Winter has finally gotten here! The studio is closed this afternoon and evening due to inclement weather. Please check the blog tomorrow morning if the storm continues as planned for further announcements.
Drive safely.....
Love,
Penny
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( 2.8 / 76 )Committee Member Highlight: Penny Shure
Penny Shure, owner of Pilates Playground in
Albany, NY, was diagnosed with osteoporosis
when she was 45 years old. Since then, she has
been on a personal mission to educate her
clients and community about exercise,
movement and lifestyle modifications
necessary to combat the disease. An NOF
advocate and support group leader for years,
Penny recently formed our first Teen Support Group, which has
five members (even one 15 year old with low bone density)! The
group, which meets weekly, is focused on implementing Penny’s
new “Dear Mom” campaign, a model to engage children in
osteoporosis education and prevention from an early age (see
www.dearmomletter.com).
Always looking to support NOF, Penny is creating a “proceeds
program” with her upcoming CD release. After receiving many
requests from her Pilates clients for an at home Internal
Alignment Awareness™ (IAA) gentle workout, Penny has not only
completed this project, but is generously donating $1 of every
IAA CD copy sold to the Generations of Strength Campaign. Visit
www.pilatesplayground.net or www.dearmomletter.com to learn
more and purchase her new workout CD.
And we would be remiss if we didn’t mention that Penny is
currently recovering from surgery to remove a benign parathyroid
tumor. Osteoporosis can be a result of hyperparathyroidism, a
condition which can cause an imbalance of calcium in the body.
The condition may rob the bones of calcium, and in some cases,
taking too much calcium or not getting enough vitamin D can do
more harm than good. We wish Penny a speedy recovery and
thank her for shedding light on this health connection (and for
reminding us to be our own health advocates). She is an
inspiration to us all and a model of Generations of Strength!
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( 3.2 / 26 )The Spring 2012 CAbi show was again a big success!!! For all who came, thank you. We are going to be the chicest ladies about town in our new spring clothes. Thanks to Rebecca Townsend for being such a terrific fashion consultant and for making the 2 hour drive to Albany. Rebecca is helping all of us find our own unique styles.
You can't under estimate the power of feeling good in your clothes to help you feel good in your skin. Pilates works from the inside out. Fashion from the outside in. Working both in tandem along with a healthy diet and a daily gratitude list will help you be and feel your best every single day......
Be sure to mark your calendars for 6:00pm Thursday September 13th when we will be having our FALL 2012 CAbi party. Soooo much fun!
Thanks.
Love,
PS
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( 3.1 / 339 )Our teen meetings and mat classes are held in the studio on Saturday afternoons @ 1:00pm. They end at 2:30. Please arrive on time. All our welcome!
Thanks.
PS
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( 3 / 362 )Hello Everyone:
Our National Osteoporosis Support Group Meetings will now be held the first Saturday of every month at 12:00 noon. The meetings will be 1 hour long. They are in the studio. For more information call or email Penny!
Hope to see you soon.
Thanks.
PS
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( 2.9 / 334 )Good Morning.
I am in production of a STEP BY STEP Internal Alignment Awareness cd. This takes the original IAA cd which was developed specifically for my clients who come to class regularly and want to practice at home a step further. STEP BY STEP will be perfect for those of you who can't come to class. Photographs and descriptions of each exercise will be available online.
Thanks to everyone who has purchased a cd. Remember, $1.00 from each sale goes to the National Osteoporosis Foundation's "Generations of Strength" campaign. Little by little, we ALL can help make a BIG difference by working together.
Have a nice day.
Penny
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( 3 / 371 )Hi Everyone,
Just a reminder that this coming Thursday @ 6:00pm we are having the SPRING 2012 CAbi show! Everyone who attends is automatically entered in a drawing to win a FREE VALENTINE'S DAY DUET SESSION for you and your loved one. Please stop by. The clothes look beautiful and with all of the bright spring colors we can pretend that summer is just a whisper away.
CONGRATULATIONS to everyone at the studio for doing a wonderful job staying true to yourselves so far in 2012! So many of you are keeping your commitments to personal growth, wellness, healthy eating and exercise and your patience and perseverance is paying off. Keep up the good work!
Some advice...whatever it takes... reduce your stress levels, get enough sleep, stick to a schedule, do the IAA workout, make good nutrition choices and write down what you are grateful for each day. We are only sure about the moment we are in right NOW. Embrace each moment and be the best version of yourself that you can imagine. My dear friend Gina Magnan reminded me yesterday that all of our realities begin as thoughts that we have. Mindfulness just may be our most significant power.
A final word for the weekend, "Go Giants!"
Have fun tomorrow, enjoy the Super Bowl, and I don't know about you but I can't wait to see Madonna at halftime.
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( 2.9 / 352 )As Steve told you, Dr. Norman removed a 10 year old tumor on Monday that has been producing way too much parathyroid hormone in my body for I guess, the past 10 years...They actually measured the PTH hormone being produced by the tumor before they removed it and it was a whopping 2,791 compared to my normal of 35. Normal amounts are between 30 and 80 units of hormone. The parathyroid tumors produce LOTS of hormone but normal for them is between 250 and 1000. Older tumors produce way over 1000 as mine was doing.
Again, if you don't feel well and aren't getting enough information from your doctor, please keep digging like I did until you get the answers. We all know our bodies better than anyone else. TRUST your personal instincts.
I am doing this again now by taking a couple extra days off to rest. This surgery and all the knowledge that has come with it has taken a lot out of me and I am listening to myself and resting when I need to, which seems constantly! I still have a sore throat but my neck pain is almost gone. The incision is starting to itch which is a good sign. I will probably have a very small scar at the front of my throat but it will be a reminder to me of the strength and perseverance I had to live with this illness for the past decade and to forge my own path to healing.
Although I am deeply disappointed that it took so long for this to be diagnosed and that none of the doctors I have gone to seemed to know about parathyroid issues, I will be forever grateful to Dr. Jim Norman for his Center, website, compassion, knowledge and kindness. The service and staff was exemplary! His center should serve as a model for all other medical centers!
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( 3 / 344 )Hello everyone
This is penny's husband, Steve. Just writing to update all of you on penny's operation this morning to remove a tumor on her parathyroid glands. First and foremost, the operation was a complete success and penny is resting in bed back at the hotel. Dr Norman and his doctors and staff were all very professional and put all of us at ease. We arrived at the hospital a little after 5am and were brought into the prep area soon after that. There was another woman, suzzanna from Toronto who is staying at our hotel and went in for the operation at 5 also. After giving us some paperwork to sign and telling us what to expect after the operation, around 7am , they told me to go downstairs and have breakfast, and she was going to be preped for surgery. I returned to the waiting room around 7:45 and about 10 minutes later, one of the doctors came over to me and said she did great and handed me a picture of the tumor. There was only one and he said it was probably 8 to 10 years old. About 10 minutes after that, they let me go into the recovery room to see her. She was having a Popsicle and happy that everything went well it it was over. Dr. Norman came in again to see how she was doing and then went back to work, since he does around 15 or more of these operations per day.About 40 minutes later, Penny and Suzzanna were released and we went back to the hotel to get some rest. Penny will be writing more about this soon, so stop back for more updates...and if anyone out there knows Dr. Oz, he should do a segment on how this tumor can be the cause of osteoporosis in younger people, and by removing it, your bone health will return to normal.
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( 3 / 351 )Hi Everyone,
Gerry is teaching tomorrow's (Saturday 1/21) morning classes if you can make it. Drive safe as it looks like we are finally getting some snow!
I am prepped and ready for Monday morning's surgery. As my dad used to say, "my ankles are taped". (football humor!) No eating or drinking after midnight on Sunday and I will be at the hospital at 5:30am ready to get ride of this parathyroid tumor once and for all!
I am so excited to meet the real Penny as I think she has been disappearing into calcium overload hell over the past few years! My mom is looking forward to the picture of my tumor that the doctor takes after he removes it. What can I say? She's my mom so she likes EVERY foto opportunity of her daughter and all of her parts! Kind of like me saving Tony and Gabe's baby teeth but Not!
Really, Mom...I don't think I want to see the foto!
They say I will be able to leave after 4 or 5 hours so check the blog for my recovery update around noon on Monday. I plan on being back in the studio Thursday. Thank you all for your cards, kind words and prayers!!!
Remember, DON'T assume you need extra calcium and protein supplements because that is the general consensus! All of our bodies are different. Know yours well before you start playing doctor. And keep asking until you get answers!
Sending you shared birthday wishes and love,
Penny
Something to think about: What's your "lucky number"? Mine is 3 and apparently that is also my life path number according to the age old study of numerology.
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( 3.3 / 40 )Dear Mom,
Happy Birthday!
It's not easy being a mom. You get that when you become one! Thank you for all of your love.
Make a wish!!!
I love you!
Penny
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( 3 / 419 )A big shout out to my son Gabe and the rest of the members of the band "Bring Home Ohio": Alex, Michael, Alex, Brian and Dylan
They performed last night at Bogie's on Ontario Street in Albany and they were AWESOME! I am really proud of all of you.
Their next performance is this Sunday's Showcase at Red Square on Broadway in Albany. The show begins at 6:00pm. Like them on Facebook!
Hope to see you at the show.
Love,
Penny
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( 2.9 / 372 )Hi Everyone,
The studio is closed tomorrow morning. No 9:30 mat class due to inclement weather. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.
Thank you.
Love,
Penny
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( 3 / 314 )Good Morning.
I am really grateful for the support from all of you on my upcoming surgery.
It gives me so much encouragement to hear from those of you who can relate to some of my experience. Apparently many of us have learned that if we don't advocate for our own healthcare, we might not get well.
I am looking forward to having more energy again soon. One thing that I have been doing daily to stay well is to start each morning with a combination of fresh carrot/apple/ginger juice and a cup of herbal or green tea. This gives me a great boost to start the day. I keep up with my daily exercise however, if I am too tired I don't force myself. As I tell all of you, sometimes decompression posture is enough!
I am finding that the most important thing for me is to listen to my body. This helps me to stay in the moment too as I no longer multi-task. I will keep you posted on my experience. Last night the insomnia symptom was horrible! Oh well. Finding the balance in life is just another part of the blessed journey....
Happy Monday!
Love,
Penny
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( 2.9 / 68 )Finally!
The Internal Alignment Awareness CD is here! $20.00 includes sales tax. S/H depends on where you live. The pay/pal set up will be ready soon online.
Hope you all find this helpful for your at home practice.
I will be donating $1.00 from the sale of each CD to the National Osteoporosis Foundation's 'Generations of Strength' campaign.
Thank You All.
Love,
Penny
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( 3.1 / 59 )A lot of you have been asking if I would record a CD of me teaching the IAA gentle workout so you could be able to practice at home to my voice. Well, I've done just that!
It has turned into a real family affair with my husband doing editing and artwork with the help of my son Gabe and my step son Nick's beautiful guitar music in the background. Nick wrote "Imagining Reality" for me two years ago and he recorded it with Grammy winner Will Ackerman at his studio on Vermont on my 48th birthday. This is a true labor of love and gift from my family to all of you.
There is a link to the IAA series in photographs on the articles page of my website that will help you follow along if you aren't a regular at the studio.
Thank you to everyone who has been asking for this over the years. I've learned a lot on this first CD and look forward to making more.
I am very happy that you will be practicing these exercise on your own. The CD will be ready by mid January at the latest.
Have fun!!!
Love,
Penny
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( 2.8 / 264 )For me, 2012 means a time to let go of old baggage and believe in my dreams. I hope you all take my lead and do the same.
We are given a gift every day of our lives when we wake up and get to go out there and do our best. Be grateful for that and just "go for it"!
Dreams and gratitude have always been a part of my life but they were always laced with fear and self doubt. The older I get the more I understand that I'm not alone in this. This month I turn 50 and I've decided not to waste anymore time on fear or the past or even being angry or sad about disappointments. I have a new journal that my dear friend Eileen gave me and I am jotting down everything that comes to mind that makes me feel good about me!
I have years full of journals ruminating about the past, choices or decisions that might have had different outcomes and even trying to answer "Why?" and understand how people I loved and trusted could have been so cruel. As my soul mate recently told me; "you can spend the next 20 years wondering why but eventually you'll realize that you'll never get an answer and that it really doesn't matter anyway."
Here is what matters to me: NOW. Right now I am blessed with self love and love for my family and friends and the work that I do. All of this keeps me busy and content and I am excited about the adventures that each new day brings. I can't change the past but I can learn from it, accept it and myself and go on from there to here. Soon I will be half a century old. I have so many dreams to accomplish and I believe that all of them are possible.
I wish the same for all of you. Dream big and embrace the adventures that each new day in your life has for you. Even the experiences that seem dark can end up surprising you with a happy and unexpected ending. Try not to react to things until you've given yourself a chance to exhale....Live your fantasy and it may become your reality!
Happy New Year!
Love,
Penny
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( 3 / 213 )My surgery is scheduled for January 23, 2012 to remove the tumor on my parathyroid gland. I feel very confident about the procedure at the Norman Parathyroid Center and will keep blogging about it in hopes of helping spread the word about how this could be the reason for your osteoporosis, depression, insomnia and a host of other issues that may have gone undetected by your doctors as they were by mine.
Honestly I am a bit nervous but more relieved at getting better! I spoke with Dr. Norman last week. He has a wonderful phone manner and immediately I felt comfortable.
Check out the link to his website.
Love,
Penny
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( 3 / 283 )Hi Everyone,
Hope you are all enjoying this holiday season in your favorite ways...
Our next teen meeting is Saturday, January 7, 2012 from 2:00-4:00pm at the studio so tell your friends and "see you next year"!
Love,
Penny
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( 2.9 / 280 )I was diagnosed with osteoporosis when I was 45 years old. After the initial shock wore off I realized that I was in a good position to deal with this since I already had begun to specialize in teaching clients with low bone density. I was aware of what was SAFE and what was not when it came to exercise, modified Pilates and movement in general. I was studying nutrition and had become involved with the National Osteoporosis Foundation. It was just a matter of adapting these lifestyle modifications myself, which is what I have been doing for the past 5 years. I believe that this has made all the difference in preventing a fracture. I am stronger now than I have ever been and feel confident in myself and how I move through life.
This being said, my doctors have continuously tried to force me into taking medication for osteoporosis. As much as I have asked for more information about diet, supplementation, gluten intolerance and for blood tests, they have been reluctant to go in that direction. I'm talking about half a dozen doctors here. They simply handed me a script, told me to take calcium, drink milk and exercise.
Last month after my last doctor lectured me about the dangers of not going on drugs I asked again about more testing. I felt that as a pre-menopausal woman without a history of fracture that there must be something else they could look for. Aside from this they had also encouraged anti depressants. After me really pushing, my doctor agreed to do some tests but also insisted I take the prescription for bone medication.
A few days later I received a call saying it was no cause for alarm but I needed to see an endocrinologist. As it turns out I have something called hyperparathyroidism which means that there is a benign tumor on at least one out of my 4 parathyroid glands that is causing them to over produce calcium and cause my nervous system to be out of whack! This also causes osteoporosis. Taking extra calcium by the way is bad for you when you if you have parathyroid disease. The cure is to have the tumor removed which is what I intend to do as soon as possible!
Why am I telling you this? Because it is really important to be your own advocate and not just listen to your doctor without asking questions and doing your own research. We are all different so please don't allow yourself to become a statistic due to your doctor's lack of knowledge about osteoporosis and why sometimes it is a symptom and NOT the disease. With hyperparathyroidism the symptoms also include heart palpitations, depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue, insomnia and a host of other "diseases" that can be treated with medication yet will never be cured if the cause for these symptoms is a tumor on your parathyroid gland. It is a mystery to me why this is not a standard blood test for all of these symptoms and why so many doctors jump to conclusions to treat the symptom and not actually find the cause.
I will keep you all posted on my journey to wellness and hope this might help you along your personal paths as well. I feel confident and pleased that I am finally on the right path.
Thanks.
Love,
Penny
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( 3.1 / 44 )Thanks to everyone who attended this morning's 2 HOUR MARATHON mat class!!!
It was a lovely way for me to start the holiday off and I hope you all had a terrific day!
Be well and Lots of Love,
Penny
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( 2.9 / 367 )One of our readers kindly offered to share her experiences using Pilates to help cancer patients as they go through treatment:
Thank you Jackie for your contribution. I love hearing from all of my readers and welcome comments and input to share with everyone.
Pilates Exercise Helps Fight Cancer
By: Jackie Clark
Pilates as an exercise provides a person the means to exercise multiple muscle groups using a process that is low-impact, non-stressful, and significantly improves flexibility and strength. The results provide increased core strength, ability to stretch further and more, and better body muscle control. Pilates has also gained a regular amount of support from the medical professional community as a way for cancer patients in treatment or recovery to regain their energy and strength.
Cancer treatment itself typically involves chemotherapy and, in some cases, surgery. Both treatment approaches cause significant deterioration of the body that a patient then has to recovery from. In many cases, side effects can occur from lack of body use as well, making the recovery even harder.
Medical doctors, nurses, and therapists favor Pilates because it offers two significant benefits: it gets patients moving again while not demanding too much from the body. The National Cancer Institute is generally in support of getting patients to exercise as soon as possible after cancer treatment starts since it can help improve survival rate. However, many exercises demand too much from the average patient.
Unlike traditional exercise, which may involve outright weightlifting or cardiovascular work such as running, Pilates uses the body itself for strength building and still causes the heart-rate to accelerate for an extended period. The exercise is scalable so patients just starting as well as long-standing exercises can all jump in at any point in a regimen
Pilates also helps the body relax, removing much of the stress that can develop from going through cancer treatment and the fear of the disease. With breathing exercises, slow movements, and mat-based procedures, patients can work the stress out of their systems and burn off tension within their body.
The exercise process also provides significant energy-boosting results in patients. Chemotherapy can be a draining process since it essentially involves injecting the body with a poison to kill off cancer cells. While the body recovers, the process can cause a wasting effect, gastro-intestinal discomfort, pain, and serious exhaustion. Since Pilates improves circulation, improves strength capacity, and relaxes the body, patients have a chance to recoup from the effects of the chemical.
Many cancer patients have and continue to benefit from Pilates exercise, including those with mesothelioma. With a dedicated schedule and commitment, patients have markedly better lives as well as improved rates of recovery from cancer and related treatment. The process is so successful, even Stanford University’s Cancer Center incorporates Pilates in its on-campus treatment program for patients.
Like any exercise, patients should always consult with their doctor first before beginning a Pilates program. A doctor may want to have the patient start at a certain speed or be sensitive with a particular body area as treatment and healing occur.
Sources:
(http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/14/health/nutrition/14fitness.html).
(http://cancer.stanford.edu/patient_care/services/supportiveCareServices/Pilates.html
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( 3 / 379 )Please Note:
The Tuesday mat class is now @ 5:00pm instead of 6:00pm. This change is immediate.
Both the Tuesday and Thursday classes are now @ 5:00pm.
Thank You.
Penny
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( 2.9 / 330 )
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( 2.9 / 332 )Our first teen NOF support group meeting was a big success!
Our theme was "Million Dollar Bones" because we compared saving $1,000,000.00 by the time we turn 21 years old to making smart, healthy lifestyle choices to get our bones as strong as possible by the same time. Saving early is as important to our financial well being as living a bone smart lifestyle during our teen years.
We discussed how we can begin to teach our friends and family members through the "Dear Mom" campaign and found out that everyone in the group experienced daily back pain. That was a surprise, considering the average age of the participants was 15. Just another reason for you to come to class!!!
The IAA mat class was an eye opener for everyone and the girls began to learn some movement techniques they can do on their own to maintain good posture, healthy bones and a pain free day.
The next group meeting and free class is Saturday, December 10th @ 2:00pm. Please join us, bring your friends.
Thank you!
Love,
Penny
PS. The www.dearmomletter.com website will be up and running very soon.
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( 3 / 316 )The studio will be closed this Thanksgiving holiday.
May your holiday be filled with peace, love, joy and the people close to you that mean the most.
I want to thank all of you from the bottom of my heart who have made it possible for me to teach you and run my Pilates Playground.
Without you, I wouldn't be me. Teaching and getting to know all of you is a gift that I cherish every day of my life. I promise that I will continue to give you the best of me each and every day and am so grateful to all of you who allow me to do so.
I also promise to continue to study, learn, grow and strive to always do my best and provide you with the best instruction that I can. I promise to share all of the information I learn that you may be interested in and to support you all who are using the power of Pilates and movement to live your best life, be empowered in the present moment, follow your dreams and find your true spirits. Movement heals us. The power of our imaginations and creativity in our thoughts, words and actions is infinite!
This Thanksgiving my prayers and gratitude for the smallest of God's blessings are paramount in my mind. For our health and family and friends. That is what matters most.
As the season continues to become more and more commercialized, I hope we all can take the time to be silent, grateful and find peace in life's real blessings.
Thank you and God Bless you and your loved ones!
Penny
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( 2.9 / 37 )Please join us for our first NOF meeting and mat class for teens this Saturday, November 19th @ 2:00pm at the studio. 18 Drywall Lane, Voorheesville.
I am so excited for this program to begin and to explore my "Dear Mom" campaign with the demographic that needs this education the most. Remember, NOW is when we can make a difference in bone health awareness by teaching kids and teens how to stay healthy and hopefully prevent osteoporosis and the many chronic health issues that our associated with poor posture. What are they? Back pain, digestive issues, chronic fatigue, poor oxygenation, self esteem, osteoporosis, cognitive issues and more. IAA is paramount to good health!!!
Meetings and mat classes are ALWAYS FREE FOR TEENS.
See you soon.
Love,
Penny
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( 2.9 / 294 )At least once everyday someone comes in with neck and/or shoulder pain and stiffness.
We find that many times this has to with a lack of IAA (Internal Alignment Awareness) when we are both carrying a heavy purse or talking on the phone.
So, just another reason for using correct alignment in your activities of daily living. Especially now as the season has turned much colder and many of us shrug our shoulders up to our ears without realizing it in an effort to keep warm, it is important to maintain good posture and keep your shoulders gliding down your back like waterfalls.
Constantly lifting our shoulders up near one or both ears causes tension and tightening in the muscle that is in charge of shoulder lifting. Think of it as an elevtor for your shoulder blade. It connects the outside of our neck to the inner top corner of our shoulder blade. We have probably all experienced occasional soreness there but it just gets worse if you never give it some "down time". Think about your shoulders spending less time in the penthouse and more time in the lobby of your body!
So the next time you have mystery neck and shoulder soreness ask yourself:
1. How heavy is my bag?
2. How much time am I spending on the phone without a headset?
3. Am I SLOUCHING?
All of this can cause you to unconsciously keep your shoulder living in the penthouse up by your ears. DON'T wear your shoulders as earrings! This can cause chronic tension in your muscles which leads to pain, stiffness and even headaches.
So...remember to practice the IAA routine which you can now download from my website for FREE. Soon it will be available page by page with exercise descriptions for those of you who can't make it into the studio for class.
Thanks for reading.
Love,
Penny
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( 2.9 / 284 )Hi Everyone,
I just got back from beautiful Palm Springs, California and a truly inspiring Pilates Method Alliance Conference. I learned so much and have so many "golden nuggets" to share with you. I thought I would highlight impressions from each instructor I had the wonderful opportunity to study with so keep checking the blog...
By the way, for all of you fashionistas out there (and I see a lot of you in the studio every day!) LuluLemon was the uniform of choice!
LOLITA SAN MIGUEL who is now 77 and studied with Joe shared 2 of his most important lessons she learned from him. He had written an article in an edition of the Reader's Digest from 1934 where he talked about Posture (working against the downward pull of gravity) to stand tall and
"Navel to Spine" as the 2 most important things to remember.
He said to look at your reflections in shop windows and mirrors eveytime you walk by one to remind yourself of this.
AND... "LIFE IS BALANCE AND BALANCE IS THE EQUAL PARTS OF
REST, PLAY AND WORK"
Remember that and give it a try. Joe came to the US in 1925 when he was 45 years old. In his case, 45 years young. A brilliant man whose ideas, perhaps ahead of his time but clearly right for all of us NOW and forever.
Thanks. Good Night.
Love and Peace,
Penny
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( 3.1 / 332 )I am absolutely thrilled to anounce the NEW Teen Support Group I am starting at the studio.
The meetings will be on Saturday afternoons @ 2:00pm. Come dressed to work out and bring questions and ideas.
Our goal is to move forward with the "Dear Mom Campaign" and spread the word about osteoporosis prevention to kids and teens world-wide! Everyone is welcome.
First meeting is November 19th. Please join us.
Thank you!!!
Love,
Penny
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( 2.9 / 384 )Hi Everyone,
For those (ALL!) of you who have been patiently waiting for the Internal Alignment Awareness Illustrated Workout they are finally ready! Thanks to the talented photography of Tiffany Wayne, model and stylist Nichole Rigolosi and the unending patience of my husband Steve Cosimano for putting it all together for me, I AM FINALLY able to have it available to you to jog your memory for home practice. Worksheets are avialable at the studio and you will soon be able to download them from my website for you and your friends.
Soon to come will be specific instructions on how to do each exercise in case you aren't able to come to the classes at the studio.
And in the not too distant future, the CD and DVD versions! (As soon as I figure out how to clone myself things will happen faster.) As for now, Thank You ALL for your patience and ongoing support. Without you, I wouldn't be able to do what I do.
Lots of Love,
Penny
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( 3 / 375 )Hi Everyone,
By the end of the week I will have launched my new "KICKSTARTER" site to raise money for my dream project of creating a user friendly educational program to teach children about osteoporosis prevention through movement, music, fun food and friends. Specifically Kickstarter donations will go towards music and film development on this project. This will be a way for kids to learn and teach their friends and family how to stay strong and healthy. This is also a way for them to make new friends and impact the world in a positive way through their favorite ways of communicating! Everyone that gets involved will help prevent the epidemic of osteoporosis. Individual artists will be highlighted.
Please feel free to contact me with questions and/or suggestions.
Thank Everyone in Advance for Helping Make My Dream Come True!!!!! Wish Me Luck!
Love,
Penny
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( 2.9 / 373 )penny shure
16 wilan lane albany, new york 12203 (518)669-9677
www.pilatesplayground.net www.dearmomletter.com
Dear
I am asking for your help to raise awareness in our community about bone health, osteoporosis prevention, and good nutrition for our children.
I believe that if children are taught healthy lifestyle habits NOW, they will reap benefits throughout their lifetimes. I see a future with fewer health problems because we have learned the benefits of an active lifestyle. Let’s begin with our kids, getting them excited about being healthy, and making learning fun through music, movement, and eating!
I believe that if we work together in a “Dear Mom” letter-writing campaign, texting, and using the internet, we can be a force of empowerment and healthy living that will lead to healthy kids and healthy parents. We can reduce healthcare costs, stress, and the chronic issues associated with osteoporosis.
I will come to your school to give a free workshop on bone-healthy SAFE exercise. All you have to do is print the “Dear Mom” letter and have your students finish the last paragraph on their own at the end of my class explaining why bone health is important to them.
Please help spread the message now about bone safety and osteoporosis prevention so our children may stand tall and have a healthy life with no worry about osteoporosis.
Thank you.
Penny Shure, owner Pilates Playground, Albany, New York
Certified Meeks Method Exercise Specialist
Pilates Method Alliance certified instructor
National Osteoporosis Foundation Support Group Leader
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( 2.9 / 345 )Dear Mom,
Today in school we learned about a disease called osteoporosis, and things we can do to keep our bones healthy and strong.
Osteoporosis means our bones get weak and break without much force. Even a sneeze can break a bone!
I didn’t know that preventing fractures (broken bones) and osteoporosis begins NOW for me. I found out that our bones never stop building, but by the time I am in my twenties my bones will have become as strong as they ever will.
The way to stay healthy and strong is to eat right, exercise, get plenty of sunshine, drink enough water, and have fun! Things that can hurt our bones are fast foods, fatty foods, and cola drinks. Not getting enough exercise and sitting around too much are bad. And for grown-ups, smoking, drinking alcohol, and stress are bad too.
Mom, you don’t have to be old to get osteoporosis! I want us all to have strong bones, talk about eating and exercising to build strong bones, and learn how to make healthy choices. Can we talk about all of the ways we can think of to keep our bones and bodies healthy?
I love you, and the first thing I can think of that we can do together to build and maintain strong bones is:
(This part filled in by individual.)
Love,
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( 3 / 344 )Support the Bone Health Promotion and Research Act By Using this Letter as a Model to Send to Your Representatives in Government. This has been copied from the National Osteoporosis Foundation Website.
Remember! Our Voices Count! Thank You Senator Gillibrand from our own Community for introducing this LIFE SAVING Bill!!!!
Dear [Decision Maker],
As your constituent and an advocate for better bone health, I urge you to co-sponsor the "Bone Health Promotion and Research Act of 2011," S. 966, which was introduced on May 12, 2011, by Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand of New York. This bill would provide coordinated federal and state efforts to improve bone health education, osteoporosis prevention and disease-specific surveillance. It also would expand bone health research to improve the lives of those at risk for fractures because of diseases such as osteoporosis.
*Please personalize your message
In the United States today, 10 million individuals are estimated to have osteoporosis, and 34 million more are estimated to have low bone density, placing them at increased risk for the disease. Osteoporosis-related fractures cost our health care system $19 billion each year and costs are expected to rise to $25.3 billion by 2025. Early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis have been demonstrated to dramatically reduce fracture rates and generate substantial savings, while Please personalize your message
also improving the quality of life of osteoporosis patients.
Although many states have passed legislation relating to osteoporosis, very few states currently have funding for those programs. In 2010, only 11 states reported funding for osteoporosis programs as compared with 22 states in 1998-99. Cuts in funding for these programs comes at a time when the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the U.S. population aged 65 years and older will double from 2007 to 2030.
Because it is vital that we address the growing problem of osteoporosis, preventable bone fractures, and the costs associated with such fractures, I urge you to cosponsor the "Bone Health Promotion and Research Act of 2011" (S. 966) to implement a comprehensive National Bone Health Program and help reduce the physical and economic burden of osteoporosis and poor bone health for millions of Americans.
Sincerely,
(Your name)
(Your Address)
(City, State ZIP)
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( 2.9 / 281 )Hi Everyone,
I will be at the Pilates Method Alliance conference between Tuesday November 1st and Monday November 7th. However, you don't have to miss your Pilates sessions!!! Anne is teaching the Tuesday and Thursday evening classes and Gerry is teaching on Saturday, 11/5. Private, duet and trio sessions are still open with Gerry so call the studio to set up your appointment!
Also, ALL CLASSES ON WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9th are canceled.
Thanks.
See you soon.
Love,
Penny
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( 3.1 / 305 )You are never too old to get up and go!!!
"The major benefit of exercise as you age is not to add bone density, but to maintain strength, balance, and coordination, and thus decrease your chance of falling."
R. Keith McCormick, DC author of "The Whole-Body Approach to
Osteoporosis"
First, let me say that I really love this book and thank you Dr. McCormick for writing it. I hope to meet you in the near future.
Secondly, I can't stress enough the importance of staying active and having fun and LETTING GO OF ANGER as you age and always. Without this prescription for life you will suffer chronic debilitating inflammation and life will not be the joy that it is suppose to be.
As all of you who know me understand, this begins with movement and becoming aware of your bodies place in space. How we move effects how we live, breathe, age and journey through life. Don't be sedentary. Keep moving. Breathe deep and be grateful for what you do have in this lifetime. I am!
Thank you!
Love,
Penny
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( 3 / 327 )Award winning documentary film maker Stephanie Hubbard was my guest on Thursday, October 13th for a reading of her memoir "Bluff Island Rescue Service" at Uncommon Grounds in Albany. Thank you to everyone from the studio and beyond who attended this event. It was such a gift for all of us to be able to hear Stephanie read the chapters with such magnetism and to be able to ask her questions. She said of all the book clubs and groups she has read to around the country ours had the best questions! She definitely has gained loyal fans here in Albany and we are supporting her in her latest film which she directed called "Bible Storyland". It is a fascinating documentary that takes the viewer back to the Hollywood heydays of the 50's in an art mystery that chronicles the near development of a bible story theme park that if built was hoped to rival Disneyland's success. Here's hoping that this movie brings more Sundance Film Festival success Stephanie!
Thanks for your book. It is inspiring. For more information link on to the BIRS site on the right.
We also have books for sale at the studio.
Love,
Penny
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( 2.9 / 313 )Monday, September 25th I had the pleasure of attending another National Osteoporosis Foundation luncheon celebrating mothers and daughters at the Pierre Hotel in NYC. I brought my mom Myrna Shure. Both of us share the legacy of osteoporosis and both of us are committed to raising awareness to the prevalence and importance of proactive measures to prevent fractures and ultimately prevent osteoporosis. Mine as always is through education and SAFE exercises. I had the pleasure of meeting both Lisa Oz and Gail Sheehy who both spoke eloquently about their shared passion and commitment to the cause. For more information follow the link on my home page to the NOF website and learn how you can get involved.
Love Penny
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( 3 / 317 )Stop by the studio or send us your address and we will mail you your own class schedule magnet to hang up.
Never forget what time classes are at Pilates Playground again with our FREE magnets!
Love Penny
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( 2.9 / 343 )Please note that we have added another Pilates mat class to the weekly schedule.
Thursdays @ 5:00pm with Anne Bette
Anne is a Power Pilates, NY mat certified instructor. She is terrific!
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( 3.1 / 288 )Thank you to everyone for your patience over the past few months. We have been busy at the studio but I haven't been able to write.
Some of you know that my brother Randy was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early March. He died on August 18th. I am so grateful for all of your love and support over the past few months as I have been coping with his illness and passing. Your prayers and kindness continue to comfort me. Thank you!
We just celebrated Rosh Hashanah and I would like to wish everyone a sweet and healthy New Year! Losing a loved one has the ability to bring a new perspective to our lives. As I approach my 50th birthday I hope to be and do the best I can each day. Remember that each and every day is truly a gift so embrace the present, be grateful for all of life's many experiences and adventures, and don't waste time on anger, fear, complaints or regrets. Just live,love and give of yourself. Life is an occasion. Rise to it!
Love Penny
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( 3 / 276 )The studio will be closed next Tuesday and Wednesday, April 19th and 20th. Please contact Penny to re-schedule. Happy Passover!
Thank You,
Penny
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( 3 / 701 )The Tuesday IAA (Internal Alignment Awareness) mat class now begins at 11:00am instead of 10:30. Please make a note of it.
The Thursday morning mat class @ 9:30am is now an IAA class.
Thank You.
Penny
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( 2.9 / 659 )Pilates Playground welcomes PMA certified Pilates Instructor Gerry Morigerato to the studio. Gerry is also a Physical Therapy Assistant and a Franklin Method Educator.
He will be in the studio on Saturdays and is available by appointment. He will be teaching the 10:00 mat class this coming weekend on March 26th.
I am very happy that Gerry is now a part of the studio family and know you will all benefit from his expertise and compassion.
Happy Spring!!!
Love Penny
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( 2.9 / 602 )I just returned home from The first Annual conference on THE MEEKS METHOD; Putting Principles Into Practice at the Sundance Resort in Sundance, Utah.
Thank you Sara for the opportunity to be a part of your Steering Committee and to have the honor of meeting and sharing with so many like minded professionals from the United States and Canada. We all share the same dream that someday soon everyone will have access to SAFE movement education whatever their physical condition. I strive to be the best representative I can of your methodology and spirit.
Thank you Robert Redford for having the vision to create Sundance. I have never been to a more beautiful place. There is an energy here that is magical. I can't wait to come back. It felt like coming home. Sundance is a gift to all who come to visit or live.
Love,
Penny
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( 3 / 571 )Just a reminder that all classes are canceled tomorrow morning.
I am teaching a workshop on modified exercise for osteoporosis at Congregation Agudat Achim in Schenectady, NY from 10:00am - 12:00pm
All are welcome! Bring a mat and towel to support your head if necessary.
Thanks.
Penny
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( 3 / 504 )Due to today's ice storm and school delays the studio is closed until 4:30 this afternoon. Please be safe if you have to drive and I will see you all next Monday.
Thank You!
Love Penny
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( 3 / 486 )A friend sent this to me from her friend and I thought I should pass it on.
Interesting facts for anyone who needs an X-ray:
Dr. Oz had a show on the fastest growing cancer in women.......thyroid cancer. It was a very interesting program and he mentioned that the increase could possibly be related to the use of dental x-rays and mammograms. He demonstrated that on the apron the dentist puts on you for your dental x-rays there is a little flap that can be lifted up and wrapped around your neck. Many dentists don't bother to use it. Also, there is something called a "thyroid guard" for use during mammograms. By coincidence, I had my yearly mammo yesterday. I felt a little silly, but I asked about the guard and sure enough, the technician had one in a drawer. I asked why it wasn't routinely used. Answer: "I dunno. The patient has to ask."
Well, if I hadn't seen the show, how could I have known to ask???
Be well,
Love Penny
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( 3 / 493 )Good Morning,
A big THANK YOU to everyone who calls and lets me know if they are going to miss a mat class. Even though classes are on a drop in basis, I appreciate knowing if you won't be able to attend because you are missed!
Have a wonderful day!
Love Penny
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