ABC Pilates

New Ballet Barre Means More Classes!

2011-08-16T09:30:00.000-07:00

Guess What!

We have an extra ballet barre so now are very popular Pilates Barre class can accomodate more!

So bring your friends.

Outside the box!

2011-07-14T09:55:00.000-07:00

Try something new this weekend. Hike in the hills, swim in the ocean, volunteer your time. Whatever you decide to do challenge the norm!
It could be fun!

Happy 5th of July!

2011-07-05T08:52:00.000-07:00

Friends and families, activities and yummy foods. How much fun is the 4th of July?
So now it's time to get back in the studio and start your week off feeling great.
Happy 5th of July!

4th of July

2011-06-30T09:24:00.000-07:00

Don't miss your workout! We are open on the 4th of July.

Pink Ribbon Program

2011-06-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

http://www.pinkribbonprogram.com/index.htm

To all our friends in the fitness industry. I hope you can join us for this very important training...

Photos from Pilates Anytime

2011-06-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

Pilates Anytime

Thanks to our wonderful mommies for making this project possible. It was a very special day!

New Pre / Post Natal Class

2011-06-06T11:00:00.000-07:00

Amy was invited to post a workout for Pre / Post Natal Pilates on Pilates Anytime. http://www.pilatesanytime.com/

Amy's program should be up in the next few days!

Sign Up Early and Often

2011-06-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hi - did you miss out on your favorite class today. Darn!

Sign up early and often and you will never miss another class!

Setting Goals...

2011-05-31T11:19:00.000-07:00

What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.

Zig Ziglar

What is your goal? What is your finish line?

2011-05-24T09:40:00.000-07:00

Runnning, swimming, biking, walking, hiking or chasing after the kids.
What gets us through our day and keeps us fit, strong and healthy? Pilates of course!
Running 100 miles or walking around the block a Pilates body will never let you down!

Melissa Sheppard
Ultramarathoner, Coach,
Pilates Trainer and Mom!!

Go Julianne!

2011-05-20T08:34:00.000-07:00

Nordstrom is hosting a national fitness event. At their store in the shops of Mission Viejo Julianne Land will be teaching Zumba!
It's going to be fun and fabulous!
http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/zella-movement#results

Check it out!

Go Julianne!

2011-05-19T13:17:00.000-07:00

Our favorite "Zumbanista" Julianne will be teaching at the Shops of Mission Viejo at Nordstroms.
Should be fun!

Hello !

2011-05-19T13:13:00.000-07:00

A big welcome to all our new people that purchased from Screamin' Daily Deal. We can't wait to meet you!

Zumbathon Teachers

2011-05-03T10:53:00.001-07:00

Thanks so much to the wonderful Zumba teachers who came out and volunteered their time!

What a great community of people!

Pilates Day

2011-05-03T09:59:00.000-07:00

Count Down to Pilates Day!

Saturday, May 7th

The fun begins at 9:30am

Sign up for your FREE Class today!

Zumbathon !

2011-04-30T10:24:00.001-07:00

Great Fun for a Great Cause!

Zumbathon This Weekend!

2011-04-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

Get Fit, Have Fun, Be Inspired!

Zumbathon to benefit American Cancer Society

This SATURDAY!

$20 Donation

9:00am - 11:00am

It's Official!

2011-04-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Get Fit, Have Fun for a Cause!

To benefit Amercian Cancer Society's Relay for Life

Saturday, April 30th

9am - 11:00am

Suggested Donation: $20

Hosted by ABC Pilates

New Special Event at ABC Pilates

2011-03-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

Zumba Party! To benefit the efforts of Relay for Life, we are teaming up with the Ladera Ranch Chapter. April 30th 9am - 11am Hosted by: ABC Pilates Suggested donation $20 Have some fun, be inspired and make a difference! Learn more about the Relay for Life

NaLa is here!

2011-03-29T10:49:00.001-07:00

We have some beautiful new workout gear!

Come by the studio and check it out!

Party Time!

2011-03-28T13:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Amy - Celebrate, health and happiness and the many years to come!

From:

Katherine, Greta, Julianne, Mary, Melissa, Jenny, Laura, Donna and Emily!

Beauty from the Inside Out

2011-03-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

Beauty from the Inside Out

This Saturday, March 26th

11:00am - 2:00pm

Be Pampered with FREE facials

Be Energized with FREE classes

Be Educated

Be Inspired!

Meet Ms. Amercia and hear her story and be inspired.

We are giving back! As part of the effort to help Japan rebuild we are donating a portion of any purchase towards Global Giving!

2011-03-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

SAVE THE DATE!

Saturday, May 7th

ABC Pilates will host another amazing event !

National Pilates Day!

2011-03-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

March is a very busy month at ABC Pilates. I hope you can join us for our Beauty from the Inside Out event on March 26th at 11:00am.

National Pilates Day will be our next BIG event so SAVE THE DATE!
Saturday, May 7th.
FREE classes, food, drink and so much more...

Beauty from the Inside Out Event

2011-03-08T09:21:00.000-08:00

Save the Date

Come meet Ms. America, Tracy Broughton.

Hear her heartwarming story.

Saturday, March 26th

11:00am - 2:00pm

Join us for an afternoon of inspiration.

Congrats Amy!

2011-03-01T10:39:00.000-08:00

Very exciting news!

Amy has just completed her book Pre Natal Pilates on the EXO Chair.

Check out the link below to read more about her accomplishment!

http://www.thecenterforwomensfitness.com/blog-1/bid/60402/Prenatal-Pilates-on-the-EXO-Chair

Spring is in the Air

2011-02-24T14:12:00.000-08:00

Spring is right around the corner and ABC Pilates is getting ready for warmer weather, sunny skies and Spring cleaning. Look for new fashions in the studio, 75% off the old, a Night of Encouragement event to close out our January Jean Challenge and Pilates Day in May to honor our Master teacher Joseph Pilates. Renewel is our theme for Spring...

Happy New YOU!

2011-01-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

5 Healthy Habits
Nutrition, hydration, fitness, balance and laughter.

4 Days
Per week for a well rounded fitness program

3 Ways
Pilates, Yoga and TRX

2 FREE
10 Sessions and 2 FREE

1 You
A happy, healthy, NEW YOU!

Our Newsletter

2010-12-17T09:51:00.000-08:00

Wow - we are planning ahead!
Do you get our newsletter? Let us know and we are happy to share all our plans for 2011!

Ski Season!!

2010-12-14T11:09:00.000-08:00

Are you going to be the one hanging out on the bunny slope? Why? Black Diamonds are calling. Get into ski shape now by signing up for your Pilates classes. Be strong,healthy and fit for the mountain!

Healthy, Happy You!

2010-12-09T09:52:00.000-08:00

During the holidays Pilates gets designated to the bottom of the list.
Health and happiness should be your first priority!
Make sure you schedule your classes and committ to be fit this December!

The Gift of Health and Happiness

2010-12-07T09:28:00.000-08:00

We always wish for health and happiness for ourselves and those we care about.
Now you can give the GIFT of health and happiness.
ABC Pilates now has gift certificates available!
Buy one for a friend and one for you!

So how are your holiday plans going?

2010-12-02T10:04:00.000-08:00

Making a list and checking it twice...

Keep Pilates at the top of your list. Schedule your classes for next week right now and that way you will stay committed to the most valuable part of the holidays your healthy,happy body! Now that is something to celebrate!

There is only one person who should be round and jolly this holiday season, can you guess who that might be?

Don't Let the Turkey Get You Down...

2010-11-15T14:25:00.000-08:00

With all the holiday preparations about to begin don't let your fitness program slip to the bottom of the list.
Keep your Pilates practice going and you will be fit, strong and healthy no matter how much that turkey weighs!

RE: Thanks for the Invitation

2010-11-09T11:00:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much to Blizzard, Ladera Ranch and Saddleback Church for inviting ABC Pilates to your events.

We had a great time and met some great people!

The Many Places of ABC Pilates

2010-11-02T17:07:00.001-07:00

Thursday - Blizzard Health Faire
Friday - Lucy Dance Party
Saturday - Ladera Ranch Health Event

If you plan on being at any of these events come by and say hello!

Sunday - we rest !!

Halloween Specials

2010-10-26T11:54:00.000-07:00

No tricks plenty of treats and sugar free!
Our Pilates spooktacular specials are better than candy corn and really fun!

Great Specials from Plum District

2010-10-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

Great ABC Pilates Specials from Plum District!

Check it out!

Let your friends know.

Grand Opening This Friday!

2010-10-07T12:52:00.000-07:00

Grand Opening Celebration

This Friday!

Food, wine, fun...so much more

You just have to be there!

ABC Pilates Grand Opening Celebration

2010-10-05T14:22:00.000-07:00

ABC Pilates Grand Opening Celebration

Hi lululemon!

2010-10-04T14:19:00.000-07:00

The lululemon community is always happy to workout. Even at 7am on Monday. They are dedicated. Look for their clothes at our Grand Opening on Friday.

TRX Tonight

2010-09-29T06:54:00.001-07:00

Check out studio and TRX tonight at 5:30pm.

Guess who is teaching tonight...

Grand Opening Celebration!

2010-09-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

It's finally here!

The studio looks awesome and we are ready to party!

So join us!!

Friday, October 8th 5:00 - 9:00pm

Cocktails, food and Zumba! fun

South County Chamber will do a Ribbon Cutting at 5:30pm

RSVP 949-350-3310

info@abcpilates.com

Live, Love, Laugh & Run!

2010-09-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

Come join us for a special evening at Road Runner Sports

Celebration of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Thursday, September 30th
5 - 8pm

Special sports bra fittings, professional running shoe fit, raffle prizes, food and wine!

Do you want to know more?

Contact Melissa Sheppard, Road Runner's Grass Roots Specialist

msheppard@roadrunnerports.com

2010-09-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

Photos of our new studio

Running 100 Miles Make Some People Very Happy!

2010-09-19T11:54:00.001-07:00

This is our very own Melissa Sheppard at her half way point on the 100 mile ultra marathon in the mountains!! Go Melissa Go!

Don't forget!

2010-09-18T07:34:00.000-07:00

Monday, September 20th is our official day for our first classes at our new studio. Remember we are in the same shopping center in Suite #21. Can't wait to see all of you!

2010-09-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Countdown Everyone!

3, 2, 1

It's move time!

Plenty of pictures to come!

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall...

2010-09-14T17:41:00.000-07:00

But not for long!

Mirrors will be gone by Wednesday morning and re-installed at the new studio. We will be without mirrors for the rest of week.

2010-09-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

We are getting close to the move in date. Many improvements and now for the final touches.

Small Stuff

2010-09-10T05:41:00.000-07:00

We are moving all the small stuff to our new studio! The major move will take place NEXT weekend. Photos of the new studio will arrive shortly.

Yoga at ABC Pilates

2010-09-08T14:49:00.000-07:00

Come join us for Yoga on Wednesday at 12 noon. Yoga for lunch??!! Yummy!

New Studio Space is taking shape

2010-09-01T15:59:00.000-07:00

Just as Pilates transforms our bodies the new studio space is transforming before our eyes. The walls are painted, the tile floor is almost complete.
A once tired dance studio has been given a fresh start!
I can almost see everyone working out in there!
Soon, very soon...

Our new space transforms...

2010-08-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

Another great photo of our new space. Check it out! This will be the new front desk area.

2010-08-27T07:04:00.000-07:00

The first stages of our new studio. We love to Dance!

Here we grow again!

2010-08-26T16:07:00.000-07:00

We are moving in a few weeks to our bigger, spacious new studio. Can't wait to show you the before and after pictures. Look for more classes, bigger rooms and we will even have bathrooms!

2010-07-10T08:10:00.000-07:00

* NEW TRX classes at ABC Pilates *

We have added TRX strength training classes

throughout our weekly schedule.

Sign up today for EARLY morning, afternoon,

or evening classes.

2010-07-01T08:37:00.000-07:00

ABC PILATES introduces:

TRX

A suspension training that prevents injuries

while building muscle strength, flexibility,

and balance. YOU are in TOTAL control

of the intensity level of your workout.

Call (949) 305-3310 or visit

the ABC Pilates website

www.abcpilates.com

to find out more information on TRX.

2010-06-10T09:03:00.000-07:00

* SEAT OF THE SOUL *

Every Tuesday at ABC Pilates

Alicia will be giving chair massages

from 8:30 am-12:00 pm

$20.00 for 20 minutes...call the studio

and book your appointment today!

2010-06-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

*MOM'S NIGHT OUT*

Join ABC Pilates and Milkalicious for

a Mom's Night Out and RED CARPET event

at the Rancho Niguel 8 Theater

to see SEX and the CITY 2!!!

Join us from 6:00-7:00 PM on the RED carpet

where the Milkalicious' *HOLLYWOOD* Paparazzi will take

your picture, sip on cocktails AND enjoy hors d'oeuvres!!

*DETAILS*DETAILS*DETAILS*

Date: Tuesday, June 1st

Price: $10.00

Red Carpet event: 6:00-7:00 PM

Movie Starts: 7:15 PM

Where: Rancho Niguel 8- Laguna Niguel

Address: 25471 Rancho Niguel Road, Laguna Niguel, 92677

2010-05-29T08:24:00.000-07:00

Ladera Mat classes at the Covenant Hills Clubhouse

* NEW SUMMER RATES *

(June-August)

Pilates Mat Classes

Mondays 6:30-7:30 PM

(10 week session)

Cost- $50.00

*OR*

$15.00 per class for drop-ins

ZUMBA

Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 PM

(10 week session)

Cost- $50.00

*OR*

$15.00 per class for drop-ins

2010-05-29T08:15:00.000-07:00

Sign up for an ABC Pilates membership

to receive the following:

* 10% all Laser treatments at Alladerm *

* * 10% off clothes and accessories at the ABC Pilates studio * *

* * * 25% off Seat of the Soul massage * * *

* * * * $5.00 off each Knockout Tan * * * *

(benefits are different for each membership)

2010-05-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

ULTIMATE FIT MEMBERSHIP

Unlimited use of all of the

classes we have to offer. $239.00

STRONG & FIT

MEMBERSHIP

Limited to mat, cardio, fit,

exo-chair and springboard classes. $150.00

2010-05-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

* NEW CLASSES *

We added additional mat, specialty, boot camp,

and group classes to the weekly schedule.

*SIGN UP* and prepare your body for

the *HOT* summer season.

2010-05-06T10:09:00.000-07:00

ABC PILATES EVENTS FOR

THURSDAY, MAY 6, 2010

* Road Runner Sports-

"Girls Night Out"

Time: 5:00-8:00 P.M.

Join Katherine while she gives

demonstrations on the EXO Chair

* Mission Viejo Mall-

(ANOTHER)

"Girls Night Out"

Time: 5:00-8:00 P.M.

Amy, Aimee, Emily and Kristen will have table near the Microsoft Store.

Stop by the table for a quick visit and enter in our raffle to win a FREE prize.

Feel free to call the studio if you have ANY questions

in regard to tonight's event.

(949) 305-3310

2010-04-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

Pilates Day is 2 DAYS away!!

Call ABC Pilates and sign up for a FREE 1/2 hour Pilates

session:

(949) 305-3310

*Space is VERY limited*

2010-04-27T11:20:00.000-07:00

Pilates Day is 4 DAYS away!!

Call ABC Pilates and sign up for a FREE 1/2 hour Pilates session

(949) 305-3310

2010-04-26T17:04:00.000-07:00

* ABC Pilates BUCKS *

Ask about our referral program...

great way to workout with a buddy AND

put money back into your account!

2010-04-26T15:35:00.000-07:00

Veggie Farfalle

* Spinach

* Asparagus (cut into 1/2" length)

* Zucchini (thinly sliced)

* Yellow squash (thinly sliced)

* Ricotta cheese (amount is optional, about 2T.)

* Zest of a lemon

* Olive oil

* Garlic (crushed or chopped)

* Crushed red pepper flakes

* Fresh parsley

Saute all veggies in the olive oil, garlic and red pepper flakes,

boil the pasta according to the instructions on the box. Mix all ingredients

in a bowl.

Serve...BON APPETIT!

Amount of each ingredient is optional

2010-04-22T08:46:00.000-07:00

Saturday May 1, 2010

9am-12pm

NATIONAL PILATES DAY CELEBRATION AT:

ABC PILATES

27601 Forbes Road, #47

Laguna Niguel, CA. 92677

(949) 305-3310

www.abcpilates.com

(please call or email info@abcpilates.com to

FREE Pilates classes throughout the morning.

Open to EVERYONE!!!

* 1 K kids run

* Membership discount offered

* Classes will be held on the half hour

between 9am until 12 pm

* Reserve your class today

Food and Refreshments Provided

VENDORS INCLUDE:

Lululemon

Knockout Tan

Milkalicious

Seat of the Soul

BRING A FRIEND, GET A GIFT!!

(value up to $100.00)

2010-03-18T10:20:00.001-07:00

*LULULEMON* will be at ABC Pilates

the last Tuesday of EVERY month. They will bring ALL

Sale and Spring/Summer Pilates wear.

*** * * * * * ***TIME* * *** *** ** **

6:45AM- 12:00PM

2010-03-11T10:08:00.000-08:00

KNOCKOUT TANNING SERVICE

Kristen Oviedo will be bringing her

airbrush spray tan service to

ABC PILATES.

$25.00 for full body spray

2010-03-11T09:33:00.000-08:00

SEAT of the SOUL

Holistic Healing by: Alicia

Alicia will be bringing her massage

services to ABC Pilates on:

Tuesday, March 16

7:00-11:30 AM.

She will offer neck and shoulder

massages for $1.00/ minute.

2010-03-06T08:40:00.000-08:00

* NEW 6:00 A.M. Saturday morning GROUP classes *

2010-03-05T10:31:00.000-08:00

CRUNCH & COOK with ABC Pilates and TSpoons

Below is a recipe from the FIRST Mom's night out cooking
class this past February in Ladera Ranch. We will have another
Crunch & Cook adventure this month. Please contact
ABC Pilates (949) 305-3310 for further event details.

Steamed Vegetable Dumplings

Ingredients:
1/2 lb firm tofu, small diced
1/2 c coarsely grated carrot
1/2 c shredded Napa cabbage
2 T finely chopped red bell pepper
2 T finely chopped scallions
2 t finely minced fresh ginger
1 T soy sauce
1 T hoisin sauce
2 t sesame oil
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 t sea salt
1/4 t black pepper
35 wonton wrappers

Preparation:
* In a large bowl, mix the ingredients, except the wonton wrappers, until completely combined. Taste for seasoning and adjust as desired.
* To assemble the dumplings, wet edges of wonton with water. Place about 1 tablespoon of the filling in the middle of the wrapper. Fold the wrapper in half to form a half moon shape. Pinch the edges tightly together until it is completely sealed. Rest the assembled dumplings with the folded edges straight up.
* Line a lightly oiled bamboo steamer tray of steamer insert with parchment paper. Place the dumplings about 1/2 inch apart on the parchment paper. Heat enough water inside the steamer pot., place the steamer tray over the water and cover. Reduce the heat to simmer and steam undisturbed until the dumplings are cooked through, about 12 minutes.

Mirin Soy Dipping Sauce:
* 1/3 c thin soy sauce
* 1/3 c mirin
* 1/3 c rice wine vinegar
* 1/3 c sliced scallions
* 1 t sesame oil
* 1 t granulated sugar

TSpoons
http://www.tspoons.com/

2010-02-18T10:58:00.000-08:00

LULULEMON will be at the

ABC Pilates Studio on

Thursday, February 25

from 6:45-11:45 A.M. They will feature a

*TRUNK SHOW*

full of colorful and comfortable Pilates wear.

This is a HEALTHY way to sign up for an

EARLY Pilates session AND collect NEW

fitness clothes for the Spring time.

** HAPPY SHOPPING **

2010-01-21T09:42:00.000-08:00

Please welcome and join our NEW ABC Pilates (Cardio) Instructor,

*MELISSA SHEPPARD*

Melissa Sheppard is a Cardio Fitness Specialist who

will be offering cardio classes, personal training,

short/long distant running and triathlon

coaching. She is available for a

FREE demo at ABC Pilates

on Wednesday, January

27th @ 6:00 PM.

Please sign up at the ABC Pilates studio, call

(949) 305-3310 or email Melissa at:

Melissa@coachingbymelissa.com

Also, feel free to visit her website at:

http://www.coachingbymelissa.com/

2010-01-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

CRUNCH and COOK

A Mom's night out adventure with

Pilates and healthy cooking

Join ABC Pilates and TSpoons for a

fun evening of activities:

Wednesday, February 24th

6 PM: Pilates class with Zeena Dhalla at Avendale Clubhouse (1 Daisy)

7 PM: Healthy cooking class at Tspoons (6 Gilly Flower)

8 PM: Enjoy your meal with your fellow moms at Tspoon (6 Gilly Flower)

Price: $40.00 per person

RSVP: registration is required at http://www.tspoons.com/

2010-01-13T11:16:00.000-08:00

* NEW ARRIVALS *

at ABC Pilates!!!

ABC Pilates Logo

Tee's,

Tanks,

Crop pants

and

Long pants

have arrived at the studio.

Also, don't forget to checkout our new cuff line designed by Lynne Curtin!

All cuff's $130.00 each

2010-01-07T08:58:00.000-08:00

LULULEMON will be at the ABC Pilates Studio on

THURSDAY, January 14 from 6:45-11:45 A.M.

They will feature a *TRUNK SHOW* full of ALL their SALE

items. This will be the LAST OPPORTUNITY to

shop and SAVE on their athletic apparel that will no longer be

displayed at the Irvine location. Also, this is a HEALTHY way to

on NEW fitness clothes for the NEW year.

** * ** *HAPPY SHOPPING!!* ** ** *

2010-01-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

Lost & Found

Please search the lost and found basket, located near the

dressing room, for all belongings left behind.

2010-01-04T17:21:00.000-08:00

JANUARY 2010 SPECIALS/PACKAGES:

"Feel the Difference"- 10 group sessions- 2 FREE $370.00

"See the Difference"- 20 group sessions- 3 FREE $540.00

"Have a New Body"- 30 group sessions- 4 FREE $780.00

"Keep the New Body"- 40 group sessions $1,000.00

Workout Buddies Unite- "Referral Program" is a great way to get your friends in the door and to put a little something back into your account.

The First Steps Package- New to Pilates? Do you need a review? Make a healthy commitment with our First Step Package- 3 One hour Private sessions, 5 One hour group sessions $255.00 ($420.00 value-NEW Client's ONLY)

2009-12-31T10:10:00.000-08:00

* HAPPY * NEW * YEAR *

"Each moment in a day has it's own value:

MORNING brings HOPE,
AFTERNOON brings FAITH,
EVENING brings LOVE,
NIGHT brings REST."
(~unknown)
AND....WEEKS are full of unlimited visit to the ABC Pilates studio!
May all your days of 2010 be full of all the above!
Have a HAPPY and SAFE*2010* NEW YEAR!!!

XO! ABC Pilates Staff :)

2009-12-16T11:16:00.000-08:00

HOLIDAY HOURS:

* * * * * * * * ************ **** **** ***** **** ***** * * * * * * *

Thursday, December 24th 6:00 A.M.-1:30 P.M.

Friday, December 25th *HAPPY HOLIDAYS* No classes

Thursday, December 31st 6:00 A.M.-11:30 A.M.

Friday, January 1st *HAPPY NEW YEAR* No Classes

2009-11-14T10:45:00.000-08:00

ABC PILATES HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

* ** *** ** * *** *** ** * *** *** ** * ** * ** * *

When ?? Thursday, December 3, 2009

Time ?? 8:00 A.M.-3:00 P.M.

Place ?? ABC Pilates Studio

ABC Pilates will host their annual HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

with jewelry, massage, fitness clothes, holiday treats,

gift packages/baskets and additional items

to purchase for the winter holidays.

Visit the studio, meet and mingle with fellow Pilates Peeps

(or bring a buddy) and enjoy a variety of vendors.

2009-11-04T16:09:00.000-08:00

GLUTEN-FREE CRANBERRY ORANGE PECAN PUMPKIN BREAD
Servings: Makes 10-12 slices

* 1-1/3 Cups Gluten free all purpose baking mix
* 1 Cup orange juice with pulp
* orange zest (optional)
* 1-1/2 Cup pumpkin puree
* 1/2 cup fresh cranberries chopped
* 1/2 cup toasted pecans chopped
* 2 eggs
* 1/3 cup canola or olive oil
* 2 tsp. of cinnamon
* 1 tsp. of nutmeg

DIRECTIONS:

- Pre-heat oven at 350 degrees
- Grease a 9X5 inch loaf pan
- Mix all ingredients together in a medium size bowl and blend well
- Transfer batter to prepared loaf pan and bake in the center of the oven for 50-55 minutes or until tester comes out clean
- Cool in pan for 10 minutes and turn out onto rack to cool completely before slicing

Nicole Beauregard

2009-10-08T12:53:00.000-07:00

Nicole Beauregard is a Woman on a Mission

Another success story from ABC Pilates

Nicole Before

Nicole has been coming to ABC Pilates since May 2009. It has been wonderful to watch her transformation. I would like to say that Pilates did it all. But that is just part of it. She achieved her goals by strength, determination AND Pilates. I also have to mention her terrific personality and sense of humor. She has the winning formula!

Her story of transformation actually begins in March of 2009. At that time, she was diagnosed with PCOS – Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome. This also led to an additional diagnosis of insulin resistance. Not to be deterred or discouraged, Nicole began changing her nutritional habits and her lifestyle. These changes along with a whole new fitness program helped her achieve an amazing weight loss of 20 pounds.

New Nicole

Nicole is a physical therapist with Professional Physical Therapy in Mission Viejo and she is

Amy’s physical therapist as well. Nicole, has always been a believer in Pilates just never a participant. ABC Pilates was able to change that! She started with private sessions and soon moved on to group classes. Nicole has always been known for her toned, muscular legs (more on that later) but since starting Pilates she has received several more compliments. Along with her Pilates practice, she has added a running program. Nicole says that running has always been a four letter word for her and didn’t believe she had the body to run. Now she has discovered the joy of running and Pilates is a big part of that discovery. Do I hear a 5K in her future?

Ok, here is the little knownNicole Beauregard fact:

In college Nicole was a 1995 All American Honoree in shot put. Don’t believe me? Google it! Still don’t believe it? Check out those legs!

Strength, determination AND Pilates can get you there too! Ask Nicole. The bottom line: Pilates is for Everybody!

Exercises we love! Side legs lifts

2009-08-21T11:07:00.000-07:00

Why we love this exercise: This exercise challenges your obliques and you work your inner thighs at the same time! Be sure to keep the abdominals engaged and hips stacked on top of each other the entire time.

Lie on your side with all body parts lined with hips stacked. Now move your legs slightly in front so that you are in a banana shape. This helps with balance and protects the lower back.

You can prop your head up on your hand, or stretch the bottom arm out long and lay your head down. If you prop your head up, you must support your alignment by lifting your rib cage away from the mat.

Exhale:
Use your abdominals and the engagement of your legs to bring both legs up a few inches off your mat.

Focus on keeping your inner legs together, all the way from your sit bones to your heels.

Inhale:
Get longer still as you slowly lower your legs back down on the mat. Use control.

Do this exercise 5-8 times. Turn over on your other side and repeat.

Tips:
Modify this exercise by leaving your head down on an outstretched arm.

The front arm is just for balance. Use your core.

What's for dinner?

2009-08-12T10:41:00.000-07:00

Don't even think about getting back to school or the new fall fashions!

It's still summer!

Get in that kitchen with your hubby, a friend or even your dog and try out one of these cool recipes from Women's Health.

You can use fresh local ingredients from your farmers market for these recipes and get the cooking done in a jiffy.

Black bean and mango salsa with some grilled chicken sounds great for dinner tonight, and great for leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

Enjoy!

Student of the Month- August

2009-08-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Michael Weinberg

1. How often do you attend class at the ABC Pilates studio? Four classes in three days

2. How long have you been practicing Pilates? Two years

3. Who inspires you to practice Pilates? No one in particular. I was looking for an exercise program that I felt safe and that I could do by myself. With my vision limitations there were certain restrictions

4. Favorite Pilates class? I have no favorite

5. Do you have a history of injuries? When I first started I had severe shoulder and neck pain and range of motion issues with my shoulder

6. What type of significant improvements have you noticed with your body since practicing Pilates? My neck and shoulder pain have been eliminated and my range of motion issues have improved dramatically. I have also experienced increased strength, improved muscle tone, increased flexibility, and weight loss

7. What advice can you share with fellow Pilates students? I think the most important thing is to be patient. Improvement and change takes time and consistency

8. Has Pilates changed your daily diet? Yes, but I know I should do better. Coming to the studio regularly helps because all the staff are so dedicated to our improvement

Welcome Summer Goals!

2009-06-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Summer!

We recently celebrated Summer Solstice and with the change in season comes the long days of sunlight and a great feeling of renewal. Try to ignore the kids running around driving you nuts and check in with yourself for a quick moment....

This is a great time to check in and see how those goals you set back in January (did we forget about them?) are going.

Are you making progress in your career, personal, life and health?

So you say, "What is a goal?"

Glad you asked!

A goal is a written, measurable statement with a specific subject and a deadline. A goal is a milestone in the creation of your ideal life. A goal is what inspires you to do the work everyday.

It might sound overwhelming but it can be as simple as spending 10 minutes a day reading a book to your children, cooking a new recipe once a week with you husband, or trying out that new pilates class! Its all about baby steps....

You all know we love love love lululemon! No suprise there! Check out this great tool called Goal Tender. Its a way to define your values and keep track of your goals and progress. Think of it as a way cooler version of a diary.

Click here for Goal Tender

If you would like to share your goals or stories with us, we would love to hear them! Send them to amy@abcpilates.com. We love to hear what our community is up to outside of spending time in the studio!

I Met My Goal!

2009-05-07T15:00:00.000-07:00

Back in January, ABC Pilates along with our clients set our goals for 2009. I decided to set a personal goal for myself and committed to run a 1/2 Marathon by August of this year. I actually met my goal May 2nd running for the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation's Cinco de Mayo Half Marathon. It was a challenge that I was not sure I could keep. I am so glad I did it and proud for making the effort and committment to myself. I and am grateful that I had many people support me in my 5 month preparation for this worthy cause.

Since this was my first 1/2 marathon, (well, technically I ran one at age 26 but hey that was at 26 not 42) I wanted to test Pilates to see how much it could really help in my training. So, I ran 3 times a week and did Pilates 3 times a week alternating days. I took Pilates Express and Cardio Reformer with Katherine to amp up my cardio output for training and of course daily stretching. I kept suprising myself each week at how much stronger I felt in my legs and how much longer and faster I could run. During the process, I did hurt my hip but it is a common running injury. My IT Band and piriformis were so tight in my right hip that it was sometimes painful to walk. I went to Dr. Emily and she was able to treat me with her laser and other equipment that helped heal the hip. Plus she gave me supplements that helped with overall energy and nutrition. I felt blessed that my training included such supportive colleagues.

I felt tired after the run and actually was a Zombie all that day but in the days after, I expected to be in pain and stiff and actually was not. I started Pilates within 2 days of the race and was out running again within 3 days and felt great!

So my test was postitive and I highly recommend doing Pilates during any training program to help with flexibility, strength and endurance. Yes, I know I own the studio and of course I would recommend Pilates but now I have truly lived the experience and have seen the results on myself and am here to tell you it works.

I am now going to set a goal for a triathalon in August. Does anyone want to join me in my training and do their own test?

I would love to hear about your success stories with Pilates and will keep you posted on my training this summer.