Pilates Event Dishes Out Some Healthy Holiday Fun

I was invited to a casual get together at Sommet Fitness Studio in Scottsdale, AZ this past week. The theme for the event was how to enjoy a stress-free, healthy holiday season. I invited a friend who enjoys working out, put on a cute brown workout outfit (okay, it would be on someone else's body, so there) and off we went not knowing what surprises the morning would bring.

First, we learned some Pilates exercises that relieve stress, increase circulation and that can be done on the go. The owners, Steve and Cherie have brought in the instructor who trained Steve named Vivian Zapanta. She's a television fitness-host celebrity and well-respected fitness professional from the Philippines. Amongst the many accomplishments that she has achieved are the following: Personal Trainer of Her Excellency Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, President of the Republic of the Philippines; IDEA (International Dance Exercise Association, based in San Diego, California) Ambassador to the Philippines; and Exercise Science Alliance (based in Modesto, California) Certification Provider for Aerobics, Personal Training, Aqua Aerobics and Medical Specialist. She was a little dynamo woman who really focuses on breathing properly to get the best workout results. Here's a picture of her from her website:

By the end of her presentation, we were all sitting taller and breathing smoother (sounds crazy, but true).

Next, we were treated to a Thanksgiving cooking presentation by Chef Morgan, owner of The Perfect Portion. She shared with us a few healthier alternatives to traditional holiday dishes that were absolutely delicious. My favorites were the wild rice stuffing and the sweet potato casserole and the pumpkin cheesecake. Yummy stuff. I loved when she said to enjoy all our favorite holiday food dishes, just eat them in moderation.

On hand was Linda Elia, Certified Massage Therapist and aesthetician from Wax 2 Max who was nonstop giving complimentary chair massages. She told me her motto is "don't let the size fool you" and she's not kidding! She has wonderfully strong hands that seem to melt the neck and back pains away!

Julie Heinzelman briefly spoke about the Transitions Products and Lifestyle System®which includes meal plans and a low-glycemic food list. This program teaches behaviors and techniques that will help keep stick with the program to become healthy, feel great and lose weight.

My instructor, Angella, was available to show some of the people how the reformer equipment is used and to answer any questions we had after the Pilates presentation. Ellen, my Pilates workout partner, was there and she was being videotaped for a video/blog for the studio.

Maybe it was the beautiful studio with its bamboo floors and bright sunshine flooding in the large windows, but we left the event with a calm, peaceful feeling and excitement to celebrate the Thanksgiving Holiday with our health and bodies in mind. Our gracious hostess, Cherie (pictured below) treated us to a delightful morning. Thanks to Steve and Cherie and all those that participated in this special event!