Where is my mind?

Amanda — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 18:50:54 +0000

Two states of existence are commonly distinguished: waking and sleeping. We shall define a third state: awareness.
–Moshe Feldenkrais

How often we move through our days focused on everything external to us — getting out of bed, driving to work, sitting in front of a computer, driving home, making dinner, getting back into bed. [...]

Yawn. It’s one of the best things you can do for your brain.

Amanda — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 14:32:04 +0000

I am a big fan of yawning. Mary Bowen, an esteemed Pilates elder, is known to say that we do our best work after a yawn. And so, she often encourages yawning before moving into an exercise.

Since hearing this tidbit of breath-based wisdom, I made it a point to notice my energy as [...]

Fall Goodness Soup — Acorn Squash, Quinoa, French Lentils

Amanda — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 02:47:53 +0000

Fall goodness… oh, yes. This soup is deliciously nourishing and warming for any meal. Do not be intimidated by the use of homemade beef broth. It is both easy and inexpensive. Simply plan for a Sunday-evening soup, and start dinner in the late afternoon. Broth on a simmer can be left virtually unattended while you [...]

4 Easy Dietary Additions For Breast Health

Amanda — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 01:02:33 +0000

The author of this incredibly informative blog is a breast cancer survivor — diagnosed at the young age of 29. Read on for 4 tasty foods you can add to your diet to help protect against breast cancer.

4 Easy Dietary Additions For Breast Health.

What’s in Season this Fall

Amanda — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 03:01:59 +0000

Check out this incredibly helpful resource of local produce and recipes from Edible Austin!

Keeping a food journal

Amanda — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 19:58:04 +0000

According to a study published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, women who consistently maintained a food journal lost about six more pounds than women who did not. (via IdeaFit.com)

Six pounds is a lot! All in the name of self-observation and accountability. A little more time spent being [...]

The priceless value of a mentor

Amanda — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 21:31:33 +0000

Last summer (June 2011), I began my initial reading assignments for a mentoring program with Wendy LeBlanc-Arbuckle, my teacher and dear friend who also lives in Austin.

This particular mentorship program is hosted by Balanced Body and appropriately named “Passing the Torch.” Aside from three week-long intensives with your chosen mentor, [...]

About the quality of sleep

Amanda — Sun, 23 Sep 2012 19:35:02 +0000

The occasional sleepless night befalls us all. And what a drag the next day is. Sleeplessness and the resulting exhaustion is not only irritating, but also dangerous to both our health and our safety.

The New York Times article, “Rethinking Sleep,” presents a familiar manner of treating sleep. Siesta, anyone?

A person’s quality [...]

GMO foods may kill you

Amanda — Fri, 21 Sep 2012 20:20:05 +0000

This is one of the most important topics in health right now. I read a while ago that we have been unknowingly eating genetically engineered “foods” for at least 15 years. I hesitate to even use the word “food,” because it is definitely not food. It is just stuff that people put in their mouth [...]

Holistic wellness

Amanda — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 22:01:25 +0000

It has been a long time coming. I am excited to finally launch a Holistic Wellness Program that I have been working on for… many years. The inspiration for offering a holistic program is the possibility of the gift of vitality. Most of us have been on the opposite side of vitality [...]

A daily mantra when you need a little boost…

Amanda — Mon, 30 Jul 2012 20:01:05 +0000

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you NOT to be? You are a child of God. [...]

Day 12 of Gyrotonic Level 1

Amanda — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 04:51:24 +0000

I love working in the gorgeous studio of Gyrotonic® Houston! We wrapped up 12 days of training this afternoon, and I can hardly wait to share new exercises and techniques to my practitioners scheduled for tomorrow!

Gyrotonic Foundation

Amanda — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 01:57:17 +0000

Some photos from days 4 and 5 of Gyrotonic Foundation training with Amy Ell. LOVE!!!

Is Prenatal Pilates Safe?

Amanda — Sat, 14 Jul 2012 12:49:43 +0000

I love this article: Myths about teaching Pilates during pregnancy.

I have several clients who can attest to the benefits and safety of practicing Pilates while pregnant. The right trainer (one with advanced training in pre/post natal) will guide you into greater body awareness, keep you fit, and share practical methods for [...]

Antonio Brown, Steelers WR

Amanda — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 13:06:24 +0000

I look forward to watching Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown this season. He is a Pilates champ! Check out his poise and fluidity in advanced exercises like Snake and single leg Tendon Stretch on the reformer, and Side Bends on the barrel. See the video >

Gyrotonic Pre-Training

Amanda — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:49:05 +0000

I wrapped up Gyrotonic Pre-Training this afternoon! I love training. It is an inspiring ‘state’ to be in. Embodying and experimenting with movement is my life’s passion, so it is a delicious treat to learn something new, and then share with my practitioners.

Lucky me, I’ll be back in training for Gyrotonic Foundation Level [...]

Passing the Torch, 3rd Intensive

Amanda — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 04:03:31 +0000

I am in the midst of my third week-long intensive with Wendy LeBlanc-Arbuckle. Our five days together are long — usually 10 or 11 hours. We move A LOT. And we observe, discuss and move some more. Wendy is incredibly strong, but in an effortless way.

This is a hanging twist opening on [...]

Pilates is a lifestyle

Amanda — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 13:08:51 +0000

Pilates is a holistic mind-body conditioning system that will transform your life… and your body, too! It is totally approachable and can be tailored to your body. If you are already athletic, it will make you incredibly centered and more integrated, and much less prone to injury. If you are a total couch potato, it [...]

Best Pilates in Austin!

Amanda — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 02:18:50 +0000

More than little surprised to see my little studio voted Best Pilates in Austin by Citysearch! Thank you. I am grateful for the support and recognition!

Guys, don’t be fooled…

Amanda — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 15:23:26 +0000

“Power is nothing without a rock-solid core. Pilates is the key to activating it. Guys, don’t be fooled just ’cause women do it. It’s no joke. Try it and you’ll find out real quick.” –DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys linebacker (via Yahoo)