Benefits of Turmeric

This week I was looking to turmeric to ease my knotted tummy, and help me get grounded back to earth. So, I decided to experiment a little and create a turmeric tea. It seemed to do the trick! I have been drinking it all week and I’m shocked that I haven’t turned completely yellow.

Here is a little info on this wonderful spice! Turmeric is an orange-colored spice imported from India and is part the ginger family. In addition, ayurvedic and Chinese medicines utilize turmeric to clear infections and inflammations on the inside and outside of the body. But beyond the holistic health community, Western medical practitioners have only recently come on board in recognizing the benefits of turmeric. 

Benefits of Turmeric:

• Blocking cancer
• Powerful antioxidant
• Potent anti-inflammatory
• Osteoarthritis pain relief
• Indigestion and heartburn aid
• Heart disease
• Impact on diabetes

Yummy Turmeric Tea! 

Pilates & Breathing

There are so many reasons why Pilates is effective and breathing is just one. Breathing oxygenates blood and increases circulations to all regions of the body. Breathing is so important during exercise and can increase relaxation of muscles and also avoid undue tension. So, don't forget to breathe!

Larry Rosen dies at 75

Body Symmetree pays tribute to friend, Larry Rosen who was one of the greatest, most influential and innovative producers in the jazz industry. 

http://www.northjersey.com/news/jazz-producer-larry-rosen-of-park-ridge-co-founder-of-grp-label-dies-1.1429497

Dealing with Neck Pains

Does your neck hurt?

Many people complain of neck pain – you know, that tight achy stiffness in the back of the neck and upper shoulders.  Upper neck agony is usually the end of some very common repetitive actions…such as working on computers, slouching due to poor posture when driving or just sitting. Now, to announce the MOST POPULAR CAUSE: “Text neck”…aka Anterior Head Syndrome, which is caused by a your head being dropped forward, and your shoulders are curved. It’s everywhere we go these days: chins are almost touching our chests while we are texting, reading e-mail, playing a game etc.  Don't get me wrong, I love technology, but this is a global epidemic. All theses wireless devices are ruining our posture and literally a pain in our necks.

 So what can you do?

Well, it’s important to find exercises that focus on improving your posture, and strengthening your neck.

Pilates helps with posture by strengthening a variety of muscles in the torso – from the deep to the superficial – so that every BODY can achieve the posture that is best for them. Pilates targets the deep muscles around the spine and the muscles of the upper back under the scapula to help each individual discover their own more upright posture.  Additionally, Pilates also focuses on ideal posture and alignment of the hip joint and lower back so that a strong foundation for great posture can be achieved.

A strong core will be the foundation for all great posture.  If the core is weak, then great posture is difficult to achieve.  Next, the shoulder girdle stabilizers in the back play a VERY key role, particularly the lower trapezius and the middle trapezius muscles.  These muscles are often neglected because they are not VANITY muscles, meaning muscles that you can see in the mirror!  However, these are EXTREMELY important postural muscles, ones that play a significant role not only in great posture, but in keeping the neck tension free as well.  Pilates exercises target all of these muscles! 

Try it, your body and neck will thank you!

Body Symmetree's Morning Smoothie

Blueberry Ginger Smoothie

(Kim's on the go breakfast)

We've all heard it before...the most important meal of the day is....EAT THY BREAKFAST! So, I'd like to share with you my favorite smoothie!

This is a wonderful gluten-free smoothie and it's packed with antioxidants.

• 1 ½ Cups of almond milk 

• ½ Cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

• 1 - 2 bananas 

• 2-3 knobs of fresh ginger

Blend all ingredients together in a Blendtec, VitaMix or any blender and enjoy! 

Choose Forgiveness

In order to forgive, we need to stop identifying ourselves with the suffering that was caused.  

When someone has hurt us, consciously or unconsciously, one of the most difficult things we have to face in resolving the situation is the act of forgiveness. Sometimes it feels easier not to forgive and possibly cut the person in question out of our lives. In some cases, ending the relationship may be the right thing to do, but even in that case, we will only be free if we have truly forgiven. If we harbor bitterness in our hearts against anyone, we only hurt ourselves.  Why, because we are the ones harboring the bitterness. We have to choose to forgive and choosing to alleviate ourselves of that burden, choosing to be free of the past, and choosing not to perceive ourselves as victims. It is this act of forgiveness that our bodies can truly heal both physically, mentally and spiritually. 

Morning Vitality Juice

JUICING IT UP:

Everybody is juicing these days…it’s all around us. So, I decided to taste test some of these beautiful emerald green juices and check out the ingredients…particularly morning juices, since that is the most important part of the day. 

Unfortunately, most of us do not have the time to make breakfast nor should we be eating all those high in fiber snack bars…they are the worst!

My findings in these beautiful emerald green juices were that they tasted delicious but a little on the sweet side and didn't give much energy. So, I researched the fruit and veggie content.  The veggies were all highly nutritious (spinach, romaine lettuce, kale etc.) However, I found that some juice companies were using fruits that are high in sugar… specifically, pineapple.  Although pineapple aids digestion it is very high in sugar and high on the glycemic index. So, don't make it a daily habit. Use blueberries or blackberries as a substitute.  

My quest was to find that perfect morning “pick me up” juice so, here it is…drumroll please…  

Body Symmetree’s Morning Vitality Juice:

Handful of Spinach – Spinach is anticancer, improves memory, promotes healing, anti-anemia and antioxidant note: antioxidants are chemicals that can prevent or slow cell damage

A Few Kale Leaves – Anticancer and antioxidant

Handful of Parsley – Again, another antioxidant, digestive, diuretic, and rich in vitamin C

1 Green Apple – Tonic, digestive, diuretic, detoxifying, laxative and lowers blood cholesterol  

½ Pear – Protects the colon

1 Cucumber – Diuretic, high in water, and contain, which help the heart by reducing cholesterol

½  Lemon -  Nerve relaxant, antihistamine, antispasmodic, antiviral, antibacterial, antidepressant

2 Knobs of Ginger – Anti-nausea, relieves headaches and arthritis, anti-inflammatory and circulatory stimulant

Sprinkle Cayenne – Stimulant, antiseptic, antibacterial  

Fresh Ground Tumeric – Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial, lowers blood cholesterol, heals wounds, protects liver cells

That’s it, enjoy and drink up! 

Summer Salad

The summer season is here and we all want to make sure we look and feel good. The balance of exercise and a healthy diet is one of the most important things to consider when it comes to health. Summer is bright, breezy and beautiful and often calls for a few refreshing and delicious salad recipes. Body Symmetree Pilates, brings foodies a healthy and delicious meal. We bring you a recipe this month; Arugula Salad with Fennel and Pine Nuts.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups baby arugula
• 1 Fennel bulb, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cored, halved and thinly sliced (optional)       
• ½ cup toasted pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 ounce Parmigiano Reggiano

In a large salad bowl, combine arugula, fennel, red pepper and pine nuts. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, garlic olive oil and pepper. Drizzle over salad and toss well. Shave Pamigiano Reggiano over salad. Serves 6

Pilates & Spinal Stenosis:

Spinal stenosis is a condition that is caused by a narrowing of the space surrounding the spinal cord or the spinal nerves. The spinal cord extends from the brain to the bottom of the spine. The spinal cord and spinal nerves perform two important functions:

•  Sensory Information – Nerves pass messages from the body to the brain. The sensations we feel, including pain, pressure, vibration, and other sensations, are detected and passed through these spinal nerves, up the spinal cord, and to our brain.

•  Motor Instructions - Nerves also send messages the other direction, from the brain to the body. These messages direct muscle functions, both voluntary and involuntary. The signals help us perform all functions from walking to breathing.

Individuals with lumbar spinal stenosis may have pain or discomfort in the legs, as well as weakness or “heaviness” in the lower extremities. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling or hot and cold feelings in the legs.

Pilates Exercise as a Treatment Option
People with back pain and poor posture can benefit from Pilates exercise, but proper technique is key. You have to modify lumbar exercises. Below is a few Pilates exercises for clients with spinal stenosis. For more information or to book an appointment click on our contact page.

1.   Single Leg Stretch
2. Double Knee-to-Chest Stretch
3. Single Straight-Leg

THE REFORMER

The REFORMER is one of Joseph Pilates creations made to assist the body to reform itself.

This "reformer," is a flat bed gliding on springs, using a strap and pulley system to move the body through the exercises.

Weight bearing activities are important for increasing and maintaing bone density.

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