July's session was a chilly one, even colder than the June one. 

I didn't have high hopes for people to really show up so when 3 decided to brave the cold I was extremely happy and so proud of them!

Left to Right - Yoko, Justine, Johlet and Sue.

I introduced the ladies to the Magic Circle and they had a love hate relationship with it. 

Afterwards we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at our lovely host Grain Food and Wood!

That's right, a free Pilates session and free water and energy/health bar = BONUS!

Well done ladies!

Hope to see you at our next X-Plore Pilates! 

30 August 2015

Bookings essential - hello@newbeginningspilates.co.za

See how happy you guys make me for showing up!

Much love

Me

xxx

NB Pilates Challenge - August

Hello everyone,

Last month we decided to a monthly Pilates Challenge so that everyone can join in the fun! July's competition has come and gone, but seeing as we are only in the first week of August it's not too late to start!

The winner gets a free Pilates session for you and 2 friends, all you have to do is share your photos/videos of the months moves/poses and be creative and just have fun! Remember to tag us on either Instagram, Facebook or Twitter and use the hashtag - #NBPilatesChallenge

Our July winner was Justine Nienaber! Cannot wait to teach her and her 2 friends!

Remember, stay safe and always add Pilates to your day. Because it's fun and good for you!

Much love
Me
xxx

X-Plore Pilates - Common Grounds, Maboneng Precinct

Hello NB Pilates friends and clients,

WOW I really need to blog more often.
New Beginnings Pilates teamed up with Common Grounds, the new section of Maboneng Precinct and Grain Food & Wood to host a free Pilates session every last Sunday of a month!

We had our first one on 28 June 2015, and what a success it was! Space is limited with only 10 spots to fill which helps the instructor keep the session intimate and also provides proper individual attention to each one attending.

The group of 7 arrived just before 9am to get their heart rates up and work up a bit of a sweat on a chilly winters morning. I must admit I was a bit worried, especially when we all of a sudden had rain the day before. Really Johannesburg? Rain in winter??? But it all turned out well and the sun started warming everyone up halfway through the session.

We finished our session and all gathered downstairs at Grain for a scrumptious breakfast and something warm to drink.

Thank you to Common Grounds & Grain Food & Wood for being such great hosts!

Grain, I cannot wait to see what healthy breakfast you have waiting for us with the next session on 26 July 2015!

A huge thank you to everyone that showed up, all 7 of you were exceptional in your session and I hope to see some regular faces with future sessions.

From left to right: Johlet (Owner of New Beginnings Pilates), Lare (Owner of Grain Food and Wood), Tracie, Aletta, Yoko, Mandy, Sally, Lucas and Matisse

Here's to a great team, Grain & Common Grounds!

Much love
Me
xxx

Healthy Winter Fruits and Veggies

Winter has sneaked up on us faster than expected. I love Winter just as much as I love Summer. Each season has it's special qualities and moments. In Johannesburg, I love that we don't have wet winters but rather wet summers. Winter is the time of year when my favourite foods start popping up more often, like butter nut soup. I can eat that day in and day out. That made me think of some healthy and yummy winter fruits and veggies...

Radishes 
Good source of:

• Vitamin B6
• Magnesium
• Copper
• Calcium

Cabbage
Good source of:

• Vitamin K
• Vitamin C
• Fiber

Chestnuts

Good source of:

• Vitamin C
• Contains no cholesterol 

Kale

Good Source of:

• Beta Carotene
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Calcium

Cranberries

Good source of:

• Vitamin C
• Manganese 
• Improves HDL (good cholesterol) levels

Kiwifruit

Good source of:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin K
• Vitamin E
• Dietary Fiber 

Orange

Good source of:

• Vitamin C
• Potassium
• Calcium
• Vitamin B

Sweet potato

Good source of:

• Vitamin B
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium

Grapefruit
Good source of:

• Vitamin B
• Choline
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Calcium
• Phosphorus

Beetroots

Good source of:

• Vitamin C
• Iron
• Calcium
• Sodium
• Zinc

So let's all stock up on some yumminess and live a healthy life! :)

Much love

NB Pilates

xxx

Why Pilates has become my passion...

My love for Pilates started 2 years ago. The changes I have experienced in my mind and body is incredible, to say the least. I have gained more confidence, and I stand proud in everything I take on.
Every session aligns my mind and body - they work together. My mind reminds my body to engage my core, sit up straight and push those shoulders back and down.
I have been sitting behind a desk in every job I have had since 2006, so imagine how amazing my posture is! Not. Pilates has shown me the power of the mind and body, and what can be achieved when they work together. It has taught me to become more aware of how I use my body. Your body language can make you, or it can break you.
There is a significant difference in the effects walking into a room with slumped shoulders, or proud, stern shoulders has on your confidence. As much as your mind tells you to be more confident, you only are if your body follows, and if you believe it. Your body language is your personal business card - it is the first thing someone sees when they meet you. Next, your hand shake and your introduction. But it all starts with your body language.

Whether a person has confidence or not it can be seen from miles away. I believe confidence sits in the upper body: your shoulders, your core, and your head held high.

Here are some benefits:

1. Body Awareness
2. Excellent for rehabilitation and injury management
3. A stronger core
4. Body Control
5. Increased flexibility and strength

Pilates benefits everyone: moms, moms-to-be, golfers, busy business men, and even kids!
So sign up for Pilates today to experience the benefits that I have experienced. Remember to always consult your physician or health care professional, especially if you suffer from back pain or have any injuries.

Much love
Me
xxx

New Beginnings’ Announces Brand Ambassador

New Beginnings is not just about Pilates. New Beginnings’ aim is to introduce people to a new health and a new life through Pilates. We are all about not only physical health, but also mental health. We want our clients to experience their Pilates sessions in this sense; as a new beginning – a start to new health.

We have therefore teamed up with bikini athlete, health and fitness enthusiast, mental health advocate, and writer Mariska van Wyk to become New Beginnings’ Brand Ambassador. Mariska has been in the health and fitness industry for more than 5 years. She writes at Mariskafit.com, and is an advocate for a balanced, healthy life. Mariska believes that optimal health is a balance between a strong mind & kind spirit, an active lifestyle, and a nutritious diet. She is also very passionate about kindness and aims to show people what a difference a simple act of kindness to someone can make in their lives. She wishes to motivate and inspire people to live a truly balanced life – one where a kind spirit and a healthy lifestyle is present. She is also interested in life coaching – and this is where our bond started.

I reached out to Mariska for advice on health and fitness. I wanted to change my lifestyle to a healthier one. Mariska took me under her wing and not only guided me through the lifestyle changes I needed to make to become healthier, but also through bigger life decisions and everyday struggles.
The special friendship between Mariska and I played a role in the launch of New Beginnings Pilates.

 

You can find Mariska here:

www.mariskafit.com

www.facebook.com/mariskafit

www.instagram.com/mariskafit

www.twitter.com/mariska_fit

mariskafitblog@gmail.com

We are excited about the journey ahead with Mariska. And we hope you walk this journey with us.

Much Love
Me
xxx

Benefits of drinking water

We all know how big a role water must play in our daily lives. Then again people still forget that, me included.

 

 

They say you must drink 6-8 glasses of water a day. I agree 100% with that, BUT then again, listen to your body and it's needs.

 

90% of the time my body does not want water, it's called forcing yourself. haha

  

 

You can mix it up a bit and lie to your body and your mind. My favorite is to add fruits. Especially strawberries and lemons. I love those two the most.

 

Some people add cucumber, I honestly haven't tried it and think it's about time.

 

But be creative, think of your favorite fruit and add it. Don't like it? Change the fruit. Easy as that.

 

I make sure I have a 1.5L of water with me and that is my target for the day. I am one very happy lady when I get home at night and that bottle is empty.

 

 

Here are 6 benefits of drinking water:

 

1. Drinking Water Helps Maintain the Balance of Body Fluids.

2. Water Can Help Control Calories.

3. Water Helps Energize Muscles.

4. Water Helps Keep Skin Looking Good.

5. Water Helps Your Kidneys.

6. Water Helps Maintain Normal Bowel Function.

 

So remember, water before fizz and sugar!

 

Much Love

Me

xxx

 

P.S. - Thank you to Web MD for the article, you can read more about it here http://www.webmd.com/diet/6-reasons-to-drink-water