Tips

Pilates & Co. Gold Coast Pilates Reformer & Fitness Studio

Are you ready to Find Your Flow?

We are so excited to share with you our brand new challenge! Kick Spring off to an awesome start getting stronger, leaner and more flexible on our Find Your Flow Membership. Sign up for 30 days and you’ll receive 4 sessions every week. This challenge costs $60 per weeks (4 weekly payments on direct debit). You can attend any Pilates Reformer or Met.Con session at any time on this Membership

You are also invited to attend our Find Your Flow Workshop on Saturday September 3rd at 11am where Pilates & Co team members will share some of their awesome knowledge about health and nutrition. We will also get the challenge started early with a full circuit challenge utilising the cadillac, chair, barrel and reformers!

The best part about this challenge is that it doesn’t end after 3o days, you have the opportunity to keep feeling and looking amazing with the Find Your Flow Membership, these memberships are strictly limited.

Contact us to sign up or for more information.

Pilates & Co. Gold Coast Pilates Reformer & Fitness Studio

5 Tips to Keep you Active and Healthy this Winter

It’s easy to feel in a rut during the colder months, here are some winter health tips that are easy to fit into your daily and weekly routine to keep you active and feeling great.

1. EAT REAL FOOD

When you eat food, ensure that it’s not just empty calories but nutritious, whole foods that will support your immune system. Include garlic, ginger, and onion to warm foods and make sure you include lots of fresh, organic produce. Stews, casseroles, curries, and soups are the obvious winners for winter.

I found this awesome new product from Brio Emporium which is a sure-fire winner for my busy family. It’s Mead & Marrow Bone Broth Concentrate which you mix up in a cup of hot water – instant broth! How amazing is that? It’s made from grass-fed beef, made here on the Gold Coast and comes in a couple of flavours.

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2. KEEP YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE GOING

Yes, it’s cold – especially this week! Getting up at 5:30 am to get your workout in before work feels insane when it looks like nighttime outside, right? If you stick to your consistent workout routine, your body will love you for it. Getting your body moving early in the morning will kick-start a cold, drab day and keep your motivation up. If you can move your schedule back an hour, awesome, otherwise consider working out in the evening if you think it will be more achievable to stick to your workout routine.

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3. MAKE THE MOST OF THE SUNSHINE

Catch some winter sun rays whenever you get the chance to boost your vitamin D levels. Winter sun on the Gold Coast is pretty glorious so soak it up! You’ll not only build up your immune system but also increase the oxygenation of your blood cells and tissues, lower blood pressure and lift your mood.

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4. TRY DRY BRUSHING

Tried dry brushing? Before you shower, right before you step in, take a medium bristle shower brush and vigorously brush your skin starting from your feet, up to your heart. Our skin is the largest organ of the body and it’s continuously shedding (bleh!). A regular 5-minute dry brush removes these dead layers of skin effectively leaving your skin fresh and vibrant, plus it helps to improve your circulation, warming your body all over. It’ll also stimulate your lymphatic system which helps eliminate toxins from your body!

Spa bath setting –brush ,towel and nature soap

 

5. STAY SOCIAL

Avoid hibernation this winter by making regular meet-ups with friends and family. Happy humans socialise, so take turns of catching up at a warm home – around a fire preferably. Socialisation helps to keep your mood elevated and has been proven to improve mental vigour and longevity.

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Belinda Survilla is the Pilates & Co. studio manager and takes regular classes at the Miami studio, including orientation for new members.

Osteopathy Pilates & Co. Gold Coast Pilates Reformer & Fitness Studio

Benefits of Osteopathy: Good to the Bone

Along with Pilates, another amazing modality to assist in pain relief and getting you on the road to recovery is Osteopathy. In fact, the benefits of osteopathy are plentiful, so we thought we’d talk to a pro about how the practice works. One of the best Osteopaths on the Gold Coast is Tracey Spruyt from Osteozone. Pilates & Co‘s Belinda Survilla asked Tracey about what it is that she does and how she does it.

The thing I’ve come to learn is that the majority of us all have injuries. From issues that might cause infrequent discomfort to injuries that are a constant pain in the neck. Many of you love Pilates because of the support it offers, strengthening the small stabilising muscles and the bigger supporting muscles allowing greater movement, strength, and flexibility.

 

P&C: What does an Osteopath do? 

Tracey: An Osteopath specialises in musculoskeletal medicine and treats a range of conditions and injuries through manual treatment and exercise.  The key complaints I see in practice are chronic lower back pain with sciatic symptoms, neck pain, headaches and migraines, sporting injuries including rotator cuff and shoulder impingements, tennis elbow, ankle sprains and knee pain due to muscle instability and weakness.

 

P&C: What would a general Osteopath appointment involve?

Tracey: The Osteopathic appointment (45min consult) includes a brief discussion of the patients presenting injury or condition, including the patient’s history and other pre-existing conditions.  The majority of the consultation is comprised of manual therapy to alleviate the patient’s pain symptoms, and prescription of simple exercises and advice such as ergonomics to prevent further injury.

 

P&C: Who can benefit from seeing an osteopath?

Tracey: Those who suffer from acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain as a result of sporting injuries, poor posture or ergonomics, pregnancy or post-pregnancy, overuse injuries, or stress and anxiety.  People of all ages can benefit from Osteopathic treatment, particularly those with a sports background or those wishing to increase or return to an active lifestyle.

 

P&C: How hands-on are you with clients? 

Tracey: As an Osteopath, manual therapy is the key component of the treatment which is individualised to the patient’s specific injury or condition. The types of hands-on techniques include soft tissue manipulation, articular mobilisation, stretching, balancing, dry needling and sports Kinesio taping.

P&C: How do you feel Pilates and Osteopathy work together?

Tracey: I believe that Pilates is an amazing adjunct to Osteopathic treatment as it addresses many of the muscle imbalances and weakness (especially core stability) which I see in practice every day.  Osteopathy can also benefit those who practice Pilates by addressing muscle tension and articular restrictions which may cause pain or repetitive strains.

 

Belinda Survilla is the Pilates & Co. studio manager and takes regular classes at the Miami studio, including orientation for new members.

Good Sleep

Sweet Dreams: How to Get Good Sleep

So, how’s your sleep, are you getting enough? Studies show that a good night’s sleep improves learning, preparing your brain for the next day and forming new neural pathways to allow you to learn new stuff and remember it!

GETTING GOOD SLEEP

I for one am a huge lover of sleep and have no issues popping right off, but I know a staggering amount of people who suffer from insomnia or who have kids that wake them continuously through the night.

We’ve all had a crappy nights sleep before and we all know that foggy brain next day feeling. The effects of sleep deprivation are pretty startling and affect us both mentally and physically.

 

Mental effects of sleep deficiency

  • you may have trouble making decisions
  • you may have trouble solving problems
  • you may have issues controlling your emotions and behaviour
  • you may have trouble coping with change

Sleep deficiency also has been linked to depression, suicide, and risk-taking behavior.

 

Physical effects of sleep deficiency

  • ongoing sleep deprivation is linked to heart disease. Your blood vessels and heart undergo healing and repair during sleep!
  • increased risk of obesity
  • lack of sleep causes hormonal imbalance. The hormone in charge of making you feel full (leptin) drops with lack of sleep and the hormone in charge of making you feel hungry (ghrelin) goes up!
  • changes how your body reacts to insulin
  • deep sleep supports healthy and normal growth and development in children and teens
  • deep sleep also helps to repair cells and tissues and build muscle mass
  • our immune system is compromised by lack of sleep

How much sleep should you be getting?

Generally, for adults, 7 – 9 hours is recommended. For teens, 8 – 10 hours and children age 6 – 13, 9 – 11 hours is recommended.

Here are some achievable tips on how to get (you and your kids) to sleep and stay there –

  1. Keep to a sleep schedule. Go to bed and rise at the same time, every day of the week
  2. Put down those laptops, phones and iPads a good hour (at least!) before your bedtime and make sure they are at least 2-metres away from your bed while you sleep
  3. Don’t have any caffeine after lunchtime
  4. Take part in regular exercise. Pilates anyone?
  5. Use essential oils to help create a peaceful and relaxed state of mind. Lavender, ylang-ylang, and chamomile activate the alpha wave activity in the brain. Try a roller with some diluted essential oil in carrier oil on your temples, the back of the neck or diffuse it in your bedroom.
  6. Make sure your bed and pillow are top notch. You spend a lot of time in your life in bed (hopefully) so get the best you can afford.

 

Belinda Survilla is the Pilates & Co. studio manager and takes regular classes at the Miami studio, including orientation for new members.

staying hydrated

Staying Hydrated

Drinking enough water is one of the simplest things you can do for your body and health, and yet it’s the one thing so many of us don’t do. Staying hydrated can be a constant battle, whatever time of year. In the warmer Spring and Summer months, we lose more fluids through perspiration. In Winter, because we’re not feeling the heat, it’s easy to forget to drink at all, or we substitute with coffee or other hot drinks that are not hydrating us. It’s hard to win when it comes hydration!

 

The Benefits of Staying Hydrated

Did you know that if you are only 2% dehydrated, your bodies physical performance can be affected due to the many processes that water is involved in? Even if you are slightly dehydrated, the activity of enzymes in the body can slow down which can lower metabolism and reduce your ability to exercise efficiently. Every cell in our bodies requires water to function. It helps circulate nutrients around the body, regulates our body temperature, helps to improve our skin’s texture and colour, flushes toxins from the body and it keeps our joints healthy by hydrating cartilage. Research even shows that being dehydrated can make you grumpy and confused so drink up the good stuff!

 

“So how much water should I be drinking?”

A general rule to work out your daily intake is 30ml for every kg of body weight (e.g 70kg x 30ml = 2,100ml or 2.1L a day).

 

Tips for keeping hydrated and staying hydrated:

  • Start your day with hot water and lemon juice or a herbal tea
  • Take a drink bottle with you everywhere you go
  • Try to drink a litre of water before 10 am. Remember – by the time you feel dehydrated, you already are!
  • Drink water at room temperature if possible to help absorption
  • Use good quality salt (sea salt or Himalayan salt) as they are rich in trace elements that are the foundation for optimum cell health and hydration
  • Reduce your caffeine consumption
  • If you need some flavour in your water, try a few drops of essential oils, an infuser with fresh fruit or Intra Strength
  • Mix it up with some coconut water which is rich in potassium, sodium, and electrolytes

 

Belinda Survilla is the Pilates & Co. studio manager and takes regular classes at the Miami studio, including orientation for new members.

Want to kick-start your fitness goals too? Come and see us at Pilates & Co. We offer a number of membership and class payment options, and if you’re new to our studio you can take advantage of our free orientation class and our 4 for $80 Introduction offer. You could get really serious and join our 6-week Transformation Challenge.

Not a Gold Coast resident but planning a trip to the Burleigh Heads or nearby? Purchase our 4 for $80 class visitor pass (valid for two weeks)Contact us if you need to find out more.

DIY Bliss Bombs

DIY Bliss Bombs

Do you love a bliss bomb in the bath as much as we do? These nuggets of pure bliss are so easy to make and are such a luxurious treat for when you feel like giving yourself a little TLC. They also make gorgeous gifts for just about anyone so make plenty to share around. Our friends at DoTerra Australia came up with this great recipe for a soothing bath. Get cracking on this DIY bliss bomb project now!

Here’s what you need –

  • ½ cup cornflour
  • ¼ cup Epsom salt
  • 1 cup bicarbonate soda
  • ½ cup citric acid
  • ¾ tbsp water
  • 2¾ tbsp coconut oil
  • A few drops of your favourite pure essential oil
  • optional, moulds
  • optional, dried flowers
  • optional, natural colouring

Here’s what to do –

  1. Sift all of the dry ingredients together.
  2. In a separate mixing bowl mix all of the wet ingredients.
  3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and quickly whisk together as the mixture will fizz. Keep whisking until the mixture resembles wet sand consistency.
  4. Now you can begin moulding your bliss balls, you may mould them into balls with your hands or use a mould for a more uniform finish.
  5. Set the bliss bombs aside to dry overnight.

Think about the mood you would like to create to decide which essential oil/s to add. If you want a relaxing, soothing experience good choices are lavender, bergamot, yang ylang and vetiver. For a more invigorating bath add grapefruit, orange or peppermint. When you add your bliss ball to the water, it will fizz and dissolve, releasing the delightful aroma of the essential oils along with the Epsom salts and coconut oil. Your body will be revitalised and your skin silky smooth, enjoy!

 

You can purchase DoTerra essential oils at the studio. Find out why diffusing essential oils is good for your health.

Your Healthy Mother’s Day Gift Guide

We know how much you love your mum so we put together this Mother’s Day Gift Guide to help you make mum’s day the best one possible!

No 1. Give your mum the gift of Pilates!

Jump online and grab your mum a gift card –

CLICK HERE. If mum is new to us, you can take advantage of our intro offer of 4 sessions for $80. Maybe your mum would benefit from a little more one on one attention? Grab a Deluxe Intro Pack which includes 2 private sessions for $149.We also have printed gift cards at the studio if you’d prefer, just contact us to organise a time to pick one up. This is truly a gift that will keep on giving! Your mum will feel stronger, longer and more confident – she’s going to love it.

 

No 2. Neek Skin Organics

NEEK Skin Organics is the brainchild Angelique, who has created a delicious line of organic, natural and cruelty-free skin products including lipsticks and skincare! Whether your mum has skin sensitivity or not, she’s going to love these products. CLICK HERE to grab the NEEK mothers day gift box, or browse the site to find more gorgeous goodies!

 

No 3.  Get her jewellery, clothing or homewares (but the cool stuff)

Find an exotic treasure for mum at Bohemian Lifestyle. Owner Tamsyn has put together a range of clothing, jewellery and homewares that are stylish, elegant and just a little bit different so you know your getting something truly special for mum. CLICK HERE to view the Bohemian Lifestyle range. Tamsyn is offering free postage for you all! Enter the code BOHOLOVE in checkout.

 

No 4. Say it with flowers (and oils)

All mums love flowers but they never last long enough. Gift mum essential oils and her home will smell divine all year long! Apart from the aromatherapy benefits, there is also a multitude of uses for essential oils that is practically endless. Order mum a start-up kit by contacting us at the studio.

Healing Bone Broth Recipe

Healthy food store and wholesaler, Brio Emporium at Broadbeach, shared this super easy healing bone broth recipe with us for you to try at home.

While every week there is a new superfood staple you supposedly just have to be adding to your diet, bone broth has stood the test of time and is no new health fad.  Made by roasting and simmering the bones of healthy pastured animals in ideally filtered water for a very, very long time, bone broth is nature’s most nutrient-dense, easily-digestible liquid, filled with micronutrients, minerals, amino acids and (YIPPEE) collagen.

As someone who exercises regularly, the daily addition of bone broth to your diet could be the cure for what ails you, including the tendons in your wrist that niggle or the ligaments in your knee that swell after a class. Cate Shanahan, the head doctor for the LA Lakers, recently said bone broth was “the number one miracle food for your joints and connective tissue (including bone) is bone broth because it contains compounds that act like growth hormones in these tissues.”

Now you don’t need to be a pro basket-baller as any level of athletic activity will benefit from the healing liquid of broth. When it comes to nutrition, eating a well balanced, anti-inflammatory diet isn’t enough; the amino acid chains that are available from making bone broth aren’t going to be found in the meat we eat every day.

Just a cup of broth a day will kill inflammation and swelling. It will make you feel younger at the gym, on the bike or of course, on the reformer.  Bone broth as a daily supplement intake is one of the best sources of fuel for your body to heal and grow.

And on another hot topic which you have probably been hearing a lot about lately – bone broth heals leaky gut syndrome (bloating, gas, cramps or any other digestive issue) by reducing inflammation and increasing absorption rates of nutrients.

Making your own bone broth does take some time and effort (Minimum of 24 – 48hrs for a good one) but your body will thank you for it.  If you are like most of us and are just too busy with life, you can always save yourself the bother and try ours.  We have done all the hard work and totally nailed delicious tasting broths available by the cup or in take-home bags for you to consume more regularly, at your leisure

How to make your own healing bone broth

Ingredients

  • 1kg of bones from a healthy pastured animal (or more if you have a large enough pot)

  • 1 organic onion

  • 2 organic carrots

  • 2 stalks of organic celery

  • 2 tablespoons Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

  • Optional: 1 bunch of parsley, 1 tablespoon or more of sea salt, 1 teaspoon peppercorns, plus your favourite herbs or spice.  Personally, we love to add turmeric.

 

Method

  1. Improve depth and flavour of your bones by roasting them in the oven first. Straight into a roasting pan and into the oven for 30 mins at 180c.

  2. Now place the bones in the largest pot you have.  Add just enough filtered water to cover the bones and add your Apple Cider Vinegar. Let sit for half an hour before turning the stove on as the acid helps make the nutrients in the bones more readily available.

  3. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a simmer.

  4. During the first few hours of simmering, you’ll need to stick around to remove the impurities that float to the surface. Simply skim, discard and keep simmering. Check it every half hour or so for the first few hours to make sure it is all removed. This is where you will be thankful you purchased healthy, grass-fed bones – the healthier the animal the fewer impurities you will encounter.

  5. Once there is no longer any scum/impurities rising to the surface, keep simmering, adding water only to cover the bones as necessary.

  6. After about 15-18 hours for chicken and 35-40 hours for beef, add your veggies, herbs and spices. However wait until the final hour to add parsley or celery leaves, or anything like silverbeet.

  7. Return to a simmer for the final leg – this time, don’t worry about adding more water. You want the nutrients and gelatin to concentrate as we bring in the flavours from the veggies and herbs.

  8. Add your parsley and/or celery greens etc if desired. Let simmer for another hour or two.

  9. Then finally – that’s it! You’ve done it!  Strain your broth and cool it down or use immediately for making your favourite soup, stew, sauce or meat dish!

 

Thanks to Atlanta from Brio Emporium for this contribution. At Brio Emporium in Broadbeach, and online at their website, you can order their signature Bone Broths, ready-to-eat meals and optimal pantry essentials.

Essential Oils

Why Should I Diffuse Essential Oils?

Essential oils have the power to uplift and revitalise, elevating the mood and relaxing the mind. Essential oils are also known to have air purifying benefits that can destroy mould microorganisms and inhibit bacterial growth which can ward off infection. The distilled essential oil of most plants have been shown to carry antibiotic, antiviral and anti-microbial properties. A testament to this is the fact that over 50 hospitals throughout the USA have begun to use essential oils!

During inhalation, odour molecules travel to receptor sites in the brain one of which is the limbic system, otherwise known as the “emotional brain”. The limbic system plays a part in controlling heart rate, stress levels, hormone balance, breathing and memory (Higley & Higley, 1998).

The benefits of Essential Oils

Not only are essential oils beneficial for the emotional and physical body but they just smell so damn good! Your home can feel fresh and invigorating while diffusing orange and lemon or relaxing while diffusing bergamot or lavender. To help ward off nasty bugs in the home or workplace, try diffusing on guard, tea tree, clove, frankincense, lemongrass and rosemary.

We often hear comments about how Pilates & Co smells fresh and clean all the time, this is thanks to the oils we diffuse regularly. Our latest obsession is the Smart & Sassy blend which has grapefruit, lemon, ginger, orange and cinnamon essential oils – yum!

Belinda Survilla is the Pilates & Co. studio manager and takes regular classes at the Miami studio, including orientation for new members.

You can purchase DoTerra essential oils at the studio. Get this great DIY Bliss Bomb Recipe, using DoTerra essential oils.