Sharing my favorite books having to do with Pilates, health & wellness, nutrition, and personal development.

My top three reads for September:

1. "LIGHT ON LIFE" BY B.K.S. IYENGAR
Authored by the hailed "Michelangelo of Yoga,” this book teaches how yoga can transform our lives and help us live in harmony with the world around us.

Click here to buy.

2. "THE EARTH DIET" BY LIANA WERNER-GRAY
Over 100 nutrient-dense, gluten-free recipes, tips for shifting out of toxic habits and lifestyle recipes for household, and personal-care products to help you heal in all areas of your life.

Click here to buy.

3. "THE HORMONE RESET DIET" BY SARA GOTTFRIED, M.D.
A good read for anyone over the age of 30 and based on leading scientific research, this book teaches you how to heal your metabolism and lose up to 15 pounds in 21 days—and just feel great!

Click here to buy.

What books are you loving right now? Let us know in the comments below!

Pilates is more than just a workout... it's a lifestyle (in and out of the studio) that raises your vibration and contributes to a happy and healthy life. It makes you feel good from the inside out!

​In this series, we’re sitting down with our very own instructors and students. We're asking them why they choose to live the Pilates lifestyle, what their overall fitness routine looks like and what motivates them to stay healthy and fit.
 
Meet Jen
 
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
 
A: I am a geophysicist and recently became Chief of the Renewable Energy Section at the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management’s Pacific Region. Basically, I’m a scientist working for the federal government in renewable energy leasing and a giant nerd. I’m 43 years old, married to a carpenter I fell in love with while snowboarding in high school. We have two kids: Seth, 13, and Jolie, 9. I’m an adventurous spirt, always in the outdoors—at the beach, hiking, snowboarding, camping. 
 
Fitness Routine
 
Q: What does your personal daily or weekly fitness routine look like?
 
A: I work out often to manage stress. My job is a lot, and on top of that, I’ve had some personal loss and heath struggles over the last few years. Exercise is my release. My weekly routine includes Pilates 2 to 3 times a week, spin once a week, and I like to get in a yoga class or two, plus squeeze in a run, trail run or hike. Pilates has quickly become my absolute favorite exercise, and I honestly wish I could do it every day!
 
Why Pilates?
 
Q: How long have you been doing Pilates & why do you choose Pilates as a part of your fitness repertoire?
 
A: I’m new to Pilates; I just started coming regularly in the last five months. I enjoy the detailed focus it requires and how it both strengthens and lengthens my body at the same time. I’ve struggled with hip pain and tight muscles for a few years now, and no amount of stretching helped. Pilates has strengthened the muscles in my core and hips so that I have much more mobility and flexibility, and a lot less pain.
 
Pilates has improved the quality of my life, made me feel amazing in my own skin and has alleviated my chronic hip pain. I honestly feel like I’m in the best shape of my life.  
 
What Motivates You?
 
Q: What motivates you the most to stay healthy & fit?
 
A: Both of my parents did not take care of themselves as they aged. I watched this as a young adult and did not want to take the same path. As I got older, I needed to exercise to manage stress or just take a moment for myself. I genuinely enjoy working out and moving my body and am motivated when I see improvements—like getting stronger, being able to do more complicated moves and gaining flexibility. 
 
This winter, I surprised myself by getting nearly vertical while making looping turns on my snowboard and dragging my glove across the snow. It felt fantastic, and I could not have done it without all the Pilates and core strength. Being healthy and fit lets me adventure like I want!

Barre is a group fitness activity centered around the ballet barre. Many of its movements are derived from ballet. Nevertheless, not all Barre methods are the same.
 
At Studio Be, our Barre philosophy is rooted in the classical method of Pilates and blends both ballet and Pilates movement.
 
I love taking Pilates to the Barre because you get to incorporate Pilates principles and concepts—focused on posture and core connection—in a vertical (standing) setting at the ballet barre, excellent for balance and body weight training.
 
With the addition of music and choreography, and the use of small weights, bands and balls, Barre is another way to sculpt and tone your body, but in a less constricting way—and it’s fun! 
 
Read on for three ways Barre complements the Pilates practice.  
 
Barre Incorporates Cardio
 
Barre can provide the cardiovascular exercise that you don’t traditionally get in Pilates, which usually takes place on a piece of equipment or a mat. At the barre, there is more freedom of movement that happens when you’re standing up. 
 
By adding Barre workouts—in addition to Pilates—to your fitness routine, you can mix it up and get in that missing cardio! 
 
Barre Is Playful & Fun
 
I’ll admit, Pilates can sometimes be intimidating due to the nature of the equipment and the slight learning curve that comes along with it. (This is why I typically encourage a series of privates to learn the basics before you step into your first beginner class. Click here for specials on our new student private sessions!)
 
Barre is a combination of dance, yoga and ballet with the elements and principles of Pilates. It requires a little less knowledge and can be more playful, fun and approachable.
 
Barre is both a great segue into the world of Pilates and a great way to change things up and let loose if you’re already seasoned Pilates veteran.  
 
Barre Creates A Social Environment
 
Barre is also more social than traditional Pilates. Pilates often requires you to focus—on your breathing, your movements, staying in sync, and so on. It’s as much of an exercise for your mind as it is your body. 
 
Barre brings a different vibe. It’s a social work out you can do with your friends that still uses Pilates elements. When you mix up the two types of workouts weekly, you get a well-rounded fitness repertoire.
 
Final Thoughts
 
At Studio Be, our Pilates classes are based on the classical Pilates method founded by Joe Pilates many years ago—a complete workout for the body and mind. And our Barre classes are an amazing complement. A match made in heaven if I do say so myself.
 
We like to burn at the Barre. Our routines are very effective for sculpting and toning. Plus, they’re lots of fun! 

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR PILATES-CENTERED BARRE CLASSES.

There are so many books I want to share with you all, so I thought I’d start a little “book club” on the blog. Each month, I’ll share with you some of my top recommendations having to do with Pilates, health and wellness, nutrition, and personal development. I might even throw in a podcast here and there!

Here we go... my top three reads for August: 

1. "THE PILATES BODY" BY BROOKE SILER
My very first Pilates book and the perfect manual for students—beautiful illustrations, imagery and a strong foundation for understanding Pilates.

Click here to buy.

2. "BREATH: THE NEW SCIENCE OF A LOST ART" BY JAMES NESTOR
For anyone looking to improve their overall health—Pilates and beyond.

Click here to buy.

3. "JUDGMENT DETOX" BY GABRIELLE BERNSTEIN
For anyone looking to improve their mental wellbeing—a step-by-step process to release beliefs that hold you back from living a better life.

Click here to buy.

What books are you loving right now? Let us know in the comments below!

Pilates is more than just a workout... it's a lifestyle (in and out of the studio) that raises your vibration and contributes to a happy and healthy life. It makes you feel good from the inside out!

​In this series, we’re sitting down with our very own instructors and students. We're asking them why they choose to live the Pilates lifestyle, what their overall fitness routine looks like and what motivates them to stay healthy and fit.
 
Meet Georgia 
 
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
 
A: I’m 69 with two adult kids and I’m a semi-retired legal assistant. I love to garden, do Pilates, hot yoga, walk, hike, and ride my bike, travel and babysit my grandson.
 
Fitness Routine
 
Q: What does your personal daily or weekly fitness routine look like?
 
A:  I work out about 6 days a week most often, usually Pilates with a smattering of yoga, barre, walking, hiking and biking. I am and have always been very physical and athletic, and until 10 years ago, I had a hard time giving up some of it in order to not get injured (I used to jog, do aerobics, lift etc.)
 
Why Pilates?
 
Q: How long have you been doing Pilates & why do you choose Pilates as a part of your fitness repertoire?
 
A: When I was 52, I turned to Pilates to help a back injury that traditional western methods were not really fixing. The reformer fascinated me, and I discovered not only did I love it, but it also relaxed me and "centered" me in a mind/body, almost spiritual way that nothing else ever did, while still challenging me and keeping me toned, strong and flexible at the same time. My back healed completely over the first 6 months of Pilates, which I did 2 to 3 times a week. It also streamlined and elongated my body in a way that suited my age and eye better than in previous years, as I wasn't as concerned about being muscular anymore. 
 
What Motivates You?
 
Q: What motivates you the most to stay healthy & fit?
 
A: I've always been a little high strung, and Pilates for me is a natural Valium, so to speak. It clears my head, feeds my soul, and is physical therapy and fitness for my body. What motivates me is—after a life of a lot of excesses and testing my body in many ways—I want to stay fit to stay physically, emotionally, and spiritually strong, healthy and calm. I discovered years ago after some intense life events just how amazing it is to have a clean body and peaceful heart and mind, and I never want to go back. 
 
The bottom line is I have always believed mental and physical health go together, and I tried to instill this in my children, too… Pilates forever!

I hear complaints about lower back pain all the time from friends, family and my students. I always have a simple, one-word answer for them: Pilates.
 
Let’s talk about it. 
 
Common Reasons For Lower Back Pain
 
First, it’s important to identify why you are experiencing frequent lower back pain. Here are some of potential (and incredibly common) culprits:
 

1. Sedentary Lifestyle: Do you sit all day for work, whether it be from home or at the office? This might be why your back is killing you. In fact, sitting for long periods of time is one of the most common reasons for lower back pain. 
2. Lifting Heavy Objects: Do you work a job that requires a lot of heavy living, or do you carry a baby on your hip all day? Or maybe you enjoy weightlifting. Lifting heavy items, especially with improper form, is likely to lead to lower back pain (and all other back pain quite frankly).
3. Daily Household Chores: This could include cleaning, gardening or doing laundry. Bending, scrubbing, digging, weeding, pulling, lifting, stooping…  all of these actions that are a part of everyday tasks are often done with poor posture and can lead to strain on the lower back.
4. Sleep Habits: Sleeping posture and position can lead to lower backpain, and so can a poor-quality, unsupportive mattress or pillow.

 
Pilates For Lower Back Pain
 
The philosophy of Pilates is focused on training and conditioning the entire body. It teaches us to move from our center as well as how to breathe properly to engage and strengthen our core, which leads to better posture and awareness.
 
The Pilates method, known for rehabilitating injuries, is recognized by orthopedic doctors and physical therapists around the world. 
 
In fact, Pilates can sometimes be more effective than other physical treatments because the practice works your entire body while retraining proper functional movements. However, it’s important to note that if you’ve had surgery or a major injury, physical therapy is always the first step towards rehabilitation. Pilates can begin once your doctor has authorized it as a continuation of your therapy.
 
Here are some of the many restorative benefits of Pilates: 

• Increases core strength and those deep spinal stabilizer muscles that take pressure off the lower back
• Improves posture
• Cultivates a mind-body connection for more efficient physical activity

 
When we talk about core strength in Pilates, we often use the word “Powerhouse,” which includes more than just abdominal muscles. Your “Powerhouse” encompasses your abdominal muscles, as well as your lower back muscles, pelvic floor, the muscles around your hips and your glutes.
 
All of these muscles work together to form a supportive corset for your trunk; they stabilize the body.
 
Read more about the Pilates “Powerhouse” here.
 
The Transverses Abdominals, specifically—one of the many “Powerhouse” muscles—is a deep abdominal muscle that directly supports your lumbar spine (lower back area). 
 
People who experience chronic lower back pain often have weak Transverses Abdominals. This means they have a lack of support and stability of the spine when completing everyday tasks like sitting, standing, lifting or carrying things.
 
Consistent Pilates exercises improve the strength, flexibility and suppleness of all of these important muscles and, over time, help to alleviate and prevent lower back pain.
 
Get Started With Pilates
 
If you’re experiencing chronic lower back pain, you would benefit most from several one-on-one sessions with a highly qualified Pilates instructor. 
 
Pilates is all about technique. Jumping right in—and moving too fast without proper form—can lead to more injury. 
 
(Please note, it’s always important to consult your doctor before trying a new workout.)
 
If you’re ready to get started with Pilates, take advantage of our exclusive new student special: 3 private sessions for $225.

Pilates is more than just a workout... it's a lifestyle (in and out of the studio) that raises your vibration and contributes to a happy and healthy life. It makes you feel good from the inside out!

​In this series, we’re sitting down with our very own instructors and students. We're asking them why they choose to live the Pilates lifestyle, what their overall fitness routine looks like and what motivates them to stay healthy and fit.

First up... meet Jeffy: one of our amazing instructors who inspires all of us at Studio Be!

About Jeffy
 
Q: Tell us a little about yourself.
 
A: I am 43 and a mom of two children, Jade (age 12) and Dylan (age 10). My days are filled with driving them and their friends to school and activities in Ventura and Ojai. I live for my time with them! In between driving, I fit in teaching Pilates, my own workouts, walking the dogs, reading, journaling, cooking, trying new restaurants, traveling, spending time with my beautiful friends and husband, Tim, and DANCING.  
 
Fitness Routine

Q: What does your personal daily or weekly fitness routine look like?
 
A: My goals every week are to walk the dogs for 4 miles 2 times a week, hike or walk with friends (6 miles) 2 times a week and Pilates 2 times a week. That doesn’t always happen, and if it doesn’t, I give myself grace.  
 
Why Pilates?
 
Q: How long have you been doing Pilates & why do you choose Pilates as a part of your fitness repertoire?
 
A: I started Pilates in 2000 and haven’t stopped since! I have tried every workout you can imagine. I don’t think you should close yourself off to anything. Try it! For me and my body, there is nothing that compares to Pilates. With every year of doing Pilates, I find new ways to move my body, better body awareness, interesting ways to activate my muscles in order to walk and hike better and live better! I also love seeing clients start Pilates and make their own progression. It’s a beautiful thing to watch.
 
What Motivates You?
 
Q: What motivates you the most to stay healthy & fit?
 
A: I ultimately want to feel good inside. I am very conscious of how my center feels, how my body is aligned, how clear my head is and when those things are misaligned, I don’t feel strong or healthy. I take probiotics every day, am religious about my face regimen and eat as clean as I can. I am creature of habit, so I don’t change my meals too much! Every night I have 2 squares of my favorite dark chocolate bar from Trader Joe’s and once a week I will get a big ice cream! My favorite spot is La Frutileta Michoacana. I meal plan every Sunday and grocery shop for the entire week. I cook at home Sunday through Thursday. Fridays and Saturdays we spend with our friends cooking and eating at each other’s homes or trying a new restaurant!