMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:28-04:00

Federal Physical Activity Guidelines

Our government guidelines suggest a minimum of 150 minutes of exercise per week. That is 30-minutes four times a week.

Remember this is a minimum. Try to make sure you meet it this week. Then try again next week, and try again the week after.

Federal Physical Activity GuidelinesMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:28-04:00