Thursday, June 30, 2011

New to Core? Get This Groupon Deal Now!

$49 for Personal Training and Pilates Classes ($158 Total Value)




Without fitness instructors, ambitious sit-ups become reluctant crunches and eventually degenerate into gym-floor naps. Stay alert with today's Groupon: for $49, new clients get a personal training session (an $80 value), a Pilates equipment class (a $38 value), and two group classes (a $40 value) at Core Sport Pilates Fitness Studio (a $158 total value), with two locations in Plymouth. Group classes and personal training sessions are held at the Penniman Avenue location; Pilates equipment classes are held at the Main Street location.
The United States Pilates Association–qualified posture-improvers at Core Sport mold bodies with routines that bolster core strength and extend flexibility. Personal trainers meld heart-pumping cardio and strength training with balancing poses and flexibility maneuvers that are custom-formulated to each individual client. Pilates equipment classes center around devices such as the tower, which harnesses the power of spring resistance to give muscles the beauty and resilience of a fully-compressed pogo stick. A potent arsenal of Gratz apparatuses, free weights, resistance bands, and medicine balls facilitate a stretchy, bouncy fitness regimen. Seasoned Pilates instructors lead gaggles of Pilates practitioners in one-hour group classes scheduled daily, such as the floor-based Pilates mat class and a boot camp class that aims to fortify cardiovascular endurance. Core-strength Pilates training develops the body as a whole rather than a collection of parts and zones, so clients don't run the risk of an odd number of abs.
Mirrors inside Core Sport's studio reflect a playground of workout gear arranged on pale wood floors. Windows cast calming natural light onto the leg-lifts, back-bends, and face-squeezes of practicing students.
Core Sport's new client offers, such as one free week of group classes, a $35 personal training session, or one free Pilates equipment class are available even after this Groupon has been redeemed.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Improve Your Golf Game

Want to get the most out of your golf swing?  Some of the most common problems during your golf swing are caused by physical limitations in your body.  These same limitations can cause pain in different areas as well.  






Here are some examples of common swing faults that can be helped with proper exercises specific to your swing:


Loss of Posture or C-Posture (think hunched over)
This will cause a limitation in your backswing and lack of rotation resulting in limited distance and lower back pain.


Early Extension (your butt comes away from the back line)
Your hips are coming closer to the ball during the downswing which causes the upper body to lift up and results in inconsistencies with ball striking.


Simple at home tip: Balance is key when it comes to golf.  You should be able to balance standing on one leg at a time for at least 30 seconds each side.  Now challenge yourself and repeat by doing it with your eyes closed!    


"After working with Jaime, I could see greater core and abdominal strength and more flexibility all over. I could not believe how much my balance had improved in my golf swing. With my increased shoulder turn, I was 25-30 yards longer than before." -Bill C.


At Core Sport we have training from Titleist which can provide you with the tools and corrective exercises to increase your range of motion, stability, and strength specific to whichever swing fault ails you.  Book a private session today or reserve your spot in one of our golf workshops throughout the year!

Friday, June 24, 2011

100 Day Challenge: Stay Hydrated & Be Positive

Are you up for the challenge?      

10 Days x 10 Challenges = 100 Day to a Healthier You!

So far we are on challenge #5 of Core Sport's 100 Day Challenge.  Let's get you up to speed, now that we're halfway through:

Challenge #4: Drink more water for the next 10 days! (June 9th-18th)


Ideas to keep hydrated:

  • Bring a water bottle with you when you travel or at your desk
  • Drink water before, during and after your workouts
  • Order water every time you dine out
  • Add squeezed lemon or bits of citrus fruit for added flavor
  • Drink hot or cold tea

Try to stay above the line during each bathroom break


Challenge #5: Do 10 positive things per day for 10 days! (June 19th-28th)


Ideas to inspire positive vibes throughout your day:

  • Compliment someone 
  • Tell someone you love & appreciate them
  • Say hello to a stranger/hold a door open
  • Help a neighbor
  • Call an old friend/relative
  • Do chores without being asked (dishes, vacuum, laundry, make a meal, wash the car)
  • Volunteer 

Want to be part of our challenge and track your progress?  It's not too late!  Contact us by e-mail (frontdesk@coresportstudio.com) for a tally sheet today to start making positive changes toward a more happy, healthy you!

Monday, June 20, 2011

Open House!

Core Sport Open House June 30th!



  • Event Kick Off: "Pilates for a Purpose" @5:30-6:30pm (Penniman location)  Donation based Pilates Mat class lead by instructor Meghan Fidge.  Must pre-register.  $10 suggested donation.  All proceeds go to the Haiti Orphan Rescue Program.
    Main St location (above Compari's resturant) opens @6:30pm


    Featuring:
    • Trunk Show Sponsored by Lululemon (http://www.lululemon.com/)
    • FREE Food & Drink
    • FREE Fitness Demos
    • Meet & socialize with our instructors
    • Silent Auction
    • Raffle Items
    • Other local Plymouth Vendors all benefiting H.O.R.P.
    • And so much more!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Plymouth YMCA Father's Day 5K 2011

Great job to everyone who came out to the Plymouth YMCA Father's Day run!  What a beautiful, summer day for a run.  Core Sport was there doing the 5K with our runner's group and had an amazing time.  We are excited to continue the tradition next year!


Happy Father's Day!

Friday, June 17, 2011

June 14th, 2011 Fitness in the Park with Core Sport: Video

Awesome work those of you who joined us for Fitness in the Park this week!  We will be doing more in August and September so stay tuned for more info.  In the meantime, here's a video with some of the moves you can practice at home:

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Pilates for a Purpose

Love Pilates?  Looking to make a difference?  Join Core Sport in "Pilates for a Purpose" donation based Pilates Mat classes held throughout the summer.  

All proceeds go to the Haiti Orphan Rescue Program.  
There is a suggested tax deductable donation of $10/class.  
Call the studio to register now!  
  


  • Where: Core Sport, 829 Penniman Ave, Plymouth, MI 48170

  • Dates: June 18th, 2011 @3pm/June 25 @3pm/June 30 @5:30pm (before Open House)/July 16, 2011 @ 3pm

  • *Must register to reserve space for June 18th, 25th, & 30th dates since space is limited.
  • *July 16th class will be held in Kellogg Park.
  • Classes taught by Jamie White and Meghan Fidge.




Monday, June 13, 2011

Core & Yoga

What really is the difference between Pilates and Yoga?  Lets start by looking at this diagram for a visual of the differences:



Joseph Pilates was inspired by both Eastern and Western forms of exercise when developing his method, so there are many similarities.  As shown in the center of the diagram both improve posture, reduce stress, increase flexibility, and work on balance.  In both classes you might rest in Child's pose or Shell stretch.  Similar exercises may include: Cat/Cow, Thread the Needle, Treading in a Downward Dog, Plank, or Seated Twist.  

However, each mind/body practice has their own sequence and flow of exercises.  This promotes a different pace with each class.  One big overall difference is the breathing.  In Pilates you pull in your stomach rather than allow it to fill with your breath.  Pilates is also continuous movement instead of holding postures as in Yoga.  Another difference is that Pilates can use equipment with springs for resistance for quicker results when looking to tone up.  In summary, both are safe and effective forms of mind/body workouts.  Choose your favorite or do both to compliment one another.




New for summer, Core Sport now offers a Core Yoga class taught by Donna Collins (Pilates and yoga certified) on Tuesdays @7:30pm.  Check out the Schedule to register now!  


Friday, June 10, 2011

Fitness in the Park with Core Sport!

Jamie White will be leading the community in a FREE resistance band workout on Tuesday June 14th, 2011 stating @6:30pm at the park in Plymouth, MI.  Afterwards there will be stretching and discounted shopping at Sun and Snow Sports.  Snacks included.  Sponsored by Lole.  For more info click here.  See you there!

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Fitness for Pre/Post Pregnancy

Summer is in the air bringing with it new mommies and moms to be. How do you stay fit or get your pre-kid body back into shape?  A mix of Pilates and yoga is an excellent start!


In these forms of fitness, movements can be modified as your body changes over time.  Pilates and yoga are also both low impact and use your body for resistance which is safer than cardio or weight training.  Most importantly, stability workouts such as Pilates are important as your center of gravity and core muscles change.



*Important: Make sure your doctor has given you the green light to exercise.

During pregnancy the abdominal muscles will stretch to over 50% of their original length and create a diastasis after about 20 weeks.  This means your core has separated (can be several inches) and it will take patience before you will have the strength prior to pregnancy.  

Abdominals before and after pregnancy

Take privates or a pre/postnatal classes to ensure you are moving safely.  Basic warm ups will feel different since your body has changed rapidly in the past few months.  In time you will begin to feel more connected in your core and confident.

A great resource to check out is Pilates for Mommies. This goes into greater detail of how the female body changes over time as well as helpful Pilates exercises.

Looking for a class to connect with other moms?  Core Sport studio is now offering a Pre/Postnatal Pilates Workshop starting Saturday June 18th, 2011 @9-10am taught by a mom herself, Brenda Freeman.  You must pre-register since space is limited!  Visit our Workshop page or Scheduler for more info.


Monday, June 6, 2011

100 Day Challenge: Eat Better & Get Active

Are you up for the challenge?      


10 Days x 10 Challenges = 100 Day to a Healthier You!


So far we are on challenge #3 of Core Sport's 100 Day Challenge.  First let's recap our previous challenges for those who might be behind:


Challenges #1: Eat 10 servings of vegetables each day for the next 10 days!


Ideas to help you get more fiber and green into your diet:


Challenge #2: Minimum 10 minutes of activity each day for 10 days!


Ideas to help you go out and be more active:

  • Walk with family, friends or your dog(s).
  • Take the stairs or park further away
  • Try a new fitness class (Zumba, Bosu, Pilates, TRX, Bootcamp)
  • Play a sport (golf, volleyball, tennis, basketball, horseback riding, skating, biking, swimming, ect.)
  • Garden or do other household chores (yes, vacuuming counts)
  • Play a game (lawn darts, hide and seek, tag, croquet)
  • Go to the zoo, aquarium, or camping

Challenge #3: Eat breakfast if you don’t currently. If you do, challenge yourself to eat small smart snacks every 2-3 hours for 10 days. (May 30th-June 8th)


Ideas:

  • Hard boiled eggs (perfect to grab on the go)
  • Omelets (Athlete's Omelet)
  • Low-fat yogurt (stir in granola, fresh fruit or nuts)
  • Cheese/peanut butter & crackers
  • Banana or plum
  • Rice cakes & apple butter
  • Oatmeal (add honey, cinnamon, or dried fruit)
  • Smoothies (Cherry & Blackberry Smoothie)
Want to be part of our challenge and track your progress?  Contact us by e-mail (frontdesk@coresportstudio.com) for a tally sheet today to start making positive changes toward a more happy, healthy you!

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Dynamic vs. Static Stretching

How do you warm up and cool down before a big game or race?  Do you march in place to get your blood pumping (dynamic) or take a forward bend to touch your toes (static)?  You may be surprised, but the type of stretching you  do can effect your overall performance.


Dynamic warm ups are a great way to prepare the whole body for activity!  This is an "active" form of stretching.  Dynamic stretching works to elevate your heart rate, increase core temperature, and prepare the body/mind with functional movements.  Remember, this does not include bouncy or "jerky" movements (otherwise known as ballistic stretching).  Dynamic warm ups help to decrease injury, prepare you to become mentally focused,  increase speed/force, reduce muscle stiffness, and increase fluid to lubricate the joints.  




Static stretching is best used when the body is already warm such as at the end of your cool down.  The main focus is to increase range of motion (ROM).  Make sure you hold static stretches for at least 30 seconds to reap the benefits.




Want to learn more about proper warm up and cool down methods to enhance your performance?


This Summer in both June/July of 2011, Core Sport is hosting Speed & Agility classes @ Canton High School on Tuesdays 7am and Thursdays 9am.  We will teach dynamic warm ups to improve flexibility and mobility.  These workshops are beneficial for any sport or endurance training.  Be sure to visit our Workshops page or Scheduler to sign up you and your kids today!

Friday, June 3, 2011

Pilates is the Ticket to Trimming Down Quick

Weddings, Graduations & More!  Trim off those unwanted inches quickly.  Take it from Pippa Middleton who claims weekly Pilates sessions helped her look stunning in the recent Royal Wedding:



Add a mix of Pilates equipment classes into your schedule will make you stronger during your mat session.  A supported Teaser on the Towers translates to an effortless Classical Teaser on the mat.  Another benefit to spring based resistance found in equipment classes is that it will increase long, lean muscles instead of allowing bulking like with weight training.  You too can look amazing in time for your summer wedding, graduation party, high school or family reunion...Pilates is the ticket!  


Want to enhance your summer sport games?  Pilates can help with that too!  Athletes such as offensive lineman Ruben Brown, golfer Tiger Woods, basketball star Jason Kiss, pitcher Curt Schilling, and even David Beckham attend weekly sessions



Let Core Sport help you reach your fitness goal with our Summer Special Pilates 6 Pack: (includes 3 mat & 3 Tower classes) only $126!