Welcome to March everyone! 

Spring is definitely "springing"! I hope you enjoyed your extra leap day in February. The month seemed to just fly by with Valentine flowers, surprise snow and beautiful days for hiking such as to Machine Falls near Tullahoma.

How are you progressing on your wellness goals as we enter the third month of 2024? I achieved a real milestone last weekend on mine as I completed a 6.2 mile hike into and out of Lost Cove! It has been several years since I was able to do a hike of that magnitude. Matthew expertly dug deep into my left hip on my last massage and got my pelvis straight again. That has enabled me to really gain strength and cardio abilities in Betsy's You Fit class, and Pippa's Kundalini and Easy Flow Yoga blend has helped greatly in loosening up my back and hips as well each week. It is amazing how much a difference in alignment will make, both in ease in your body and the ability to strengthen! I am starting to feel like my old, pre-covid self again!! All that to make a point that if I can do it, you can too! Let our Bodyworks team know how we can help you make 2024 your best year!

2023 was a good year for Bodyworks. We had two new instructors join us, Pippa Browne teaching Yoga and Hannah Van Buren doing Personal Training. Bruce Manuel completed his Master's degree at Sewanee, Betsy completed a Senior Fitness Specialist Certification, Matthew achieved his Personal Trainers Certification and Hannah completed her PNF Stretching Certification. We added our beautiful new doors to allow multiple activities to take place at the same time in the studio, and we had a very successful collaboration with Folks at Home on Pilates, Chair aerobics and Balance and Strength classes. The Bodyworks staff plan to continue to add to our offerings to better serve the community in seeking health and wellness in 2024. We thank you all for being a part of the Bodyworks family and look forward to having you grow with us in 2024!

What is Your Most Important goal in 2024?
Good health should be at the top of your list because without it everything else in your life is compromised, including your ability to take care of others! Most of us have a job, kids and often elderly parents that all need our best energy and focus. The YOU in Bodyworks YOUniversity is about helping you to be your best self in every aspect of your life.

Bodyworks, together with Mountain Massage offers everything you need to achieve better health and vitality. We would like to help you get a jump start on making this goal a reality by introducing the “Sampler Package” of all our offerings!

The Sampler Package includes:
1 Pilates class with Bruce or Kim,
1 Yoga class with Pippa,
1 You Fit class with Betsy,
1 hour Pilates private session with Kim or Bruce,
1 hour Personal Training session with Hannah
1 hour massage with Matthew!
Normally these services would total $240 but are being offered for $200!

To help keep you motivated to reach your goals this package will only be available for purchase January 1^st -March 31^st. You must use the services in your package within 90 days of purchase or they will expire. No putting these on the back burner and letting another year pass by without improving your health! Happy New Year!

Bodyworks Youniversity is thrilled to announce that Hannah VanBuren, a certified personal trainer through the National Council on Strength & Fitness, will be scheduling appointments for personal training on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Bodyworks Studio, 293 Ball Park Road, Sewanee, TN 37375.

Hannah embarked on her personal training journey back in 2017, driven by her passion for fitness and her desire to help others achieve their health and wellness goals. She took the first step towards her career by becoming a certified personal trainer through the National Council on Strength and Fitness. Her initial experience was in a one-on-one personal training studio, where she honed her skills in tailoring workout programs to meet the unique needs and objectives of each individual client. Whether her clients sought to build strength, improve balance, enhance endurance, or undergo a total body transformation, Hannah was there to guide them on their fitness journey. Her clients ranged in age, showcasing her versatility in training people of all generations.

During her time at the personal training studio, one of Hannah's clients recommended she explore the opportunities at Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation. Recognizing the potential to merge her medical assisting background with her personal training expertise to make a meaningful impact on patients and members, Hannah made the leap to join the Siskin team. At Siskin, she continued her role as a personal trainer, working with both hospital patients and fitness enthusiasts.

It was at Siskin Hospital that Hannah expanded her knowledge and experience in training special populations, including those with unique medical needs and challenges. She also worked with individuals who simply desired greater comfort and confidence in a fitness and wellness environment. One of Hannah's true passions is transforming something intimidating into an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for anyone willing to try. She specifically focuses on empowering women to feel at ease in a weightlifting setting, allowing them to witness and feel the positive changes in their bodies while nurturing a wellness-focused mindset, rather than solely emphasizing aesthetics. This dedication to women's fitness and well-being is a core aspect of Hannah's life, and she warmly welcomes individuals of all experience levels, whether they are newcomers to the gym or seasoned fitness enthusiasts. Hannah is committed to helping everyone achieve their health and fitness goals while enjoying the journey along the way.

Following is a blog post written by Joy Puleo who is the Director of Education for Balanced Body. Joy has been teaching Pilates since 2002 and has been in the health and wellness industry since 1996. She shares the vision with Balanced Body to elevate mindful movement as a component to long term health and wellbeing. 

I have been in this business long enough to remember when I avoided saying I was a Pilates instructor. For the few who knew what Pilates was, I did not look like one of those celebrity Pilates instructors but for most people Pilates was mysterious and I was ill-equipped, and insecure in my abilities, to stand strong in space of clarity. “It’s a little like fitness” “ a little like Yoga…”

Now, Pilates itself stands strong in a space of clarity and as a wellness modality unto itself. A modality that optimizes movement potential and helps clients do all the things they love to do well, do longer, and with physical proficiency. The value proposition to the client is now well understood, which makes the need for instructors, qualified instructors, who see the potential of Pilates as a profession greater than ever.

In a prior blog, we explored the earning potential of a Pilates instructor. Here, let’s discuss what it means to be a fully recognized profession. Our student population is growing, diversifying, and expanding the boundaries of practice. Prior to the pandemic the average student taking Pilates teacher training coursework was 35-57, mostly women, and were returning to the workforce post children or exploring training as a second/third career. There was very little diversity in persons and socioeconomic status, and the aspirations ranged from being able to teach clients inside a small home studio, to teaching inside a studio part-time, to becoming a studio owner of a physical space.

Today, the age has skewed younger, between 25-45, still largely women. We are seeing more diversity in the student makeup in both persons, bodies, and also in professional aspirations. There is a rise of Pilates professionals, for whom teaching Pilates is the goal. Practices are not only limited to in-person inside a physical space, but with virtual options, all manner of client interaction, classes, and teacher training can now be found online.

During the pandemic, we all wondered and feared this would negatively impact in-person teaching, conferences, and studios. The opposite has been happening. The virtual is fueling independent instructors, studios are thriving and growing, conferences are sought after, and the client is asking for Pilates. Many studios are also being opened by business forward operators seeking to leverage the professional gains and create business opportunities and strategies around the brand that is Pilates. Like-minded health professionals are joining in the ‘movement’ and seeking various avenues of education including physical therapists, massage therapists, chiropractors, and osteopaths.

This is a moment, an opportunity, for the whole of the Pilates community. The past is meeting the present and the future is open to possibilities. We can all now stand solidly in the space that is Pilates and own the space we stand in!

With all this growth comes a word of caution. Pilates is sought after not because it is like…fitness, yoga, tai-chi, or anything else. It is sought after for what it uniquely brings to the mind-body training environment. So as we all grow into our professional persona, let’s make sure we bring with us the essence that is Pilates, we root in the foundations of sound practice, we place value in the education process, and above all, we infuse the love of movement into the world.

Being a profession means we can be heart forward in practice and make a very good living doing so. It means we can make a difference to our client’s lives and be good businesses in our communities. It means we can continue to drive the positivity around Pilates and grow personally and intellectually through our chosen profession and practice, Pilates.

We all love holidays—a time to relax, indulge, and savor the joys of life. However, when the vacation comes to an end, it's not uncommon to find ourselves struggling to get back into our healthy routines. But fear not! With a positive mindset and a few practical strategies, you can easily resume your healthy habits and reclaim your well-being.  Let's explore some valuable steps to help you bounce back after a holiday and get back on track towards a healthier lifestyle.

1. Set Realistic Goals: Before diving headfirst into your healthy habits, take a moment to set realistic and achievable goals. Start small and focus on specific areas you wish to improve. Avoid overwhelming yourself with unrealistic expectations that may lead to frustration. Remember, progress is a journey, and every step counts.
2. Reflect on Your Holiday: Reflecting on your holiday experiences is essential for understanding the habits you deviated from during that time. Take a mindful approach and identify the areas where you need to make changes. By pinpointing these areas, you can prioritize them and work towards integrating healthier choices into your routine.
3. Plan Your Meals: Rebooting your healthy habits begins with nourishing your body. Create a meal plan that emphasizes balanced and nutritious choices. Fill your plate with an abundance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Minimize processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive alcohol consumption. A well-planned diet will help you regain energy and support your overall well-being.
4. Stay Hydrated: One of the simplest yet most overlooked aspects of a healthy lifestyle is hydration. Make it a priority to drink an adequate amount of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated aids digestion, boosts energy levels, and promotes overall health. Keep a water bottle handy as a reminder to sip regularly.
5. Get Moving: Physical activity is an integral part of resuming your healthy routine. Start by incorporating light exercises and gradually increase the intensity and duration. Choose activities that you enjoy—whether it's going for a brisk walk, jogging, swimming, or joining a fitness class. The key is to find something that motivates you and makes you look forward to being active.
6. Prioritize Sleep: A good night's sleep is crucial for optimal health and well-being. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Creating a soothing bedtime routine and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment will help you unwind and wake up refreshed.
7. Manage Stress: Holidays can be both joyous and stressful. Transitioning back to your routine might also introduce additional stress. Take proactive steps to manage stress by incorporating mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises, meditation, or engaging in activities that bring you peace and relaxation. By managing stress effectively, you'll set the stage for a more balanced and healthy lifestyle.
8. Seek Support: Don't go at it alone! Share your goals and progress with a friend, family member, or a supportive community. Having someone to hold you accountable and provide encouragement can make a significant difference in your journey. Join fitness groups, online communities, or even enlist the help of a workout buddy to stay motivated and inspired.
9. Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: Resuming healthy habits takes time and effort. It's essential to be patient and kind to yourself during this process. Embrace the occasional slip-ups as learning opportunities, and avoid dwelling on setbacks. Focus on getting back on track and making positive choices moving forward. Remember, each step towards a healthier you is a step in the right direction.
10. Celebrate Small Victories: Don't forget to celebrate your achievements along the way. Every milestone, no matter how small, is worth recognizing. Treat yourself to a non-food-related reward—a spa day, a new workout outfit, or some well-deserved relaxation time. Celebrating your progress will help you stay motivated and inspired to continue your healthy habits.