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!

Thank You: Open House Success!

Thank you for making our 2011 Open House such a success!  We had a wonderful time mixing and mingling over beautiful Lululemon clothing, sampling Lunches by Lisa, trying on Stella & Dot jewelry,  learning about TraEva towels for fitness, and helping support the Haiti Orphan Rescue Program.  So far we have raised about $2,500!

Not able to attend?  There is still time to make a donation to this wonderful cause.

Don't forget about our final Pilates for a Purpose donation Mat class taught by Core Sport Owner Jamie White.  100% of funds raised will support the Haiti Orphan Rescue Program on Saturday, July 16th 2011 @3pm in the Kellogg Park of downtown Plymouth.  Register now and bring along your friends and family for a workout to support this great cause (all donations are tax deductible)!

 

Meet Instructor: Jacqui Slebodnick

Q: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Michigan.  I've lived in Canton my entire life and am an alumni of Plymouth Salem High School.


Q:What inspired you to become an instructor?
I've enjoyed playing sports and training my entire life.  I've always wanted to share that passion and knowledge with others. My focus is on informing my clients of the facts and best practices, which will not only get them to the level of fitness they seek, but also provide them the tools to maintain that level of fitness for the rest of their lives.


Certifications:

• National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Personal Trainer Certification
• Associates Degree in Small Business Management 

Q: How long have you been instructing?
I've been training as my professional occupation for nearly a year and a half, but I've been training on a part-time basis for about 5 years.

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

I teach Boot Camp, Full-Body Bands, Butt and Core, Bosu and TRX.

My favorite class to teach is Boot Camp.  Its intense nature, provides each participant with the opportunity to push themselves physically (anaerobically and aerobically) and mentally during each session. This class pushes and challenges your will and athletic prowess!

Previous place of employment:

• Life Time Fitness in Novi, Michigan

Hobbies/Interests:

I love training and playing nearly all sports.  My favorites are tennis, softball, volleyball and basketball. I also love spending time with my fiance and family.

Favorite Quote:

"Of course it's hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great." -Tom Hanks, A League of Their Own

Jacqui has a passion for improving her client's quality of life through functional resistance training, overall aerobic development and flexibility training.  Schedule an appointment today and see how she can help you reach your fitness goals!

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!

  

  
  

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:

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.

• *For more info on Haiti Orphan Rescue Program or to donate please visit: http://haitiorphanrescue.org/

• Register on our Website: http://www.coresportstudio.com
• Or Call: (734) 459-1547

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!  

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!

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.

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:

• Stuffed peppers
• Salads (Oriental Chicken Salad)
• Stir fry
• Salsa (Avocado Feta Salsa)
• Veggies & Dip (like Spinach & Artichoke Dip or Humus)
• Add veggies to pasta dishes or stick to tomato based sauces (Spinach & Artichoke Pasta)
• Side dishes (Sweet Potato and Apple Casserole)

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!

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!

Walk, Run & Repeat

Thanks to the Couch to 5K program , Core Sport is on its 3rd annual free running group!  This year as incentive there is a local YMCA race on the final week for participants to really put their skills to the test. 

There is still time to attend the final weeks of the running group which meets on Sundays @7:15am at our Penniman studio.  Strollers and dogs are also welcome to join.  Remember to get in on the fun by volunteering or signing up for the Plymouth YMCA race on Father's Day (1 mile, 5K or 10K).  Core Sport will see you there!


Looking for other races this spring/summer?  Check out these links for exciting 2011 events held in Michigan:

• Triathlons (Core Sport Instructors will be at some of these finish lines providing FREE stretching)
• Running Fit Race Calendar (Triathlons, 5K, 10K, ect.  "Red Carpet Run" is a very fun 5K for any newbie)
• Running in the USA (any race, anytime, anywhere)
• Champions for Charity (1mile, 5K, 10K races for charity with awesome finish lines such as U of M football filed or Comerica Park)
• Michigan Running Foundation (lots of great 5K & 10K races)
• Run Michigan
• Race It

New Posts Coming Soon!

New Content is on its way!  Stay Tuned this June as we re-launch our blog and explore:

• Exercise of the Month: Pilates, TRX, Bosu, Free Weights, Foam Roll, Stability Ball
• Tasty Recipes the whole family will enjoy!
• History of Fitness
• Benefits/Types of Massage
• Instructor of the Month: Meet the Instructors of "Core Sport" in Plymouth, MI
• Workshops & Local Events
• Many More!