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.

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.

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!

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.

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

The Psychology of Chronic Back Pain

I wanted to post this article by science writer Jonah Lehrer because it provides another perspective on overcoming back pain.  As a Pilates and Gyrotonic personal trainer I notice that many clients with back pain are afraid to move and are advised by their physicians to seek surgery. This article brings up alternative solutions.  I would love to know your thoughts on the subject!?

A growing cadre of doctors and scientists now believes that chronic back pain is a disease of the nervous system, not the spine. This breakthrough has opened the doors to new kinds of treatments that could banish back pain forever.

“Many patients with chronic back pain develop a deep sense of hopelessness,” Kerns says. “These therapies show them that they can develop everday strategies that make them feel better. I think one of the things that modern medicine has forgotten is that it’s important to treat the whole person, and this means addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of the pain. When it comes to back pain, just fixing a ‘broken’ body part often isn’t enough.”

Click here for the complete article.

Circling In - Pilates or Gyrotonic?

It’s alluring to compare the conditioning system of Pilates to Gyrotonic, but the real question is who should use which modality, and when? One is not better than the other. It’s a matter of personal preference and how you feel more comfortable moving, what feels most natural to you. The most noted difference between Pilates and Gyrotonic is the idea of “linear” versus “circular” movement. Some people like the feeling of the spring resistance in Pilates. Other clients prefer the water-like resistance of Gyrotonic. Also, the framework of Pilates appeals to certain people, while others desire the circles and spirals of Gyrotonic. Some people respond more quickly to a given system or some people hit a plateau in one system, and by using another modality, they are able to overcome that plateau.

What are your goals? They may be rehabilitation/therapeutic. They may be sport-specific or it may be general fitness. Many people enjoy strength training without impact or strain in the joints. Additionally, bear in mind which is more practical for you to incorporate into your current lifestyle. Do you want to take privates? Classes? Be able to practice/exercise at home? What is the proximity from your home to the Pilates and/or Gyrotonic studio?

Pilates incorporates machines, props and some mat work. For a non-mover, the strengths found in Pilates include initial abdominal awareness, and the frames of the Reformer or the Cadillac machines provide logical guides for motion (i.e. right/left, up/down). For spinal instability the beds are supportive and provide clear body awareness. For movers, Pilates can increase core strength and new possibilities for training the body in all three planes of motion. It is low-impact, tones muscles, increases flexibility, enhances balance and coordination and improves one’s energy. Pilates is here to stay because it works.

Gyrotonic is a progression of three-dimensional movements and focuses on the flow of energy between them. Most of the exercises are performed on hand-crafted wooden machines and some can be performed on a mat. It is also low impact. The strengths in Gyrotonic for a non-mover are that it’s a calm and graceful form of exercise that incorporates similar principals from Pilates. It creates muscle balancing for unilateral sports, helps in reducing inflammation and increases range of motion. For movers, the technique is freedom of movement with resistance through circular pathways which follow the natural curves of the human form. The work strives for strength and flexibility with movement emanating from the core. When performing the exercises, the influence of yoga on the system is obvious, and the pulleys and straps somehow manage to give the feeling of swimming without water.

Mover or Non-mover? The best way to find out is to schedule a session with one of our highly trained instructors in both Pilates and Gyrotonic. They will be able to assess what kind of mover you are, map out your goals and make the best recommendations for which program you may benefit from most.

By Trina A. LeBrasseur, LMT, CWP
Circle Studio Front Desk Manager