Circle Studio Blog

Now offering New Client Special: 3 Private Sessions in Pilates or Gyrotonic for $99.00!

Come try Pilates, Gyrotonic or both at Circle Studio!  Limited time offer:  for only $99.00 you can take 3 private sessions with a Certified Instructor in Pilates and Gyrotonic at Circle Studio.  Just mention you saw this posting on our blog or Facebook page before the expiration date of September 15th, 2010 to receive this incredible offer.  We provide a beautiful, spotless Pilates and Gyrotonic studio with group equipment and private lessons in Pilates and Gyrotonic.  We’re happy to answer all your questions and help you schedule your appointments.  Come visit Circle Studio in the quieter north end of the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon.  You can also email us at info@circlestudio.biz or call us at 503-235-3556.  To read more please visit us on our website at www.circlestudio.biz.

Teachers love taking sessions!

My dream was to open up a Pilates and Gyrotonic studio with the best Instructors and it all came true.  I had an amazing Pilates session today with Richard and an incredible Gyro session with Erin last week.  I can’t believe I don’t even have to leave my studio to find true teaching and moving inspiration.  Thanks to all my fantastic Instructors!   I could take from any one of you and absolutely love it.  And yes- Instructors keep on taking sessions and learning. How else would we come up with new good torture

When Chiropractic Methods Compliment Pilates and Gyrotonic

Years ago I started doing Pilates and Gyrotonic as a way to help severe back pain that ended my career as a dancer. I was thrilled with my progress but, like so many dancers and athletes, I had acquired some stubborn muscle pain that persisted.

I know some people will ask, How can you have tightness with all the Pilates and Gyrotonic you do? My answer is that certain areas of the body seem to hold on to muscle tension. Think about that persistent. Or persistently on-and-off sore neck, back or knee you may have. Even though it’s “just” a muscle strain, it can last a long time.

I recently had the good luck to meet a Pearl District neighbor of ours, chiropractor Dr. Seth Hosmer and his staff.  Dr. Hosmer has worked with athletes (including bicyclists) for years and discussed his approach with me, focusing on the importance of soft tissue: muscles.

He explained that when a muscle is so tight as to cause pain, it takes about two weeks of manipulation to release it before we can actually get it to stretch! He has shown me – on my own body — the huge benefit of a method he practices with patients: Active Release Technique, ART.

After just one session I was impressed, and after five sessions I’m a believer. It works. Muscle aches that I’ve had in my hips, back, and legs have lessened remarkably. I recommend Seth Hosmer and his methods to my clients who experience persistent achiness and invite you to let me know if you’re as pleased as I am.

Kari

Bananas, the perfect pre-workout snack!

In addition to providing valuable nutrients, including potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin B6, bananas are a good source of carbohydrates.  A plain banana makes the perfect preworkout snack. For something more substantial, mix one into a smoothie, spread one with nut butter, or use overripe bananas to make a quick bread. Yum!!

To read more about healthy, energizing foods and recipes, click here!

Naomi Campbell demonstrates Gyrotonic on Oprah!

Regis and Kelly demonstrate Gyrokinesis live!

Chantal Deeble is a Gyrokinesis, Gyrotonic, and Pilates Master Trainer and she takes Regis and Kelly through a low-impact, high-results Gyrokinesis workout that you can do at home!

To see Regis and Kelly during the workout, click here

Living with Diabetes and Loving Gyrotonic!

For many people living with diabetes, exercise can be a challenge because of side effects - neuropathy and frozen joints being the most prevalent problems! So, how do you get started when exercise hurts, or is uncomfortable?

To read this article, click here

Try a Spring Loaded Pilates Class 50% off!

Circle Studio now offering 50% off your first Spring Loaded Pilates Class (offer valid for new and existing Circle clients).  Just mention you saw this blog or Facebook special and your first class will only cost you $12.50- normally $25!
Spring tower classes are loaded with arm springs, leg springs, push thru bar series, roll back bar series, wunda chairs, barrels, mat exercises and much much more!!! This class will tone, tighten and lengthen your entire body. 

 
Classes are limited to 4 students and guarantee your spot on a Pilates Tower machine. Call or email today to reserve your spot!
 
Thursday 5:30pm with Bettina
Saturday 10am with Richard

 
$25 per class
Receive a discount with your Bonus Package!

$225 with a 10 class card

Circle Studio Saturday Special: Private Pilates for only $35.00

Mention you saw this on our Blog or Facebook to receive this %50 off Offer.  Circle is offering an amazing special of only $35.00 for a single Private Pilates session on April 3rd or 10th!  Limited times available between 8am - 1pm with Richard Decker.  Call today to reserve your time!  

Special is good for any existing or new Circle Client!

This is not an April Fools joke- it’s for real!

Gyrotonic: It’s not torture, it’s good for you

 NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - They may look like upscale torture chambers in polished wood, but the Gyrotonic studios springing up in cities around the world aim to ease your pain, not to cause it.

Lifestyle

To read this article, click here:

Advantages Connected With Having A Certified Fitness Trainer

Joseph Pilates developed the Pilates exercise model as early as the second decade of the 20th century. The essence of this physical training program is the insistence on the strengthening of the core muscles and the increase of body flexibility. People with a different physical condition love the benefits of aerobic fitness Pilates exercise due to the possibility to adapt the program to various situations: thus, seniors, pregnant women or people who require physical rehabilitation can practice it in perfect safety and actually enjoy its immense rewards. Plus, anyone eager to improve health condition harmoniously can benefit from the advantages brought by this method.

To read this article click here.

To Recover From Back Pain, Develop Flexibility and Strength: the Role of Pilates

Today’s New York Times has a nice little video about back pain and Pilates. Dr. Vijay Vad, physiatrist, back pain specialist and author of Back Rx,  discusses one of the culprits, inactivity. It feels good to know that Dr. Vad is in agreement with our methods:

Strengthening the Core

How Much Does Keri Russell Love Circle Studio?

A lot.  In a January 22nd interview on “AM Northwest” on KATU TV Russell, star of the movie “Extraordinary Measures,” explains just how much she and her husband loved living in beautiful Portland during filming — Farmers’ Market, great hikes, friendly people, and the “amazing” Circle Studio and our instructors.

Watch Keri Russell on the many charms of Portland, Oregon, and the Pilates and Gyrotonic Studio she loved.

New: pilates cardio jump board and equipment fast track classes!

New:  welcome 2010!

We’re offering our first Pilates Jump Board class.  This is a 30 minute cardio class using the reformer Jump Board- alternating with abdominals, balancing exercises and stretching.   This class is super fun and will make you sweat!

Fast track on the Pilates and Gyrotonic equipment for absolute beginners or returning enthusiasts

We’re offering 2 five week series (one session per week) equipment classes – Gyrotonic and Pilates - beginning the 2^nd week of January for beginners and also for those of us who want a refresher course – or two! Class size is limited to 3 students. These classes are a great value at $150. Please call us for more info 503-235-3556.

Fast Track Pilates Class - Thursday evenings 6:30-7:30, January 14^th, 21^st, 28^th; February 3^rd and 11^th.

Fast Track Gyrotonic Class - Wednesday evenings 6:30-7:30, January 13^th, 20^th, 27^th; February 3^rd and 9^th.

Building Better Bodies and Great Relationships (They Go Together)

An Oregonian reporter recently asked me, “What’s unique about your studio’s approach to Fitness?”

It wasn’t hard to answer him.  At Circle we’re committed to building positive relationships and individualized programs. We want each client to have a fitness program that they are really interested in, that’s fun for them, that gives them great value, and is something they want to return to.

Pilates and Gyrotonic are incredibly powerful systems for improving lives. A smart and dedicated instructor is a vital part of that system. Without that, we’d be just another way to work out. So we listen, reflect and learn from our clients, as much as we can about their health and preferences. We strive to build and sustain a great working partnership-a real relationship-with each person here.

Happy December

Circle Studio has holiday gift ideas at great prices for almost everyone on your list

Gift certificates, books and videos, Pilates Foam Rollers, Magic Circles, and ExerSocks make wonderful gifts.  Our prices are competitive and you won’t pay for shipping!

Gift certificates for new clients come with a 10% off coupon toward their first package – good for a year.

Shaquille O’Neal endorses Gyrotonic

Great athletes need great exercise and training methods that work. Shaquille O’Neal prepares for the 2009-2010 NBA season with Gyrotonic. Check out his remarks on our website.

New: Welcome 2010!  Fast track on the Pilates and Gyrotonic equipment for absolute beginners or returning enthusiasts

We’re offering 2 five week series (one session per week) equipment classes – Gyrotonic and Pilates - beginning the 2^nd week of January for beginners and also for those of us who want a refresher course – or two!  Class size is limited to 3 students.  These classes are a great value at $150. Please call us for more info 503-235-3556.

Fast Track Pilates Class - Thursday evenings 6:30-7:30, January 14^th, 21^st, 28^th; February 3^rd and 11^th.

Fast Track Gyrotonic Class - Wednesday evenings 6:30-7:30, January 13^th, 20^th, 27^th; February 3^rd and 9^th.

Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!

Shaquille O’Neal Talks About Gyrotonic on YouTube

It’s official - Shaq loves Gyrotonic and is doing it as he prepares for the coming NBA season. If he’s like us he’ll keep doing it whether or not he’s playing basketball - and  we’re hoping he’ll stop by Circle Studio the next time he’s in Portland!

Teaching Pilates and Gyrotonic to Students in their 70s, 80s, and 90s

Pilates and Gyrotonic are specifically beneficial for people in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s who wish to gain flexibility, strength, and self-confidence. My oldest clients are of varying fitness and health levels. They’re active but not athletic, and in most cases they began Pilates or Gyrotonic on the recommendation of their adult children. Most are in the studio two and three times weekly (sometimes more) for 55-minute classes or private sessions. They are consistently pleased with their increased strength and stamina, flexibility, balance, relief from some aches and pains, and even increased height due to a lessening of spinal compression.
Pilates and Gyrotonic equipment offers resistance and pressure, but at the same time it supports the neck, shoulders, and back, enabling correct use of muscles, and a lessening of pressure on sensitive areas. Instruction is clear, easy to hear and to see, client-centered and individualized. The private and small classes and the quiet studio become such an asset when trying to learn how to move more ergonomically and painlessly while achieving better posture, more strength and stretch, circulation and balance.
The confidence that comes from feeling physically capable is wonderful. In addition, Pilates and Gyrotonic workouts consistently reward older clients with positive changes and measurable increases in stamina and general fitness levels. Even posture improves! I love to design workouts that are fun, as easy or challenging as is appropriate, and that help my older students build their physical confidence - which is so important to a rich and active life.

Great Holiday Gift Ideas for Lovers of Pilates and Gyrotonic

Here at the studio we’re starting to think about the holidays and creative gift-giving.  Why take chances when someone you know would love a Circle Studio gift certificate for Pilates or Gyrotonic?  You can also jazz up the gift with coupons for fun sticky-soled ExerSocks in assorted colors, or Pilates home equipment such as foam rollers and magic circles from Power Systems.  Gift certificates can be made for any amount.  Make someone happy with something they’ll really love - Pilates and Gyrotonic at Circle Studio.

Now offering New Client Special: 3 Private Sessions in Pilates or Gyrotonic for $99.00!

Come try Pilates, Gyrotonic or both at Circle Studio!  Limited time offer:  for only $99.00 you can take 3 private sessions with a Certified Instructor in Pilates and Gyrotonic at Circle Studio.  Just mention you saw this posting on our blog or Facebook page before the expiration date of November 15th, 2009 to receive this incredible offer.  We provide a beautiful, spotless Pilates and Gyrotonic studio with group equipment and private lessons in Pilates and Gyrotonic.  We’re happy to answer all your questions and help you schedule your appointments.  Come visit Circle Studio in the new north end of the Pearl District in Portland, Oregon.  You can also email us at info@circlestudio.biz or call us at 503-235-3556.  To read more please visit us on our website at www.circlestudio.biz.

Menopause: How Pilates Can Help

As Pilates instructors, we are seeing many more middle-aged women in our classes, and they are an energetic, dynamic group to say the least. Women today are much more active, informed and focused on their health and fitness than they were several decades ago. Many have been exercising for years and are not about to stop now that they are reaching their menopausal years.

The onset of menopause does, however, bring several changes to women’s lives, and from what I’ve found, they appreciate all the help they can get with navigating through it. It is interesting to look at some of the symptoms of menopause and how exercise can help alleviate some of them. It is even more interesting to look at the ways in which Pilates can help many of these symptoms.

To read more click here:

By Carolyne Anthony

What Gyrotonic golf training can do for you…

What Gyrotonic^® golf training can do for you…

Gyrotonic specialized golf exercises were designed to help incorporate the feeling of Gyrotonic exercises into the golf swing. These exercises will help you get the feel of the correct golf swing. The only way you will truly improve is to modify your movement patterns in your swing. These exercises will not only help you stretch and strengthen in a golf specific manner, but will train you to actually move your body differently and swing the golf club better.

The GYROTONIC EXPANSION SYSTEM has multiple exercises for every part of the swing. Gyrotonic training gives golfers the best combination possible of both strength and flexibility training. Many of the Gyrotonic exercises directly mimic what a golfer must do with his arms, wrists, hands, and torso during the golf swing. It works for golfers of all ages and fitness levels, and it helps people get better faster. You can get your game to a level that you never thought you could achieve!

To read the entire article click here:

New, lower group class rates!

News from Circle Studio

We’re welcoming Fall with new, lower rates for group equipment classes and a new group class package!  Your accounts will reflect these new prices beginning September 14th.

Shared (Duo and Trio) Sessions

Single duo session   $45 per person

Single trio session    $30 per person

Group Class Value Package

Save 9% with the $110 package - $120 value

What can I buy with this package? This flexible package lets you choose 4 single trio sessions, 8 mat classes, 10 Independent workouts, or any combination you like. (Private sessions must be purchased separately.)

We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, so feel free to call Kari or Trina at 503-235-3556.

We love Fall and look forward to a great season with you.

Kari Koch and the Circle Team

503-235-3556

Info@circlestudio.biz

Gyrotonic on the Rachael Ray Show

Pilates, Pregnancy & Pop Culture

We love Sarah Michelle Geller and are thrilled to hear she is expecting her first child with her husband and actor/ Freddie Prinze Jr. ( See article on celebritybabyscoop ) To stay toned, she is doing Pilates at an Encino California studio.

Pilates builds core strength and the muscles that supports a healthier pregnancy and delivery (pelvic floor, abdominal and back muscles).  It also helps to relieve stress and balance anxiety that could result from the change in hormones.

When you are pregnant, it is crucial to consult with your doctor and find an instructor who knows how to work with pregnant women in either a prenatal pilates class, or a one on one session.  To learn more about safe ways to incorporate Pilates into your prenatal fitness routine,  I recommend reading:

Pilates and Pregnancy: Safe Ab Exercises by Debbi Goodman, MSPT.  This article provides wonderful information about exercises to avoid during pregnancy and exercises that are safe to perform.

If you are pregnant and wish to attend classes at our studio, please contact or email us to determine if Pilates is right for you. email:  info@circlestudio.biz Phone: 503-235-3556