Thursday, September 25, 2008

An Exciting Time for Center for Movement

Fall Greetings from Center for Movement,

Seemingly a busy time at two of our preeminent studios, our Lexington Avenue and Scarsdale locations are currently undergoing transformations and renovations. The Lexington Avenue studio will be relocating mere steps away to 966 Lexington Avenue between 70th and 71st street. With high hopes to open mid October, we are confident that the move to our new studio will be as seamless as possible, while satisfying the needs and requests of our clients.

Similarly, our beautifully renovated Scarsdale studio will be opening any day now. Our valiant efforts to make a new and efficient studio will be rewarded shortly, as we cannot wait to hear feedback from our clients! Clients can also enjoy Tower Mat classes there for the first time. Considering their success at second avenue, we are confident that clients can reap the benefits of an intimate class environment, while simultaneously embracing a variety of exercises that the classes have to offer. Be sure to check out both studios complete transformations, as we always appreciate customer input.

In other news, we have released a new fall schedule for our Second Avenue location. Classes are still offered throughout the day, attending to both early morning risers, and those who wish to squeeze in a class before the day comes to an end. Our classes offer variety and excitement for clients both old and new. If you would like, you may pick up a new schedule at the studio. Otherwise, feel free to check out our website at http://www.centerformovement.com/.
Lastly, we present an exciting new promotion called Friendship and Fitness. We extend this offer to current clients to bring a friend (must be anew client), in return for a free tower class. Available until November 1st, this is an opportune way to expose a friend to the benefits of Pilates, while gaining a free Tower Mat class for yourself.

As always, we encourage our clients to acquaint themselves with all of the seemingly wonderful things going on here at Center for Movement. Remember that small steps will take you a long way.

Best in Health,
Donna

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Summer Greetings from Center for Movement

We hope summer brings everyone well. For those of you whom we have not seen a while, we hope you are continuing to keep up with Pilates during your travels. Remember, Pilates doesn't necessarily have to be done in the studio, as we hope the exercises we have posted in the past serve as a solid reminder that even at minimum, a few exercises are sufficient enough to maintain a strong, healthy body.

I was recently at a friend's birthday party, hosted on the building roof. Instead of taking the elevator, a few of us opted to take the stairs. As we were traveling down flights of stairs, I reminded myself to stand tall, keep my posture aligned, and pull my abdominals in; reinforcing the fact that even away from the studio, I could integrate The Pilates Method.

Recently, my business partner Elle and I, along with our staff, had the pleasure of hosting my sister's ( Elle's cousin) engagement party here at the studio. Special thanks to our staff whom helped transform our Tower Mat Class base into a festive party atmosphere. Our creativity was at its best, when we transformed our tower mats into convenient, stylish benches. Even for a hip, savvy New York crowd, it was interesting that the majority had not ventured into a Classical Pilates Studio. As we were toasting and celebrating to the upcoming nuptials of my sister's wedding, I was asked throughout the evening to give the history of the Pilates Method. Though my dress didn't allow me to demonstrate The Hundred, it was rewarding to have people comment on the unique apparatus and inviting setting. I couldn't help but feel inspired that Pilates is a true and tried method that captures people's attention, and peaks their interest- even at a most unusual and exciting time.

On a final note, we have been busy spreading the word with our information tables, postcards, and exciting promotional offers. If you are new to Center for Movement, and Pilates in general, we strongly suggest you take advantage of the incredible deal that is our Intro Package. Offering 3 Private sessions, 2 Tower Mat classes, and 1 Reformer Class, this opportunity is both an immense savings, and a great way to get started to a better you.

Many thanks must be extendedto Azadeh and Zachary, whom without their help and commitment to help spreading our blog, we wouldn't have been able to reach out to our readers.
Stay tuned! We will be posting new exercises that are sure to keep you Beach- Body-Ready.

Best in Health,
Donna

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Rise and Shine with CFM

Hi everybody,

When you look good, you feel good! Center for Movement can help you excel at both.
With the support and direction of our experienced instructors, you'll reach your fitness goals in no time. Join our 7:15 am or 8:30 am Tuesday or Thursday Tower class and get 20 % off the class price.

When you rise and shine with CFM, a beach-ready body will be attainable. This promotion is only one of the several summer specials that we are offering. Stay tuned for more impending offers throughout the summer and into the fall. We are always looking to reward the hard work and dedication of our loyal clients.

Best in Health,
Donna

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

It's been a very inspiring week here at Center for Movement. Monday, June 2, launched the first day of our teacher training certification, and our apprentices have been a pleasure to work with. It's so rewarding to be able to share my expertise in the Pilates method with upcoming new teachers. Their passion for learning the classical Pilates teaching techniques ensures that the true work of Joeseph Pilates will not be lost. As someone who has been practicing for years, I feel so strongly that the authenticity and integrity of the method is retained. While our apprentices are just embarking on their journey to become teachers, I am certain, that in no time, they, too, can share the rewarding benefits of being a Pilates practioner. Both Elle and I look forward to continue working with them, and hope that in the near future, they will join our CFM teaching staff.

On the business front, we are always loooking for ways to encourage clients to challenge themselves. In an effort to reward their hard work, we are now offering an " Intro Package" at our Second Avenue studio; which is a great way to become familiar with the different classes, instructors, and servies we offer. For $280 dollars ( a savings of $123!), you will receive 3 private sessions, two tower classes, and one semi-private reformer class. Thus, you can sample virtually every service that CFM has to offer, while benefiting from the great workouts. We offer this package with great confidence, ensuring our clients that they can try a bit of everything. For the Pilates enthusiasts, we offer an unlimited monthly tower mat class option for $375.

I look forward to seeing you in the studio, and hope you opt to take advantage of some of these great offers!

Best in Health,
Donna

Thursday, May 22, 2008

Center For Movement featured in AM New York Newspaper

Yesterday was an exciting day! My business partner, Elle, was featured in AM New York's Health Section. The segment focused on Pilates exercises that are sure to get your legs in great shape for the summer. Amongst them were the scissors exercise, and bent knees leg lift. Though the names aren't traditional Pilates jargon, the exercises are authentic and sure to tone and shape your legs. If you weren't able to pick up the paper and don't have a tangible source for referring to these exercises, we encourage you to look online at AM New York's website. Click Here to view the article!

The photoshoot for this segment was a blast. Kristen ( another instructor at CFM) and I also took part in it. My segment was called Straight To The Core, where I demonstrated five exercises which I've passed on in earlier postings. Kristen's segment focused on how to tone your upper body. State tuned for those exercise tips next week.

CFM in the news,
Donna

Monday, May 19, 2008

Memorial Day Weekend Workout

In an honor of the Memorial holiday weekend, Center For Movement will be closed on Sunday May 25th, and Monday May 26th at all three of its locations. So, as we've said in the past, the beauty of Pilates is that once you build on a foundation, you don't necessarily need a studio to reap the benefits of the Pilates method.We suggest doing a few floor exercises on your own.

Start the routine and warm your body up with The Hundred:
1) Lie on your back with your arms stretched alongside your body, palms down. Bring the knees into a tabletop position. Lift your head, neck, and shoulders off the floor while reaching the arms hip height. Begin pumping the arms up and down as you extend the legs to a 45* degree angle and squeeze your legs together. Inhale for 5 counts and exhale for 5, pulling your abdominals in. Repeat 10 times

And then move on to the Roll-Up:
2) Lay flat on your back with your legs straight, heels together, toes slightly apart, inner thighs and buttox engaged. Pull your abdominals in and up and inhale as you lift your arms up, chin to the chest, and begin to roll up. Exhale as you stretch forward over your legs. Keeping the abdominals engaged, inhale and slowly begin to roll down one vertebrae at a time. Maintain the arms at shoulder height. Exhale as you lift your arms to the ceiling and then back over your head, stretching and lengthening your arms. Repeat 5 times.

2) Teaser: Lie on your back with your knees bent into your chest, and the arms straight over your head in line with ears. Extend the legs out on a 45 degree angle. Using the powerhouse, slowly roll up. Hold the legs at the 45 degree angle and begin to slowly roll down. Repeat 5 times.

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! We're commited to helping you take your Pilates sessions on the road this summer.

Stay tuned for more weekend workouts,
Donna

Monday, May 12, 2008

Our New Website

We are pleased to announce that our new and more user friendly website is currently up and running. Thanks to your feedback, we were able to make changes that allow viewers to make their searches more specific and faster. Prices and class schedules are more readily available, and we have made it easier to navigate the website as well. Please feel free to comment on our new design and layout, as we are always open to suggestions.
Ifyou haven't yet, be sure to vote for us on " Best of " at http://www.citysearch.com/

Happy Viewing!
-Donna