tips – Page 10 – Personal Euphoria: Pilates & Fitness Classes in CT

Indoor Sky Diving

When Matt and I were in Tennessee last month we tried indoor sky diving. It’s right up my alley since I’d love to sky dive, but am terrified about leaping out of a plane. I don’t like most rides, but indoor skydiving wasn’t scary at all. It was just fun and a lot warmer than I expected. They pump warm air onto you. For some reason I expected cool air.

Best of all, I think Pilates helped me “fly” better. When they put the air on, you have to hold your body in a very specific way so that you don’t tip forward or backward because the air will push you in different directions. It was a fun challenge.

I searched for places in Connecticut you can indoor sky dive and the closest place I found was Nashua, NH, which claims to be the only place you can do it in New England. I’ve never been there, but it was fun in TN and if you’re up for a good adventure your might want to try it out.

My only complaint was that for all the prep, you […]

Indoor Sky DivingMaggie Downie2014-08-04T18:06:50-04:00

Welcome August!

Oh my gosh, it’s August. Summer is half over (but let’s not think about that). In Connecticut it only just started to feel like summer–the muggy New England August is finally here.

I’ll admit, I’ve felt a little sluggish since the humidity kicked in last week. I imagine everyone feels it on some level. Here are some tips to help stay cool and refreshed in order to stay motivated to workout and have energy for your life:

Hydrate–drink plenty of fluids
Take a Dip–Cool off in a town, gym, or friend’s pool
Go to the Movies–They have AC and you can relax seeing one of the summer’s blockbusters
Make Juice Popsicles–they are healthier than store bought Popsicles and feel just as cool and refreshing. If you don’t have a Popsicle makers, make juice ice cubes.
Take Cool Showers–they’re better for your skin too.

Welcome August!Maggie Downie2014-08-04T18:06:50-04:00

Treat Yourself

I know the economy isn’t good but that doesn’t mean you can’t find time to do the things you enjoy, especially if they make you feel good. Maybe you love to swim but can’t afford a pool or wouldn’t want to have to clean a pool. Maybe you don’t want to pay for a massage or feel strange about a stranger rubbing you.

Consider exchanging back rubs with a friend or spouse. Go to a beach or a gym for the day that has a pool or hot tub or sauna. It can be an affordable way to have a pool without having to maintain it.

Think creatively to get the things you want. And remember, every once in a while it’s okay, and probably good, to splurge on what will make you feel good or give you a little sanity.

Treat YourselfMaggie Downie2014-08-04T18:06:50-04:00

Zorb

The closest place to Connecticut that you can Zorb is Pigeon Forge, TN, but it is well worth the trip. Zorbing was like going on the best water slide I’ve ever been on. Basically, you roll down a hill in a giant hamster ball. You can do this loose in water where you slosh around (awesome) or strapped in where you roll head over heels (not up my alley).

It’s an expensive water slide ride, but it really was a fun ride. If you go, I recommend the ride in water with a friend. It’s cheaper and the staff said it’s more fun to go down with someone. I would agree, plus that seemed to be the general consensus of everyone who took the ride while we were there.

Pigeon Forge was a great vacation spot. It has really touristy places and 20-minutes away are the Great Smoky Mountains. There is definitely something for everyone.

ZorbMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:36-04:00

Desk Work

Sitting at a desk all day can wreak havoc on your upper back muscles–the ones between your shoulder blades–but there is an easy way to take the stress off those muscles.

You can take little breaks to do shoulder exercises (protraction and retraction, elevation and depression, and arm circles) or while you are sitting you can think about your posture, trying not to let your shoulders roll forward and attempting to sit tall. Both are good options, but some people feel guilty or silly taking breaks to stretch during the workday.

When your back muscles start to ache, whatever you are doing (talking on the phone, in a meeting, working at the computer) take a deep breath and slide your shoulder blades down your back. Try to hold this position for as long as your mind can stay focused on it. Remember to breathe.

Desk WorkMaggie Downie2017-09-12T19:32:36-04:00