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

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.

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.

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

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.

Gyrotonic: Exercise Outside the Lines

Gaiam Life is an informational website dedicated to better living.  They recently posted this new article on the benefits of Gyrotonic and its circularity. The photo was taken at Erin’s old New York studio Kinespirit.

Working out can be so linear: treadmill, stair climber, bike path … Even yoga and Pilates mats steer you into moving along an axis.

If you’ve ever felt the urge to break out of “front-facing” workouts (notice how different you feel when you dance vs. work out?), Gyrotonic is a workout to try.

Derived from words for “circle” and “stretch,” Gyrotonic works your body in a decidedly nonlinear way through a fusion of expressive-looking circular movements. Combining elements of dance, yoga, swimming, t’ai chi and gymnastics, it’s a liberating experience — a way to exercise outside the lines.

To read entire article click here.

The article talks about the differences between Gyrotonic, Pilates, and yoga, and gives you exercises you can do at home!

Pilates Spotlight: Fashion Designer Jenni Kayne

We are always on the lookout for news and trends regarding Pilates and were thrilled to have come across this recent article published in The Wall Street Journal about 26 year-old renowned fashion designer Jenni Kayne’s love for Pilates:

Designer Draws Her Strength From ‘West Coast’ Style Pilates
Jenni has been doing Pilates for 10 years - and prefers machine-based exercises for their wider range of motion and intensity.  She says she practices with her own equipment - the Reformer - great for an intense leg and ab workout, and  the vertical Cadillac-  a wonderful piece that tones and strengthens the core, chest and arms.

I think it is interesting how she incorporates the “West Coast” style of Pilates with a traditional approach introduced by Joseph Pilates and combines the two with cardio exercises.  Combined with a healthy diet and consistent routine- Jenni has been able to shed her baby weight and is now enjoying a healthy body and lifestyle.  I love her tip - and think this advice can apply to us all.

“You have to be repetitive. If I do Pilates three times a week, it’s most effective for me. Anything less, and I don’t get the same results.” And if you can’t afford the equipment and a trainer, she advises, get a DVD, learn the mat-based exercises and do them at home.

Read the entire article here

Pilates Breathing Exercise

Joseph Pilates stated, “Even if you follow no other instructions, learn to breathe correctly.”

Basic Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise:
The Set Up: You can do this exercise lying on your back with your knees bent or sitting up. Either way, do it with one hand resting lightly on your lower belly so you can feel your breath move your body.
Check points:
Your shoulders relaxed and dropped away from your ears.
Your spine is long, in what we call neutral spine, a natural position of the spine that allows the curves of the spine to be present.
If you are sitting, feel that your weight is falling directly down through your sit bones and your head is floating up toward the sky.
Your throat is open and relaxed.
The Inhale: Breathe in slowly through your nose. Let the air flow into your upper chest and down your spine — expanding the sides and lower ribs, filling the diaphragm, back and lower back, and dropping all the way down into the pelvis. Allow the deep inhale to push your belly out a little bit.

The Exhale: Let go of your breath in the reverse order that you brought it in. Drop your lower abs, then your belly. Let your ribs pull in, and last, let your chest to drop as you fully expel all the air.

Repeat: Do this diaphragmatic breathing exercise a few times until you get the sense of how each part flows into the next.

Private Gyrotonic for $40.00 an hour!

Susie Ellison has been training with Kari Neigebauer and Erin Munoz for the past 6+ years in Pilates and Gyrotonic.  Susie recently completed the Gyrotonic Foundation course with master trainer Emma Kingston and her pre-training with Erin Munoz at Circle Studio. Susie is now available to teach gyrotonic on the equipment as a certified apprentice at Circle Studio. Call the studio or email to set up your next appointment.  Circle Studio 503.235.3556     info@circlestudio.biz