December 15, 2005
Time Management
Is it just me? Or do you feel it too? I'm talking about the time thing. It
feels as though someone turned up the dial on time and that days and weeks are
whizzing by so fast that I might well be a decade older at next light.
And here is the deal about me. Having lost a good number of years already to
self-obsessed, addicted behavior (think lots of hangovers and missed
opportunities and way too much Free Cell or WebMD visits on the computer), I am
now re-obsessed with using my time well.
This is the time of the year when it gets really
hard to figure out how to focus my energy. Part of my brain is telling me to
chill out, eat some cookies, wear clothes that sparkle, and, despite the
evidence, to believe in crazy, romantic love for the holidays. This part of my
brain tells me that God made January for two reasons: for my birthday and for
the hope that we can change our lives entirely.
The other part of my brain, the part that is terrified that if I slip up even
a little tiny bit that it is a fast track back to the living hell of not being
accountable to myself or anyone else, is shouting at me about all the undone
things on my "to do" list.
For me, comfort and grace lives in a land between these two extremes. And I
know that it is possible to live in this space by keeping up with just a few
things. Not to sound like a broken record, but for me, Pilates and yoga are the
foundation for better living. I think this is especially true over the holidays
when it is a double-big-bonus to actually feel charitable and loving while
spending time with friends and family. If I am miffed at myself, I am far more
likely to take it out on someone else.
So keep up your movement practice over the next few weeks. I promise you,
you'll feel better for it and everyone who knows you will feel better too! And
don't forget to make arrangements with Shannon to pick up your gift certificate
to give FREE Pilates to a friend. Details below.
Also, read on to find out more about Teacher Training, Holiday Hours and a
testimonial from the amazing Ann Firestone.
As always, thanks for keeping our community alive and well!
Peace.
Stacy Sims
Free Pilates For Your Friends!
We want to keep our community growing and you are our best advocates for the
work we do. So between now and December 31, 2005, all active clients (at least
six classes over a six-week period) are entitled to receive a Pendleton Gift
Certificate for you to give to a friend or colleague; anyone who is not
currently a client at Pendleton Pilates. The certificate will entitle the
bearer to either an Initial Consultation Intensive (2 1/2 hour workshop-style
introduction to the Reformer work) or two free Mat, Ball and/or Yoga classes.
Their certificate is good through March 31, 2006.
So if you need to get your own active status re-activated, you've got time.
Shannon can tell you if you need to schedule more classes to be able to receive
a gift certificate to give to a friend. This way you will be breathing, moving
AND giving the gift of Pilates to someone who might not be able to make the
initial investment but you just know will love the work.
We've got more Holiday gift ideas coming (think t-shirts (coming soon!), True
Body books, additional gift certificates at 20% discount to Pendleton clients,
and more). So plan on doing all your shopping with us!
The Gift of Bliss
Stumped trying to find the perfect gift? Try a gift certificate for a Thai Yoga Massage. The world of yoga and massage come together in this extraordinary ancient healing system with Donna Covrett, TYT. Thai Massage is a uniquely relaxing, yet energizing and highly effective therapeutic treatment that combines rhythmic massage, acupressure, and assisted yoga stretches to open, exercise and tone all systems of the body. Each 90-minute session is adapted to the health & physical condition of recipient. The benefits of Thai Massage include relieving tired and aching muscles, increasing flexibility and range of motion, diminishing chronic pain, calms the nervous system, assists in recovering from illness and injury, and reduces headaches and migraines. Each session is $100. For additional questions or to purchase a gift certificate, contact Shannon at (513)478-3232.
Holiday Hours
We will be holding our regularly scheduled classes for Friday 12/23 and
Saturday 12/24. Both studio locations will be closed on Sunday 12/25 for
Christmas. Our regularly scheduled classes will resume at both studios on
Monday 12/26. Shannon will be out of the office beginning Thursday afternoon
12/22 and will return Tuesday 12/27 at 9 am. Please plan ahead for your holiday
schedule or if you'd like to pick up a gift certificate. For scheduling or
additional information, contact (513)478-3232. Happy Holidays!
Snow Days
It's that time of year again. The roads get slick, the snow piles up, and
traffic creeps along. We do our best to keep our eyes on the weather as we plan
for classes. We'll make life a little easier for you when bad weather hits this
winter. Studio Manager, Shannon, will leave a message on our voice mail letting
you know if our studios will be closed or classes cancelled. Just call
(513)478-3232 to check in. We also need you to do your part. In the event our
studios are holding classes and you won't be attending, please cancel in a
timely manner. Remember, our studio cancellation policy is still in effect when
we're open. This helps us communicate with our teachers and monitor their
schedules. Drive safe this winter!
Stuff We Love
Here are a few things from the comfort and warmth category to chase
away the blues during a Cincinnati winter: A back-to-back massage and Reiki
treatment at the new Mantra wellness center in Blue Ash (891-1324) .... Red
Flower candles from Aesthetica/Lifeesthetics at 12th and Jackson in Over the
Rhine .... Macaroni and Cheese at Jeff Ruby's at 6th and Walnut .... Watsu with
Alan Hundley (think warm water, massage, floating, bliss) 513-281-8606 .... A
getaway to the Mohonk Mountain House in the Catskills -
www.mohonk.com .... Hot yoga at Yoga Home on Wooster Pike - 561-yoga.
True Body Project Update
The True Body Project is now its own non-profit charity and has many new
programs on the books for 2006. If you would like to learn more about how you
can contribute to the True Body Project, please contact Stacy at
stacy@truebodyproject.org. One way to help out is to purchase the True
Body Project literary journal for a holiday gift. It would be a wonderful
holiday gift for girls and women (and even you sensitive, Pilates men!) Your
contributions ($20 for the literary journal) will help us pay for future True
Body programs. Visit www.truebodyproject.org
for more information.
We've Got Parking at Oakley!
Great news! The new parking lot near our Oakley studio is now open.
You can park for free. The lot is directly behind the new Jones the Florist and
Denim shops. You can access the lot from Madison Rd.. Tracey Dr. (the alley
behind the studio) and the recycling center lot are still off limits unless you
purchase a decal from the owner. For further details, please call Studio
Manager Shannon (513)478-3232.
Class Updates!
We've added more classes (and brought back some old ones) to our Fall
2005/Winter 2006 schedule.
Monday 8 am Reformer at Oakley
Tuesday 8 am Reformer at Oakley
Tuesday noon Reformer Downtown
Thursday noon Reformer Downtown
Friday 11 am Mat Class Downtown
Sunday 8 am Reformer at Oakley
Call Studio Manager, Shannon, to reserve your spot (513)478-3232!
The Pilates Mat and Ball Class package now extends to include Traditional Flow Yoga! Mix it up and receive a total body conditioning with Pilates,yoga and ball classes.
$80 for 10 classes
$10 walk-in.
Let Us Convert You to An Unlimited Package!
Nearly 30 of our clients are enjoying the benefit of Unlimited Pilates and
Yoga by signing up for our six-month or year-long Unlimited Package. This
package entitles you to unlimited Group Reformer classes, XXX Reformer classes,
Ball Classes, Mat Classes, and Yoga classes. You can contract with us to
purchase a six-month package for $185 per month or a year package for $160 a
month.
This is a great opportunity to save a little money on your regular Pilates
routine. If you're currently coming at least twice a week, you'll benefit from
this option! By taking advantage of our Unlimited Pilates and Yoga package,
you'll not only save money on your regular Reformer sessions, but you'll also
be able to attend our Mat classes, Ball classes, Yoga classes, and XXX Reformer
class. For more details, contact Shannon at 513.478.3232.
Teacher Training - January
What better way to pass the time over the winter than to up your Pilates
dosage and learn to be a Pilates teacher! Think about it --- for your tuition
($2500) you get free Pilates for four months and the ability to continue to
take free Pilates at the studio if you become a Pendleton teacher. And if you
teach even a couple of hours a week for the remainder of the year, coupled with
what you would be paying for Pilates anyway, you will have paid off your
investment in a year.
Please contact Stacy or Shannon for more information. Class is limited to
eight people.
Testimonial - Ann Firestone
Cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien wrote that all paths have 4 steps -show
up, pay attention, tell the truth , and be open to outcome. I have always liked
that philosophy and often use it in my work as a teacher. I can also apply it
to my life and my Pilates practice. My first testimonial reflected on how I
thought there was no way I could do Pilates .Little by little, my
experiences told me differently as I kept showing up to take lessons. Private
lessons yielded to group classes after 3 months. With patience ,creativity and
support on the part of all of my wonderful teachers, we modified some of the
exercises for me. I kept showing up.Good days, bad days, in between days, I
showed up.
I began to pay much more attention to my body-what did it like, what did it
need? More Pilates seemed like a no brainer answer-the stretching,
strengthening, breathing- but there was more for me in my ongoing path of
improved fitness and health. My truth was, I had extreme and erratic nutrition
and was yo-yo dieter/foodie. I started seeing a nutritionist. I became very
involved and intrigued with a plan tailored just for my needs. I paid attention
to what benefited my body. My energy soared, my waistline diminished. I kept
going to Pilates. When summer came, I added lap swimming back in -that felt
good too ! When fall rolled around, I thought, wow, I have been consistently
take reformer classes at Pendleton for a year (and was buying smaller size
clothing) My truth was, I was not going to Curves. (Don't get me wrong, it is a
great program . I just was not going. )I was however going and really enjoying
Pilates, so I shifted to an Unlimited Package about the same time I finally
managed to put the foot straps on by myself !
As for the current outcome-I am stronger, lighter, leaner and more confident.
Joseph Pilates theorized that Pilates would allow you to feel better in 10,
look better in 20 and have a new body in 30. This "after " pic was taken after
110 sessions, so this Poster Child is proof positive that with a steady
practice of Pilates and some nutritional changes, good results are possible !
I would like to express my gratitude to Thomas W, who introduced me to the
amazing Stacy Sims, and to all of my wonderful teachers- Brian M, Sonia,
Shelia, and Melissa. Special shout outs to teachers Sarah E-who saw in me,
something it took me a LONG time to see in myself, and to the JMan,John G for
his wonderful ability to help people with injuries and to steadfast and
efficient Shannon who is an awesome studio manager, and a great support.Special
thanks to my friends Vivien S, and the good doctor Baxter B.
BEFORE PILATES
AFTER 14 MONTHS OF PILATES
