Everyone reported having a lot of fun, and it seems that everyone’s painting is growing on them! Won’t you join us for the next one?

What should we write on our new chalkboard door? Do you have any favorite quotes or motivational sayings? Let us know!

Garden Path

If you haven’t noticed, we’ve got a garden growing at IMX Pilates Blue Bell! We’ve already seen a couple orange tomatoes ripen, and the root veggies are really coming along too. We wanted a garden that offers both tasty food and pretty flowers, with some medicinal herbs thrown in.

Many recent classes have included discussions about food. Topics have ranged from recipes to farmers markets to “What is a CSA?”

So here is an article we’d like to share with you that describes some of the ways fresh foods are entering or re-entering everyday lives. For perspective, think back the last day or two or three- how many things did you eat that had labels? Fresh food doesn’t come with instructions, or plastic or cardboard, or warnings. Choosing fresh food is not just a matter of personal health, either. Supporting small, local farmers has wide-reaching consequences for our communities and our environment.

Take a look at how hospitals, schools, prisons, neighborhoods, friends, strangers, and others are voting for fresh food with their dollars and their choices. If you’re inspired, try something new today! And ask questions, at pilates and at grocery stores and of your friends, and keep the conversation growing.

Here is an overview of Dr Schoen’s talk, in his own words:

My plan for the Spring Open House is to provide a brief introduction to hypnosis. This will have two parts. Part one will be a short talk about what hypnosis is and is not, because most people have all sorts of false preconceptions on the topic. The second part will be a simple demonstration, an exercise in imagination and suggestibility… Those who don’t want to participate can simply watch and remain silent for a few minutes. 

The services that I offer include both therapeutic and generative hypnosis. Basically, I help people to access the resources of their own unconscious minds to change behavior, solve problems, and embrace their potential. 

At no time will I make anyone quack like a duck. Promise.

The view leaving Temple Ambler

   Post race snacking!

March Day Registration- Captains Only!

The lovely Kate D- we miss you, now that you’re in Jersey!

Melissa on a rainy walk day

March for Babies 2012

Beth T.
You know her as a super IMX instructor and popular local Zumba teacher. Did you also know that Beth got her first IMX certification in 2007? She has been a wonderful part of the IMX Pilates Blue Bell team, and continues to teach some of the hardest classes you can take! Check out her IMX schedule here, and her Zumba page here.

Betsi C.
Betsi also started before IMX Pilates Blue Bell’s official inception in 2008, so we don’t have an accurate record of her history. We guess that she is in her seventh year! Betsi has been a major supporter of the studio all along, and has helped many a new client feel at ease with her wit and sarcasm (usually aimed at Paula!) We always look forward to the stories whenever our glob-trotting Betsi returns from her trips.

Gail J.
Like previously-featured member Karyn, Gail was already an experienced pilates regular when Paula came to the studio in late 2006. She remains a steadfast regular, who always has a fun story to tell and brings a cheer to morning classes that is missed when she is traveling or on babysitting duty. Gail recently returned to pilates following a major surgery, and has been an inspiration to us all.

Gina P.Gina is in (approximately) her 6th years of pilates excellence, we think! She is a hardworking student, and one summer taught Paula how important the stretching portions of class are by traveling back to Blue Bell from her vacation at the shore to get her stretch in. She is also responsible for inspiring two family members to become great IMX members as well.

Tanya K.
One of our back-pain success stories, Tanya also started with the studio before 2008. She has faced many challenges to continuing her pilates career, including the fact that she lives 15 miles away! But she always returns to class because it makes her feel so good. She is so strong that she even slipped on ice last winter and ONLY cut her finger a little- she said she felt her abs grab her and support her back as she tumbled.

We want to warmly and sincerely thank all of you for being part of our studio, and giving us this opportunity to celebrate 5 years in business helping so many people feel and look great. We’ll see you at our Anniversary Party on Wednesday January 16!

Many of you at IMX Pilates Blue Bell already know Karyn Corti. Why? Because she is one of IMX Pilates Blue Bell’s longest-standing members! Karyn joined the studio before it was every IMX Pilates. She even shared a magazine article with Paula that she tore out over 10 years ago when she first heard of pilates and was curious about it.

Since we don’t have accurate attendance records from before Paula bought the studio, we can only tell you that between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2012, Karyn came to an astonishing 576 classes! She has seen it all here, and has watched us grow and change since “before the beginning.”

Karyn and Paula, January 2013

What inspired you start pilates?
When I was in my mid 40’s, I was looking for a new type of exercise to strengthen my core and allow me to keep my waist.  I had read about pilates and tried floor pilates, which I enjoyed, but was especially intrigued by the machine pilates.  A friend invited me to attend an IMX pilates class and I was hooked!  7 years (?) later, I am happy to share that I still have a waist that I can be proud of!

Do you have a particular pilates routine?
At first I started by taking classes 1 -2 time/week.  Over the years I gradually increased my frequency and eventually signed up for unlimited classes.  I now try to attend classes 3-5 days a week depending on my work schedule (and vacations).  I mainly attend classes in the evening and on weekends – I LOVE the addition of the cardio focused  classes and Sunday morning classes!

What changes have you noticed since you started pilates?
I am much stronger all over, but especially in my core.  I also have much better definition all over and as I said before, I still have a waist!!!  Pilates has also enabled me to become much more flexible, which I love.

What do you enjoy about your workouts?
I love the variety – some classes focus on flexibility and stretching, some focus on cardio, and some can even focus on a particular area (upper body, lower body, etc).  It is that variety that has encouraged me to continue with pilates.  I can honestly say I have never been bored and I continue to feel challenged.

Tell us a little more about yourself.
I was a working mom who was looking for something different from the typical aerobics or calisthenics classes. I wanted to get the best “bang for my buck” and found that with pilates. Pilates is something that you can continue to do at any age and it is fun – the classes are small and you meet really nice people!

My one regret is not discovering Pilates sooner.

Karyn is such a fan that she has also hooked her daughter Liz on pilates, when she’s home from college. Karyn is a wonderful classmate- funny, cheerful, and always engaged. She is also very strong and coordinated, and has found herself in the ‘helper role’ many times when we’ve tried out new versions of pilates moves or combos. She always manages to learn any move we can throw at her, and is one of only a few who can produce a Teaser on the machine AFTER a hard ab set! Karyn is a wonderful example of how pilates can continue to work even after years and years of experience.

Introducing Jessica Suto! Jess has been with IMX Blue Bell almost exactly one year- since January 3 2012. In one year, Jess has enjoyed 127.5 pilates classes! How is this possible? Jess has made full use of our schedule, taking class at every available time as her schedule and whim dictate, hence the “0.5” class from the 30 Minute Fitness Fix classes we offer during busy times.

Paula and Jess, December 2012

What inspired you start pilates?
I decided to start pilates about five months before my wedding because I wanted to lose some inches and tone.  Also, the location and schedule at IMX Blue Bell fits into my schedule perfectly since I work and live nearby.  I’m able to take classes during my lunch break or on my way home from work.

Do you have a particular pilates routine?
I prefer to take classes at least three times a week during my lunch break or right after work.  That way, I’m less tempted to skip a workout.  Once I’m at home, I’m terrible about going back out! 

What changes have you noticed since you started pilates?
I’ve noticed that I’m stronger and more flexible which has resulted in less back and shoulder pain. I’ve also noticed that my posture is much better which is great since I sit in front of a computer most of the day.

What do you enjoy about your workouts?
I’ve enjoyed learning new ways to exercise and I really enjoy the small class sizes.
The other members are friendly and welcoming which is a  nice change from  the large impersonal classes at a gym.

Tell us a little more about yourself.
I never (well, almost never) complain when we try difficult pilates moves  :)

We agree! Jess is one of the most stoic classmates you can have. She likes to let her brain relax and let her body do all the work, so if you get a little lost or confused during a hard class Jess makes a GREAT model. Just glance over at the end machine by the windows and you’ll probably find her there, doing her thing with apparent ease!