wellness Archives - Pilates of Charleston

Get to Know Team Pilates of Charleston

October 8, 2019

If you loved learning more about our girl Hanna, you’ll be psyched to hear that next up on our “Get to Know Team Pilates of Charleston” we interviewed instructor and owner, Katie Sovenyhazy! You’re probably familiar with Katie while she’s rocking her Lulu Lemons and counting out that it’s time to get into Pilates V for 100s! However, this week you’ll get to have an inside look at Katie’s history with Pilates and her favorite activities from fried foods to walks on the Charleston bridge. We hope you learn something new and get to know Katie aside from her duties as your Pilates instructor.

How did you get involved in Pilates?

The short story is….through years of ballet! Pilates mat classes were always part of our training and curriculum as young dancers and ballet studios/schools typically brought in Pilates instructors to teach their students inside the ballet studio. Pilates is ideal for a dancer’s body, as it develops core strength and helps to improve and strengthen flexibility. It also is a means to stay conditioned when dealing with dance related injuries. So, I have been doing Pilates mat classes since I was about 9 years old! Now, as a young dancer, I did not love mat classes because all I really wanted to be doing was dancing and rehearsing. So needless to say, I was not very enthusiastic about lying on a mat doing the hundreds at 8 AM on a Saturday morning…hahaha! However, as I matured I grew to appreciate the benefits of Pilates and I started to seek out Pilates classes outside of the dance studio, where I was finally introduced to the reformer.

How long have you been teaching Pilates?

I have been teaching Pilates for 14 years.

What is your favorite thing about being an instructor?

Contrary to what the majority of the public thinks, teaching Pilates is hard….and teaching a GOOD class is even harder! In a group class for example, you have to not only choreograph the flow of exercises, but you have to have enough knowledge of human anatomy to know what muscle groups are working and which positions or movements might contraindicate a specific person’s injuries. Not to mention, you need one hell of a personality to entertain people during a class and a large dose of enthusiasm to keep people motivated when the class turns hard! You also need to have good cueing, be hands on, and be available to spot when necessary. The challenge of executing all those things together perfectly, is an art. And that is what I love about teaching! I love striving for perfection, to constantly create the perfect class that inspires every single person in the room. I love choreographing classes that leave people feeling challenged, yet not defeated. And I love pushing and encouraging my students to believe that they CAN do more than they think they can.

How would others describe your classes?

Well, I do believe I have a reputation for teaching tough classes! I think most people would describe my Pilates classes as challenging and creative. They tend to be challenging mostly because it’s nonstop. I try to make every minute count and keep transitions to a minimum. Pilates is not “a walk in the park” and I think my classes reflect that. Now, even though my classes are tough, I never leave people stranded and always offer help and modifications should you not be able to do a particular exercise. I think because of that, everyone is accommodated no matter what their level of fitness is and EVERYONE leaves feeling like they conquered!

What other things do you do to live a healthy lifestyle?

I try to take at least two to three of Elizel’s classes a week and I also try to get a quick run in–although it’s more like a jog than a run! I also try and walk our doggie, Austin, as much as possible around the neighborhood, so he can get his energy out and I can get my steps in. I think cross training is important, so I will throw in a yoga class or some free weights with our girl, Megan Hamilton of Bodywise. I drink healthy, veggie/fruit packed smoothies or açaí bowls for lunch in-between sessions and I make sure I get in a massage as often as my schedule allows to keep my muscles happy.

Favorite “splurge” meal?

Fried Fish with tons of malt vinegar! There’s an off the beaten path restaurant in North Charleston called The Codfather that has the best fish and chips!

Favorite Way to spend a weekend in Charleston?

I teach so much during the week, that when I get to the weekend, I look forward to chilling out and spending time with my husband and two boys. I enjoy going for evening beach walks on Sullivan’s island, perhaps after dinner out with friends and family. Being able to walk the bridge (not run) always makes for a good weekend as well! And then of course, I’m a girl that loves mani’s, pedi’s, and blow out’s! So, treating myself to getting my nails done or my hair blown out, would be top on my list for a good weekend.

Favorite and least favorite Pilates exercise?

My favorite Pilates exercise is side bends on the box! I know, I know…people are probably rolling their eyes at me because there is nothing pleasant about side bends. However, I love that they tap into your obliques and QL in a way that’s hard to replicate with other traditional abdominal exercises. My least favorite? Humm….. maybe the classical rowing series. Just not a fan! Hahaha!

If you haven’t taken one of Katie’s classes yet, you don’t know what you’re missing. From a cardio blasting jump board class to a classic yet challenging reformer class, Katie will have you hooked on Pilates in no time. Schedule a class with Katie today and try out her famous side bends and chat about a dish of fish n chips.

Stretch Class….yes please!

October 1, 2019

Have you ever left one of our reformer classes wishing the end stretch was just a little longer? Well, so have we and that’s why we’ve added on a dedicated stretch class to our Pilates of Charleston group class schedule. Join us Mondays and Wednesdays at 9 AM for 50 minutes of restorative, guided stretch where you’ll have a chance to give the muscles you may have worked during one of our traditional group or jump board classes a little extra love, as well as pay special attention to any problem areas that may have recently effected your workout regime. We designed our stretching class for our amazing clients to not only feel the benefits of stretching, but to also designate time out of their hectic schedules to take care of key places in their body. Stretch classes are conducted on the reformers and we do make use of a variety of props as we see fit, to help us deepen the stretch and make positions feel more enjoyable. Oh, and did we mention that there are some lavender eye pillows involved at the end of stretch classes? Um humm….

In our stretching class, we’ll also go through a series of motions that will help relieve any lower back (lumbar) pain or tension that might be occurring in your body. Stretching your lumbar spine also helps loosen up any tightness in your muscles, allowing your spine’s blood circulation to pump up more quickly. The lumbar spine refers to your lower back area, specifically where your spine starts to curve inward from your abdomen area. The lumbar spine connects to the thoracic spine and is known for its ability to be both powerful and flexible. Your lumbar spine is responsible for your pelvic tilting and accommodates rotation and lateral flexion. All that responsibility gives the lumbar spine a heavy weight to bare – both literally and figuratively! Our stretch class will not only give your lower back some love, but your entire mind and body too! If you need an additional push to start stretching with us, check out some of what stretching it out does for you:

Gets you Standing Upright! Pilates + stretching = perfect posture. Pilates exercises already work to lengthen and strengthen your muscles, adding on a designated stretching workout to your routine can only take your posture to the next level! Tight hamstrings? We promise that those hammies will be shown some love during each of our stretch classes. Length and flexibility in the back of the leg is so important in the overall spine health, so we make sure that hamstring stretching is always at the forefront of our stretch classes.

Gets you Protected. When your muscles are “cold” or uptight, injuries are more likely to occur during your workout. Keep yourself loose and warmed up throughout the week and never worry about trying out one of those accelerated reformer moves again.

Gets you Stress Free. When you’re stressed, so are your joints and your blood flow. Stretching works against the stress and increases blood circulation. As soon as your blood gets pumping, your brain will too! Similar to a calorie burning workout, this stretching workout will give you that same endorphin release, leaving you feeling strong and ready to conquer the day.

These are only some of the abundant health benefits stretching has. We’d be happy to tell and show you the rest in one of our stretch classes! Katie teaches the Monday 9am stretch class and Elizel teaches the Wednesday 9am stretch class. So please stop by and stretch it out with us. We promise you’ll be as hooked as we are!

Our Feel Good Fall Favorites

September 24, 2019

Hello Pilates of Charleston fans! Even though we’re still sweating in Charleston, this past weekend was the end of summer and the official start of all things pumpkin spice, and we could not be happier. We’ve got some fall favorites for you! Fall is a great season to jumpstart your wellness routine, or build out a routine in general. Whether your kids are back in school or your summer travel plans have come to an end, creating a structured week to eat healthy and get to a Pilates of Charleston class is a fall essential. However, we have some other fall essentials that give the pumpkin spice latte a run for its money. Shop our feel good Fall favorites below, and bring in the autumn like the chic, wellness babe you are!

Nut Pods Pumpkin Spice Creamer: Nutpods is a Whole 30, dairy free creamer that puts almond and oat milk to shame! Skip the Starbucks line and get your pumpkin spice fix guilt free. Nut Pods are available both online and at Whole Foods.

Whole Foods Pumpkin & Sage Farro Pilaf: A hearty grain bowl is one of our go to weeknight dinners. We love to switch out our quinoa with farro – a fiber and protein rich ancient grain. We’d pair this with some lean protein and perhaps some roasted mushrooms and sweet potatoes…yum!

Mrs. Meyers Fall Collection: We love Meyers products because they’re made with clean, all natural ingredients. Their fall collection features pumpkin spice, acorn spice, mum, and apple cider flavors. Even your cleaning routine can get a fall update!

Homesick Pumpkin Patch Candle: Just as we strive to buy clean beauty products, we try to do the same for our home supplies too. Similar to Meyers products, these candles use an all natural, soy wax and are made entirely in the US! They also have a great burn time, making the pumpkin spice last all throughout fall.

Halo Top Dairy Free Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream: If you’re like everyone else, you’ve jumped on the Halo Top train at some point or another. This season, the company has reinvented it’s cult favorite Pumpkin Pie flavor with an all new, dairy-free option! Whether you add this to your dessert table at your next fall gathering or just enjoy it on your couch, you’re sure to get your ice-cream fix worry free.

Pottery Barn’s Recycled Glass Pumpkins: Leave it to Pottery Barn to give the traditional Jack-O-Lantern an ultra chic makeover. These gorgeous glass pumpkins come in a variety of shapes and sizes and unlike the ones you get at the pumpkin patch, these last season after season. Fill them with whimsical string lights or a flameless candle to create an elevated fall decor this season.

The fall is such an amazing time to eat and decorate seasonally. We love these products because they each allow us to get festive without the guilt. As the season goes on, Thanksgiving and the rest of the holidays will be here before you know it. Instead of stressing about over indulging at dinner parties or missing out on all of the goodies, do your research! There are countless alternatives to some of the cult classic favorites that will make your belly and your heart just as full.

Back To School Special

August 26, 2019

Back to school baby! That means it is back to schedules, back to routines, but most importantly, back to YOU!!! So get yourself back to Pilates! A little too much summer vacation and margaritas? No worries…we’ve got your back! Pilates of Charleston is ready to help whip you back into shape. We’ll be fat blasting and toning in all of our group classes! For an extra kick to the rear end, try our Friday morning Jump Board class. It’s only 45 minutes, but it’s a large dose of cardio. You’re welcome!

Seriously though…as you’re getting your little ones ready to start a new year at school, it’s important to get yourself ready too! It can be very easy to get caught in the September craziness between packing lunches and managing carpool lines. However, similar to the importance of that morning routine we talked about last week in our blog, carving out some “you” time where you can come to the studio and take a Pilates class consistently during these next couple of busy weeks, is just as important. That’s why we’re excited to offer you a look into our September Special Promotion! This promo at Pilates of Charleston will run throughout the entire month of September and it is really too sweet of a deal to pass up. See the deets below!

Back to School Special:

-12 Classes, $270.00 (which means each class is $22.00!)

-Available NOW, and throughout the entire month of September

-Available to purchase online through MINDBODY or at the studio

-You’ll have the whole month of September to complete your 12 classes

-Can’t purchase on September 1? No worries! Just make sure to get your 12 classes in before the month ends

No, you can’t purchase multiple “September Specials”, limited to 1 per person…but please do tell your friends about this sweet deal and tackle the challenge together!

So once you’ve purchased your September Special package, what else could you do to get back to “you” next month? We feel that one of the best ways to live your best life is to lead a balanced and organized lifestyle. The September Special will allow you to stick to a routine, not only benefiting you physically but mentally as well! Another thing we like to incorporate into our back to school routine is meal prepping. Similar to having a set time to work out, establishing a set time during the week to prepare bagged lunches or week night dinners will give you extra “you” time later on during the week. Prepare these meals the night before instead of the morning of so you can have time later on for a relaxing bubble bath or squeezing in an episode of your latest TV show. Another thing we try to incorporate while the kiddos are at school is some self-love. Our favorite, and one of the easiest, is treating yourself to a mani-pedi. In just an hours time you will not only feel clean and polished but more importantly, relaxed and pampered. Taking little moments like these throughout the week along with scheduling a sweat session at Pilates of Charleston will make the weeks breeze by. So don’t forget to purchase your package now! You can fill your school year calendar with a balance of after school activities for them, and pilates and pampering for you!

Create The Perfect Morning Routine

August 19, 2019

Whether you’re an early riser or a “five more minutes” kind of person, having a habitual morning routine could be what your day is missing. Now, if you’re worrying that you don’t have one, don’t worry. Sometimes having “no routine”, could be your thing! However the instructors at Pilates of Charleston can’t stress enough how beneficial a morning routine has been to them. It could be a stretch, it could be a 5 minute meditation, or a cup of tea, but regardless, setting up a consistent ritual each morning, can help you start the day off right. We each have varying versions but we wanted to share some of our favorites that are too good to keep to ourselves. Try one or all of the below this week and have your most successful week yet!

Take a Deep Breath: Your alarm goes off and just like that, you’ve been on your phone since the minute you’ve woken up. We like to turn our alarms off and put our cells back on the nightstand. Instead of instantly checking your e-mail or what social media has been up to while you were sleeping, take a couple deep breaths in comfort and ease into your morning. You’ll likely be on your phone in some capacity for a large part of your day, so start your morning phone free and relaxed – you will be amazed at how peaceful the morning becomes when you take that time for yourself!

Wash Your Face: This might seem like a simple daily ritual but we like to switch up our morning cleanser from our nightly cleanser. Splash your face with cold water, as the cold wakes you up and also reduces anxiety and stress. Try out an exfoliating wash or mask to rid your face with the oils from last nights sleep. Feeling fresh faced and clean is an easy way to feel confident about the day ahead.

Hot Water With Lemon: You’ve probably heard about this health tip in your favorite celebrities routine. Celebrities and nutritionists alike have been swearing by this simple drink forever, but we’ve known about it all along! Add this into your morning routine 15-30 minutes before having breakfast or drinking your cup of joe. Not only is it a boost to your hydration, but it also immensely helps your digestive and immune systems.

Stretch: Once you’re up and moving, try adding in some stretches to start your blood flow and improve your poster for the day. Stretching doesn’t just have to mean touching your toes and shaking your head “yes” and “no”. We like to take a spiky ball – a tennis ball works great too, and roll out the arch of our feet. Not only will you treat yourself to some self reflexology but you can also help improve plantar fasciitis or other feet issues! Want more? Check out one of our stretching classes!

Enjoy Breakfast: Breakfast isn’t considered one of the most important meals for no reason! Having a bite to eat each morning, even if its small, kick starts your metabolism and helps you stay focused for the next couple of hours. Plus, majority of typical breakfast foods are chalk full with amazing benefits. Get your protein in early on with some scrambled eggs or start things off light with a delicious bowl of fruit. We like to start our mornings off with a bowl of granola and pomegranate seeds, yum!

Similar to each of these favorite rituals, taking a Pilates class is our favorite morning routine of all! All biased aside, enjoying a workout class bright and early is the best way to get some me time in. A Pilates class will not tone and burn some calories, but it also boosts your metabolism and increases blood circulation throughout your body. Once you’ve gotten the kids to school or have gotten yourself out of bed, reward yourself and your body with a workout! We guarantee that once you’ve added some of these rituals to your morning and end it with a class at Pilates of Charleston, you’ll take on the day filled with energy and positivity!

Get to Know Team Pilates of Charleston

Stretch Class….yes please!

Our Feel Good Fall Favorites

Back To School Special

Create The Perfect Morning Routine

Welcome to Pilates of Charleston

Testimonial

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