I Scream, You Scream, We ALL Scream for Ice Cream
July 17, 2010 by GradingGirl
Filed under Ooey, Rich and Gooey, Recipes
Blue Moon Ice Cream
I recently stayed overnight at the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva, WI and enjoyed a sweet treat I haven’t tasted since, well, since the last time I was in Lake Geneva about 6 years ago . . . Blue Moon ice cream!!! Apparently, it’s only available in upper areas of the Midwest – Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin. As I sat moaning too loudly and savoring the indulgence, I attempted to identify just what is Blue Moon ice cream. Coupled with its refreshing sky blue hue, it has a hard-to-describe taste all its own. After happily testing my analysis over and over and over again, I decided it definitely had a hint of lemon with a touch of raspberry. When I returned home, I frantically searched online and discovered the “original” recipe is a secret but there are two recipes out there that come close. I dug out my ice cream maker, tried the one I’ve listed below and – sure enough – it is VERY close!!! Oh . . . and I was right about the lemon and raspberry!!
Blue Moon ice cream = blue tongues! Fun!
This is definitely a repeater in my house. The blue color is a refreshing pretty touch! For next year’s 4th of July party, I’ll serve this in tall clear ice cream dishes with fresh raspberries and homemade whipped cream on top. Voilà – a deliciously indulgent red, white and blue treat!! 
Blue Moon Ice Cream
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup half-and-half
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or vanilla oil (I used extract)
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
1/8 teaspoon blue food coloring
3 teaspoons vanilla pudding mix
1 teaspoon raspberry flavored oil or 1 cup frozen raspberries, pureed (I pureed fresh raspberries)
1 teaspoon lemon flavored oil or lemon extract (I used fresh lemon juice)Directions:
-1/2 Cup of milk scalded in pan.
-add 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 tsp of salt. stir till dissolved
-add 1/2 cup of half and half.
-add 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream.
-add vanilla, raspberry, lemon flavoring.
-add blue food coloring.
-chill in fridge till very cold.
-put in ice cream machine for about 20 minutes and devour!
Running for All
May 26, 2010 by GradingGirl
Filed under Exercise, School's Out
Down below is a running program given to me by a colleague who overheard me murmer that I’d like to run continuously for longer distances. She’s a marathon machine herself and surprised me one day at work by placing the following program on my desk. If I can do it, you can do it. I’m not a runner by any means but following this program is making me run for longer stretches of time than I thought possible.
Upon completion of this 8-week program, I will be able to run 30 minutes non-stop. I’m over half way there!!
I feel giddly, like a little girl again, in the middle of a great cardio session.
Try it with me!!
Points to consider before you begin this 8-Week Beginner’s Running Program →
1. If you are not accustomed to any exercise, consult your physician first. Unless you have a known health risk, your doctor will probably encourage you to begin a run-walk program such as this.
2. Schedule your workouts! You won’t find time unless you make time. Put them in your BlackBerry, computer, appointment planner, on your fridge . . . wherever.
3. Expect bad days. Everyone has them, but they pass quickly, and the next workout is often better than the previous one. I find my body actually bounces back stronger after I’ve rested for a day (or week) or two.
4. Don’t rush. Rushing leads to injuries and discouragement. Be patient and go slow. The goal is to reach 30 minutes of continuous running, not to set any records getting there.
More GG Training Tips ➔
~ To fuel up for your workout, have a snack about 1 hour before. To ensure you don’t lose all those hard earned muscles afterward, have a snack afterward. Click here for my list of pre- and post- workout snacks to fuel and replenish you: Best Pre- and Post- Workout Snacks
~ Always walk a couple of minutes for warmup before you begin and walk another couple of minutes afterward. Don’t stretch before running. Save it for after your workout or in the evening while watching T.V. I get some of my best stretching and yoga moves in that way!
~ On occasion, skip your running workout and do a cross-training instead. Bike for 30 minutes, elliptical train, do the row machine, or walk the stairmaster. The break from running will refresh you plus you’ll develop new muscle.
Beginner’s Running Program → → →
(indoors or outdoors)
Week 1 -
Day 1 - Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, Repeat 10x
Day 2 - Walk easy for 30 min
Day 3 - Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, Repeat 10x
Day 4 - Walk easy for 30 min
Day 5 - Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, Repeat 10x
Day 6 - Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, Repeat 10x
Day 7 - Rest
Week 2
Day 1 - Run 2 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 10 x
Day 2 - Walk easy 30 min
Day 3 - Run 3 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 7x, Run 2 mins
Day 4 - Walk easy 30 min
Day 5 - Run 4 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 6x
Day 6 - Run 4 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 6x
Day 7 - Rest
Week 3
Day 1 – Run 5 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 5X
Day 2 – Walk easy 30 min
Day 3 – Run 5 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 5X
Day 4 – Walk easy 30 min
Day 5 – Run 6 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 4x, Run 2 min
Day 6 – Run 6 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 4x, Run 2 min
Day 7 – Rest
Week 4
Day 1 – Run 8 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 3x, Run 3 min
Day 2 – Walk 30 min
Day 3 – Run 9 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 3x
Day 4 – Walk 30 min
Day 5 – Run 10 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2x, Run 8 min
Day 6 – Run 11 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2x, Run 6 min
Day 7 – Rest
Week 5
Day 1 – Run 12 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2 x
Day 2 – Walk 30 min
Day 3 – Run 13 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2 x
Day 4 – Walk 30 min
Day 5 – Run 14 min, Walk 1 min, Repeat 2x
Day 6 – Run 15 min, Walk 1 min, Run 14 min
Day 7 – Rest
Week 6
Day 1 – Run 16 min, Walk 1 min, Run 13 min
Day 2 – Walk 30 min
Day 3 – Run 17 min, Walk 1 min, Run 12 min
Day 4 – Walk 30 min
Day 5 – Run 18 min, Walk 1 min, Run 11 min
Day 6 – Run 19 min, Walk 1 min, Run 10 min
Day 7 – Rest
Week 7
Day 1 – Run 20 min, Walk 1 min, Run 9 min
Day 2 – Run 20 min, Walk 1 min, Run 9 min
Day 3 – Run 22 min, Walk 1 min, Run 7 min
Day 4 – Walk 30 min
Day 5 – Run 24 min, Walk 1 min, Run 5 min
Day 6 – Run 26 min, Walk 1 min, Run 3 min
Day 7 – Rest
Week 8
Day 1 – Run 27 min, Walk 1 min, Run 2 min
Day 2 – Run 20 min, Walk 1 min, Run 9 min
Day 3 – Run 28 min, Walk 1 min, Run 1 min
Day 4 – Walk 30 min
Day 5 – Run 29 min, Walk 1 min
Day 6 – Run 30 min!!!!!
Day 7 – Get that well-deserved rest!!!
*Always walk 2 – 3 minutes for a warm up before you begin to run and walk another 2 – 3 minutes as a cool down. Don’t stretch before running. Save it for afterward (think of it as a reward!)
Do You Want Sugar with That?!
April 6, 2010 by GradingGirl
Filed under Nutrition Tips, School's Out
I used to eat Hostess Suzy Q’s for breakfast, tater tots and chocolate shakes for lunch, and dessert after dinner every night. Not good!!! Luckily this was during my tweens and teens when my metabolism was at its peak.
Today, I’m a more educated clean eater. I still crave sugar on many occasions; case in point, I splurged two days ago on our family’s Easter tradition of prune coffee cake (you HAVE to try it!!), but I’ve learned to adopt more restraint. I truly, TRULY believe each one of us has the capability to scuplt his or her own body as we wish. It takes disciplined eating mixed with some exercise, but it can be done by every body type, every age. Decreasing sugar from the diet will cause one to notice a decrease in belly fat. In my next life, I’ll be a nutrionist/personal trainer!! Ha, that may be a good idea when I retire from teaching – it will keep me motivated to stay active!!
Take a peek at how much sugar is in some of our everyday foods . . . some of these may surprise you!!!
Each cube is equivalent to a teaspoon.
Strawberries, carrots, Cheerios and Special K seem to be the winners here!
Reasons to Drink
March 12, 2010 by GradingGirl
Filed under Nutrition Tips, School's Out
I’ve never been an active soda drinker and, in fact, for the past two years I’ve eliminated soft drinks from my diet completely. It’s just not something I crave, thank goodness. A friend just sent me this information via an eye-opening email. The indisputable benefits of water and the horrid effects of soft drinks are evident. An ex-boyfriend used to drink seemingly countless cans of Diet Coke throughout the day, every day - morning, noon or night. A couple of years ago, two of his back teeth literally fell out of his mouth. They apparently decayed drastically from frequent soft drink exposure! It was a rude awakening for him to stop ‘cold turkey’ – here’s the information that will give you food for thought . . . or drink for contemplating:
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GG’s Gym Etiquette 101
January 31, 2010 by GradingGirl
Filed under Exercise, School's Out
My Tried & True Dos & Don’ts For the Gym!!
These peeps all seem to be using proper gym etiquette.
The gym is a place to release tensions, detoxify, energize and renew. When I walk through the doors of my gym, I immediately feel a sense of relief – it’s my place to unwind while maintaining fitness. I’m very lucky to have met quite a few very dear friends at the gym as I spend a significant amount of time there. In order to get the most out of the gym and earn those friendships, there are etiquette rules gym goers should follow. Here are those that immediately come to mind ~
Do
- Do invest in gym attire that you feel good in. True, you are going to be sweating up your duds in no time flat but, trust me, if you feel good you will perform your exercises with that much more vigor and get a better workout. Here is one of my personal favorite sportswear lines – Body Language Sportswear.
- Do wear color from time to time. Everyone wears black. Try a brighter color to boost your mood. In fact, invest in colors you can mix and match. GG Tip: Feeling a couple pounds heavier? – Wear the same color top and bottom; the monochromatic effect will slim you.
- Do wear white socks. Period. Any other color will make you look like the lights went out in the locker room when you were changing and you didn’t get a chance to check yourself in the mirror.
- Do wipe down the cardio machines after you use them. You just spent 20, 30 or 45 long, hard minutes grinding away . . . the next person doesn’t want to share your excretions.
- Do let others work in during your rest periods between sets. This may not always be practical, but offer to share when you can. It’s an easy way to make friends too or meet that cute guy or girl.
- Do refrain from melodramatic squeals and moans while pushing your limits with the iron. There is one particular character at my gym who obviously thinks he is much more macho than he is. He apparently has no peripheral vision to see all the rolling eyes around him.
Don’t
- Don’t wear dirty gym clothes. This would officially make you disgusting. Yes, everyone around you could tell. One way to avoid being a skank is to take your gym clothes with you into the shower and let them hang to dry for tomorrow.
- Don’t wear baggy pants or shirts. Not only will you not feel good in them, you won’t be able to see the muscle work you are accomplishing.
- Don’t get overly skimpy. You don’t want something flying out that shouldn’t during an overly enthusiastic aerobic jump or superhero set.
- Don’t hover around a person while waiting for the machine he/she is using. Either ask politely to work in or find another exercise to do while you wait. There’s always something else you can do to be more productive than make the other person feel hurried.
- Don’t stand directly in front of someone performing his/her set. Chances are, the person is checking himself in the mirror and nothing breaks up the pumping pattern more than an oblivious hogger.
- Biker shorts, fanny packs, thong leotard over spandex. Enough said.
Marvelous Mint Chocolate Brownies!
December 16, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Ooey, Rich and Gooey, Recipes, School's Out
Who doesn’t love brownies?! I’m famous for these at work. If I don’t make them at least twice a year, I lose tenure! My dear friend, Mary, gave this recipe to me six years ago. I’ve been making them ever since. WARNING: These are ooey, rich and gooey – addiction is imminent.
I apologize to my clean-eating followers. This is NOT an eat-clean dessert. Hey, we have to splurge once in a blue moon . . . especially around the holidays. More GG exercise tips will be coming soon; so, we’ll make up for it!
Mint Chocolate Brownies!!!
These are richly delicious!!! Make them for Christmas & St. Patrick's Day!
Ingredients ~
* Brownie Mix
* 1 ½ stick butter (I use unsalted)
* 3 Tbs. Crème-de-Menthe
* 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
* 1 Cup Chocolate Chips (or Mint Chocolate Chips)
* 1 package Andies thin mint candy
Brownies:
Bake and cool your favorite brownie mix according to package instructions. (13 x 9 pan) I like Duncan HinesCool completely before spreading the crème-de-menthe layer. DO NOT CUT.Crème-de-menthe layer:
Beat ½ cup room temperature butter. Add 2 cups powdered sugar and 3 Tbs. green crème-de-menthe liquor. Spread over brownies. Let this set before spreading the chocolate glaze.Chocolate glaze:
Stir 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or mint chocolate chips for more mintness!) and 6 tbs. butter in a saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth. COOL. Pour over crème-de-menthe layer and spread evenly.Before glaze sets, sprinkle with coarsely chopped Andies candy. Enjoy!!
Progression in Pam’s Pilates
November 17, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Exercise, Fitness, Reviews, School's Out
I am now enrolled in my second set of Pilates classes at the LifeStudio of Life Time Fitness; I’m feeling stronger and learning something new with each class.
See a review of my first experiences with this Pilates class here: Improve Posture and Poise with Pam’s Pilates
Level 2 Exercise - This is my progression from the side plank!
To perform this, begin stretched in the side plank. With all movement coming from the lower abdominals, crunch them in as your hips rise and feet come in toward you. At the same time, swing the arm down and under as you “thread” across your core. Hard to perfect . . . but feels great once you do!
“Contrology” – that’s what Pam Barich is teaching us in class!! Proper Pilates technique means the body must remain in control. Movement should not cause the body to misalign, shake, or protude. That is easier said than done; but, Pam is showing us how to build that strong core – the Pilates powerhouse – that keeps those movements in check. The core is what connects the band of strength across our upper bodies to the band of strength across our lower bodies. A strong core provides for the safe conduct of strain along our spines between our arms and legs. When we are connected in this basic Pilates manner, the muscles that support the spine are actually strengthened by the movement.
Pam poses perfectly
Pam uses fun, easy-to-remember techniques to help us progress through the movements. For instance, when prompting us to lie in the preparatory Pilates position (shoulders pressed back on the reformer, lower back lifted and lower abdominals tucked in), she reminds us “not to kill the ladybug”. . . meaning hold the core tight that it doesn’t rest on the mat. Or she might say “balance that glass of wine” so it doesn’t spill . . . meaning tighten those abs so that they are hard and flat as possible. Fun!! My lower, inner abs never worked so hard! You just can’t get this kind of workout with strength training alone.
To perform this, first position yourself into a bridge. Next, raise one leg and hold, being sure not to let your glutes drop.
Along with progressing through these movements, Pam challenges us with new exercises during each and every class. It amazes me how much varied stretching, pushing, pulling and strength movements that can be achieved on the Reformer. Whether it’s leg circles, the hundred, extended arabesques . . .it’s impossible to get bored or tired. Pam’s repertoire includes classic Pilates positions along with her own productive inventions. What’s great about Pam Barich’s classes from others is one never know what challenges and unique, fun sets Pam is going to surprise us with. Students get the best of both worlds with Pam’s instructions: continued progressions of the same movement for growth coupled with unique twists for challenges. Into the 7th week of classes, Grading Girl gives Pam Barich at Life Time Fitness an A+ for innovative exercise that provides more results in half the time.
Men Benefit from Pilates Too!
Men, women, people of all ages and levels can benefit from a Pilates class. In fact, a 50 year old gentleman just joined my class this past Tuesday. He has some pains in his back and wishes to strenthen his legs. After just one session, he exclaimed how much his muscles were shaking yet instantly felt less painful from when he walked into class. Pilates is rehabilitation, it’s strength training, and it’s mental release all in one. I walk out of class feeling like I’m floating – I’m that relaxed and limber after the stretches, pulls and balances we concentrate on.
Try a free 35 minute session with Pam to see for yourself! Email her at pbarich@lifetimefitness.com
In the meantime, here is another video of Alejandra Randazzo, veteran Pilates instructor at Life Time Fitness so that you can catch a glimpse of some exercises on the Reformer:
Good Dessert, Bad Dessert
November 15, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Eat Clean Recipes, Recipes, School's Out
I made this last night for tonight’s dessert. It is actually good for you while tasting indulgently yummy! I can’t take the credit for this concoction. I stumbled upon the recipe in the November/December 2009 issue of Clean Eating – GG’s favorite cooking magazine, by the way!!! It took me all of five minutes to mix all the ingredients in my blender. This is my “good dessert” for the evening:
Spiced Pumpkin Mousse
Serves 10 (I cut this recipe in half.)
This luscious dessert contains 35% of daily rec for manganese and 15% for fiber!
- 2 15 oz. cans 100% pure pumpkin purée (not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 1-lb pkg silken tofu, drained well
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup (I used sugar-free)
- 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground
- 3/4 tsp ginger, ground
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground
- 1/4 tsp cloves, ground
- 1/4 tsp sea salt (I eliminated this ingredient)
- 1/2 cup nonfat plain Greek-style yogurt (I used my very fave 0% Fage!)
- 1 oz dark chocolate, cut into thin shards
In the bowl of a food processor (I used my blender), combine pumpkin and tofu. Process until combined, about 30 seconds. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves and salt. Process until combined, about 30 seconds more.
Transfer mousse to a resealable container, cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
Drain any water that has accumulated from mousse. Give it a quick stir and scoop 1/2 cup mousse into each of 10 small glasses or ramekins. Top each serving with 2 tsp yogurt and 1 tsp chocolate. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. (for those extra sweet tooths, fat free Cool Whip works well too)
This tastes like a very gooingly good pumpkin pie without the crust and more of the scrumptious filling!!
Now, my daughter’s palate does not yet appreciate consistently clean eating as I’ve grown to love; her younger metabolism can afford more cheats. Soooo . . . being the wanting-to-please everyone cook that I strive to be, I’m making this “bad dessert” tonight as well:
Thank you to my very kitchen-capable bro who introduced me to this easy sweet treat!
Pizzookies!
Serves 4
- 1 package Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
- Vanilla or Caramel Cheesecake ice cream
Place the cookie dough as one sheet in an 8 X 8 pan. Bake according to package directions.
Immediately warm out of the oven, divide the cookie into four parts. Place each warm “cookie” in a large bowl. Scoop the ice cream on top and serve immediately! Hmmmmmm . . . . .
Cookies that Won’t Turn You Into a Pumpkin
October 19, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Eat Clean Recipes, Recipes, School's Out
This is one of my favorite desserts of the fall and winter seasons. Pumpkin is so good for you! Not only is pumpkin loaded with vitamin A and antioxidant carotenoids, but it’s also a good source of vitamins C, K, and E along with lots of minerals including magnesium, potassium, and iron. Wooo . . . that’s alot of punch to this bright orange veggie. My mom has been making these cookies for as long as I can remember; she, however, makes the delectable original version. Here’s my “doctored” version that tastes just as sinful. Hehe . . if she reads this, she’s probably going to exclaimingly question what I’ve done to her cookies. I better have her taste my version first.
Old Fashioned Soft Pumpkin Cookies
- Mmm, one of my faves of the season!
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup butter, softened, 1/4 cup Olivio (original 1/2 cup butter)
- 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin
- ¾ cup sugar substitute such as Truvia or Stevia (original 1 1/2 cup sugar)
- 2 egg whites (original 1 egg)
- 1 tsp vanilla
Combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium bowl. Mix butter, pumpkin, egg and vanilla in another bowl. Beat until light and creamy. Mix dry ingredients until well blended with the pumpkin mixture.
Drop by rounded tablespoons onto a greased cookie sheet. Smooth tops of cookies.
Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
Cool on wire racks.
**Drizzle with your favorite homemade vanilla frosting recipe.
( I combine skim milk (about ½ cup), Olivea (about 4 Tsp), powdered sugar (about 2 cups), and vanilla (about a teaspoon). I don’t have specific amounts. I blend these to taste.
Improve Posture and Poise with Pam’s Pilates
October 18, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Exercise, Fitness, Reviews, School's Out
I vowed this would be the summer of new experiences. With only one week left of summer break, I can honestly write that I kept that vow! One of the most impactful of those experiences is one I will continue long after summer is over ~ Pilates at Life Time Fitness’s LifeStudio with Pamela Barich. I can’t say enough about Pam’s Pilates class. My posture is more aligned. I walk taller. I look slimmer. I am more toned. I am more flexible. In a word . . . I feel better.
At LifeStudio (a part of Lifetime Fitness), I am supervised by a specially trained instructor named Pam Barich. Pam earned her Pilates certification in 2005 after a few years of teaching aerobic classes. She was taking Pilates classes herself and found that it was the one practice that was enhancing all other aspects of her life. As Pam explains, Pilates “develops core strength, giving overall strength. . . When that is strong, you can have strength all over.” She advocates Joseph Pilates focus on concentration to achieve mind/body connection that “works the body from the inside out,” as Pam states. Pilates gives you a work-in that makes other workouts that much more effective.
Pamela Barich on The Reformer at LifeStudio
How and why did Pilates begin? As Medicine.Net defines, Pilates was created in the 1920s by the trainer Joseph Pilates for the purpose of rehabilitation. Pilates’ first clients were soldiers from war and dancers such as Martha Graham and George Balanchine (to strengthen their bodies and heal their aches and pains). His techniques are maintained today as dancers, athletes and anyone looking to improve their overall physical and emotional fitness are utilizing the method. I remember my dance teacher years ago recommending enrollment in a Pilates class to enhance poise and technique; but, back then Pilates classes were much harder to find in the suburbs. In fact, when I hunted for a class in the early ’90s, there was only one studio in downtown Chicago offering a few classes. I would have had to travel to New York if I wanted to take any comprehensive Pilates sessions. Today, Pilates is conveniently offered at my own gym with highly specialized instructors! Very few health clubs are as comprehensive as Life Time Fitness . . . offering Pilates, yoga, aerobics, spin, marathon trainings, boot camps . . the list goes on.
What exactly is Pilates? Pilates is an exercise system focused on improving flexibility, strength, and body awareness, without building bulk. The method is a series of controlled (and I mean very controlled) movements performed on specially designed spring-resistant exercise apparatus (in our class, that is the Reformer) or on the floor (mat work). Pilates is resistance exercise, not aerobic; although, the heart rate will certainly rise. I sometimes wear my heart monitor and my heart does raise to my Zone 2 & 3 levels. It’s closer to weight lifting than it is to aerobic activities, and so it should be considered resistance exercise. As an avid strength trainer, I use Pilates to refine my posture and core strength – things that I can’t perfect with weight lifting alone. It actually makes me sit and stand more properly and comfortably!!!
Two of the key elements of Pilates are core muscle strength and spinal alignment. There are movements in my Pilates class that work muscles I’ve never worked before! Pilates is unique in that it truly targets the core, including the very hard to train lower abdominal muscles. Everyone talks about using your “core” but what exactly is it??? The “core” consists of the spine, abdomen, pelvis, and hips. Some of the main core muscles are the erector spinae (located in your back along your spine), the internal and external obliques (the sides of your abdomen), the transverse abdominis (located deep in your gut, this muscle pulls your belly button in toward your spine), the rectus abdominis (the “six-pack”), and hip flexors (in your pelvis and upper leg). Now, who doesn’t want to tone those muscles?!?
During a Pilates session with Pam, whether it’s on the Reformer or on the mat, she continuously prompts us to concentrate deeply on those core muscles, as well as on our breath, the contraction of our muscles, and the quality (not quantity) of our movements. Practicing that coordinated concentration enhances our life outside of the studio as well as we carry the control through to our lives. It helps us connect our body, mind and spirit to create peace withn.
Pam pushes you to stretch to your most optimal level without overstepping your limits. As an example of her highly individualized instruction, on the first day of my small group class (there are 4 of us), Pam had us perform basic stretches on the Reformer and mat to identiy our current (or pre-Pilates) flexibilty and strength levels. As she approached each of us throughout the hour, she demonstrated differentiated movements for each of us to tackle according to our own body’s abilities. Now that we’re each acclimated to the Pilates fundamentals, every session consists of choreographed movements that push each of us at our own paces and alignments. Individualized instruction at group pricing!
Pam demonstrating another finely balanced stretch
Grading Girl gives Pamela Barich’s Pilates class an A+ for a healthful way to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Men and women of various ages and fitness levels take Pilates. I walk out of class feeling lithe and light with a super-straight posture. I guarantee you will gain from it as well.
CHECK OUT MY SECOND POST IN THIS SERIES HERE: Progression in Pam’s Pilates
** Try a class!! Pam offers a FREE introductory session to anyone interested. You don’t even have to be a Lifetime member for the free trial. Email her at pbarich@lifetimefitness.com. Don’t forget to tell her Grading Girl sent you! **
Want more proof of how much Pilates can do for your strength and flexibility? Here is a video of Alejandra Randazzo, a veteran Life Time Fitness (Schaumburg) Pilates Instructor, performing on the Reformer:
Come to Life Time Fitness to improve your fitness for a lifetime!
STAY TUNED FOR UPDATES ON GG’S PILATES PROGRESS. GG WILL POST TO THIS SERIES EVERY FEW WEEKS.
