Barre Comes to Core!

Dancers are known for their long, slender body types.  They have flexibility and grace.  Maybe its because the more you stand the more calories you burn.  You also work balance, stability and the core.  

Unfortunately most of Pilates is on the floor.  It's important for balance and coordination that more functional movements are brought into Pilates.  Standing leg work in a barre class is a must and will add a challenge for your advanced clients.  Posture starts at the feet, so creating a strong base of support will help align the rest of the body.

Now you can have the body of a dancer!  Try the new barre classes at our studio and burn more calories while sculpting beautiful, lean muscles!

100 Day Challenge: Explore & Discover

Are you up for the challenge?

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

Congrats on making it to the end of Core Sport's 100 Day Challenge.  We hope you have picked up some new healthy habits to sprinkle into your daily life.  Remember to finish strong with our final challenge #10!

Challenge #10: Challenge yourself to try something NEW for the next 10 days! (August 8-17th)

Get adventurous and explore the world around you: 

• Sample new foods or cuisine (Kumquat, eggplant, starfruit, sushi, falafel)
• Plan a vacation to a new destination (LivingSocial has cheap escapes!)
• Sign up for a race (5K, triathlon, relay, warrior dash!) 
• Get active by surfing, trapeze class, dance lessons, glow golf, paint ball, Zumba, learn a new instrument
• Change up your hair or nail color for the season
• Volunteer

We thank you for being part of our 100 Day Challenge and hope you enjoyed discovering a new you!  Remember: The small decisions you make today led to a lifetime full of happy, healthy experiences.   

Posture on the Job

Does this picture below look familiar of anyone you know?  Most people work a good 40hrs+ a week.  Habits from work can lead to low back pain or other aches in your body.

Exercises promotes better posture.  The stronger you abs are, the less strain on your back.  The more flexible your hips are, the less aches you will experience from prolonged sitting.  When talking "posture check" always start from the ground (or feet) and work your way up.  The best part about maintaining good posture is that your body will be less sore at the end of the day and you will burn more calories being in correct alignment.  

Seated at a Desk Checklist:

1. Feet are flat on the floor, toes facing forward
2. Knees bent at about a 90 degree angle, but still able to see your toes
3. Sitting evenly on your sit bones (hips); that means no leaning from side to side
4. Pull your belly toward your back (scoop)
5. Reach your shoulders down toward your back hip pockets
6. Feel as if someone is pulling your hair up to the ceiling to lengthen through your neck, gaze straight ahead

Slouching puts extra pressure on your spine, round your shoulders forward, and tighten your hips.  Make sure that at least every hour you get up to stretch or walk around for a few minutes.  The less you are sedentary the better you will feel.  This will allow blood to circulate and bring fresh oxygen to the brain so you stay sharp throughout the day.  

If you are frequently at the computer during your day take time every hour to close you eyes and do some deep breathing.  This will relax your muscles and avoid strain on your eyes.  To strengthen your eye muscles do an "around the world" gaze (look up, down, right, left, at your nose)  Your fingers might also tend to cramp so give them a small workout too (pretend play the piano, open/close to a fist, circle the wrists).  This will loosen up your joints so you are able to type up those important reports more efficiently.

Remember: The small changes you make today will have a long term effect on your future health!

Note to females: Be careful of high heels!  They can cause tight calves/hamstrings, low back pain, and sore feet.  Opt for flats or wedges so you have more stability if you have to be on your feet often.  Not an option?  Leave a tennis ball at work and apply pressure to roll out those feet at least once a day.

TRX 101

What is TRX?  Maybe you've heard about it...maybe you've seen it...but have you experienced it?  Let's break down the basics of TRX:

What is it?  A form of Suspension Training that uses your own body weight as resistance. 

Who made it?  U.S. Navy SEALS, founder Randy Hetrick

Who should use it?  Everyone!  It can assist with squats/lunges or challenge an elite athlete at a one legged push up.  Other elements such as golf swing rotation, Pilates ab series, or yoga stretches can also be performed using the TRX.  You will increase strength, flexibility, balance, and power all in one workout.

Some famous names who use TRX: Mary J. Blige, Drew Brees (NFL), Bob Harper (Biggest Loser), Jennifer Lopez

What are some advantages?  This type of workout is one you can take with you (hence the company name of Fitness Anywhere).  The TRX itself weights less than 2lbs which makes it portable and can be setup in seconds (to an overhead beam, door frame, tree, ect).  The best part is that its a full body workout no matter which one of the 100s of exercises you do! 

In addition the company has recently come out with the TRX Rip Trainer meant for those who wish to specialize more in power and rotation movements.

Ready to check it out?  Watch this video to see TRX in action and then check out our schedule at Core Sport to try it out!

100 Day Challenge: De-Stress & Eat Healthy

Are you up for the challenge?      

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

So far we are on challenge #9 of Core Sport's 100 Day Challenge.  We're in the final days of our challenge.  Make sure you are doing your homework:

Challenge #8: Challenge yourself to DE-STRESS!  Take 10 minutes a day to find your  zen and enjoy the little moments in life. (July 19-28th)


Ideas on how to find your inner peace:

• Journal
• Do a personal hobby
• Take a yoga/fitness class
• Massage/Foam roll
• Self-reflect
• Meditate (Free relaxation session)

Challenge #9: Challenge yourself to get 10 servings of fruits and vegetables each day! (July 29th-August 7th)


Attend your local farmer's market, grow your own, or know what's in season before you shop for the best selection. 


Some recipes to help you and your family eat more healthy:

• Avocado-Spinach Salad w/Honey Lime Vinaigrette
• Wagon Wheels w/Summer Squash and Mint
• Mozzarella Tomato Salad w/Balsamic Drizzle
• Red Cabbage, Cranberry & Apple Slaw

Want to be part of our challenge and track your progress?  There's still time!  Contact us by e-mail (frontdesk@coresportstudio.com) for a tally sheet today to start making positive changes toward a more happy, healthy you!

Meet Instructor: Meghan Fidge

Q: Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Michigan.  I've lived in Northville my entire life and am an alumni of Northville High School.

Q:What inspired you to become an instructor?

I had an internship in high school at Poise Pilates where I was introduced to the world of Pilates equipment classes.  It made me better at Pom Pon and I got hooked.  Pilates is something you can do at any age and ability which is what makes it so unique.  Its very fulfilling to have a  flexible career where I'm able to teach people how to lead happy, healthy lives. 

Certifications:

• American Council on Exercise (ACE) Personal Trainer Certification
• TRX Suspension Training Certification
• Core Dynamics Pilates Certification
• Associates Degree in English Creative Writing and Specialization in Kinesiology Health Promotion (MSU) 

Q: How long have you been instructing?

I've been teaching Pilates since 2008.  In 2011, I began teaching personal training and TRX.

Q: What types of classes do you teach at Core Sport?

I teach Pilates Mat, Pilates Tower, Supermodel Slim and TRX.

My favorite class to teach is Pilates Mat (but really anything with Pilates).  There are over 500 exercises in the system and it never gets dull.  You can do the same exercise on the mat, add a prop or take it to the equipment and its completely different.  Pilates is highly detailed yet will improve your posture and take inches off your body in no time!

Previous places of employment:

• Poise Pilates Northville, Michigan
• Synergy Pilates West Bloomfield, Michigan 
• Franklin Athletic Club Southfield, Michigan
• YMCA (Lansing, Dewitt, Livonia, and Farmington Hills)

Currently also teaches at:

• Livonia Community Rec Center

Hobbies/Interests:

I love gymnastics, horseback riding, watching movies, comic books, knitting, blogging about fitness (ThePilatesHundred) and my cat Fizzle.


Q: What's on your "Bucket List"?
Write a novel, run a marathon, bungee jump, play the guitar, and travel (Hawaii, Alaska, California, Australia).

Favorite Quote:

"Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over, it became a butterfly."

Meghan can help you transform your body and find your passion for fitness.  Schedule an appointment today!