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!

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 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.