Happy New Year, everybody!

It’s another New Year and we’re ready to help make everyone’s Resolutions come true… I actually prefer to call them Intentions because I feel it’s more effective.

We’ve created a couple new classes: Introduction to the Reformer for those folks ready to make the transition from mat to semis or from privates to semis; and General Jodie’s Calisthenics Mat Class to help combat the effect of too many holiday cookies. I’m excited about both of these classes.

Many of my regular clients have heard me talk a bit about the Blue Zones, those four hot spots around the globe where people live to 100 and older in great numbers. But it’s not only about longevity—they live with strength, vitality and happiness. Residents of the blue zones tend their gardens, are active members of their communities, eat delicious food and exercise regularly!

Oprah’s been a big fan of the Blue Zones and has hosted Dan Buettner, a freelance writer for National Geographic who spent seven years researching his book The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer from the People Who’ve Lived the Longest. For more information about the Blue Zones, check out these links: http://bluezones.com/
http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20081009_tows_bluezones/1
http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/longevity/preview/daily_vid.html

Daily physical exercise is a characteristic shared by all four zones and is a major factor in contributing to the highest quality of life. With our beloved Romana as living proof of the effects of a daily regime of Pilates, I am inspired by this and find it incredibly motivating for the New Year.

Another favorite Pilates legend and living example of the positive effects of daily exercise is Jay Grimes. (Just how old is Jay anyway?) Jay returns to PSI to teach lessons March 6th and 7th and will be conducting a workshop for teachers on the 7th. If you haven’t worked with Jay before, I encourage you to do so – he’s nothing short of amazing. Read on to learn more about Jay Grimes, The Pilates Teachers’ Teacher.

One of my Resolutions/Intentions is to write a fairly regular blog. Those of you who know me know that I’m a big fan of connecting people – ask me for a recommendation for body work, for help quitting smoking, a great restaurant … So when I come across the Blue Zones, I’m excited about the correlations between healthy minds, healthy eating, strong cores, increasing longevity and improving the daily quality of life. And I’m looking forward to sharing my thoughts with all of you.

Cheers!
~ Lauren