Pilates ProWorks Review: San Francisco Marina Location

It has been a lonnnggg time since I last did reformer pilates! As you all know I love my current rotation: weight training, running, yoga. BUT I do love to mix it up a bit and always like to add pilates in the mix when I am in a rut and need something a little different. As I’ve said before, we always want to keep our body guessing and make sure we dont get used to a certain routine.

A few weekends ago Pilates ProWorks (the San Francisco Marina location on Union Street) invited me to experience a class. The studio offers reformer pilates, mat boxing and TRX classes but I decided to go with the reformer. Right around the corner from my house, I signed up for a Saturday morning class with Clarissa. From the moment I walked in, the staff was super friendly which is something that I notice and take note of right away. The class before me was just finishing up so after a few minutes it was time to take to the reformer. The class was super intimate which I loved. It was only a class of 10 or so which was great and didn’t feel too crowded like your average studio. The studio was extremely clean, equipment was super well maintained, staff was friendly and the teacher was excellent- thank you Clarissa!

I have done pilates quite a few times, but it’s been awhile. I wasn’t exactly comfortable on the reformer at first, but after Clarissa set me up and showed me how to adjust the resistance I was good to go. The class was challenging and targeted muscles that I have not used (or noticed I used) in a long time! The moves are repetitive but that is certainly the exhausting part. If I am sore the next day, I can tell that was a great workout. And I WAS sore! We focused mostly on legs, so I am wondering if different body parts are focused on each class. Let me know in the comments if you are familiar!

I will say, I do prefer more high intensity workouts and am looking forward to trying the mat box or TRX class next. I was a bit disappointed that I didn’t break a sweat and for me that’s key to feeling like I had a great session. Also, classes fill up FAST! I had a hard time booking actually and I would definitely feel disappointed if I had to schedule like that often.

(2 images above via Pilates ProWorks)

Tips for your first class:

  • Bring grippy socks with you to class as they are required. You can also purchase them at the studio for $15
  • There are not showers at the Marina location and not a lot of space to hang out so its best to plan to go home and shower after class
  • Introduce yourself to the instructor and let him/her know you are new. The will keep an eye on you during class and make sure you are doing moves correctly in order to avoid injury. They will also show you how to work the reformer and adjust resistance
  • Bring a water bottle and prepare to be sore the next day!



 

The facts:

Pilates ProWorks was founded in San Francisco in 2010 by a husband and wife duo and since have launched 15 studios in the US and South America.

Pilates Pro classes deliver a powerful 40- or 55-minute workout in a small group setting, in which each person works on their own FitFormer™ Pilates machine. This class combines resistance, lengthening, strength training, and cardio to aid in weight loss, define muscle, improve strength, endurance and flexibility, and boost energy.

matBox is a full-body workout that brings together Kickboxing, Pilates and Yoga into one powerful 55-minute session. The class starts with a round of high-intensity kickboxing with a punching bag. Then, the gloves come off and you hit the mat for a round of Pilates to strengthen your core. The final round incorporates Yoga to leave you aligned, balanced and fully invigorated. The result is a balanced mix of high-energy and focused intensity that tones, aligns and blasts calories. (Cant wait to try this class next!)

San Francisco locations:

  • 2238 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123 (Marina)
  • 563 Commercial St, San Francisco, CA 94111 (Fidi)

If you want to check out a class they have a few deals running!

  • Purchase a whole year of unlimited classes in 2017 for $2,017. This works out to $168 per month.
  • For new clients, enroll in a FIT 10 autopay membership and get your whole first month for $20.17. This works out to $12.34 per class.

Regular prices:

  • New clients: $20 for your first class or $135 1 month unlimited
  • 1 class is normally $30
  • They also offer 5, 10 or 20 packs (click here for full price list)

Have you taken a class at Pilates ProWorks before? If so, did you enjoy?

Thanks for reading! xo

Valentine’s Day: Date Night Spots in San Francisco

Happy first of February! Today I am in the mood for Valentines day and I’m SOOO excited to share these images with you guys today. A special someone is making an appearance on the blog and was such a sport shooting these pictures. Today is a bit of a different post than what you will normally see on the blog. I wanted to bring a bit of a fashion element, as well as share some of our favorite date night restaurants in lieu of Valentines Day right around the corner!

OUTFIT DETAILS: Windsor Dress  (on major sale- under $30!!) / Christian Louboutin Heels

We love doing the cliche dinner date thing on Valentines Day. Jeff usually surprises me with a reservation somewhere special each year. We have also been trying to go to a nice dinner together at least once a month where we go all out (aka major cheat night!) Below are some of our favorite date night spots in San Francisco.  Spruce is definitely my all time favorite spot. We have had many great date nights there and hopefully many more to come.

As you can probably tell, I love getting dressed up for Valentines Day and have found so many cute dresses lately! The dress I’m wearing in this post was only $28 from Windsor Store!! Such a steal. We have an event to go to this weekend which is the reason behind the fancy gown. 🙂 Here is a major roundup of dresses I’ve had my eye on (at all price points) perfect for date night:

 
Hope you have a fabulous Valentines Day! xo

2017 Health and Wellness Trends

Today I’m talking about trends. I’m not sure how I feel about trends when it comes to health and fitness, but I do always like to check out whats new and popular so I can share it with you all. The reason for my uncertainty is because trends come and go and for me, health and fitness is something that sticks and that I can sustain for the long term. I dont think a steady lifestyle is a trend and thats what works. Fads and diets are not long term which is why I dont believe in them. However, there are a few “trends” this year that I do think can be made a lifestyle.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Adidas Sweatshirt (also love this one) //Adidas Leggings // Nike Air Presto 

I’ve been researching and reading a lot about whats up and coming and have found that the following trends have been featured almost everywhere!

So whats hot in 2017 (so far)…

HIIT (high intensity interval training): I know I talk about HIIT a lot. That’s because I believe in it and incorporate it in my workout every single day. HIIT is becoming insanely popular and have noticed a lot of popular fitness classes start to incorporate. Short bursts of high intensity have proven by many studies to burn more calories, reduce body fat and increase muscle mass. A few other reasons why I believe in HIIT:

  • You can do it anywhere
  • You’ll lose weight, not muscle
  • You’ll burn more fat
  • You’ll build a healthier heart
  • Its challenging

Not all cardio is created equal. 🙂 Barrys Bootcamp is a great class which incorporates this exercise into each session. The mix of weight training and treadmill work are a trend which I believe will be one to stick around.

Meditation: In the crazyness of the world today it feels like more people are looking towards this anxiety reducing practice. I have heard a lot about transcendental meditation (TM) but I have yet to try it. If you have, please let me know if it has worked for you! For now, I love going to hot yoga once a week to recharge and re-center.

Sensory Deprivation Flotation: Flotation therapy seems to be popular in most cities now. I recently checked out Reboot Float Spa here in San Francisco and loved it! (You can read the full review here) By spending an hour floating in an Epsom salt bath, enclosed in a dark pod that cuts out any light or noise, you’re able to simultaneously let go of mental anxiety and ease muscle and joint pain. And it works! I will be floating again very soon.

Tumeric and Collagen: From hot teas to beauty products, pills to powders, both turmeric and collagen are already having a major moment in 2017.  With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric can clear up your skin, provide relief from cramps and has even been shown to fight off depression. Protein-rich collagen keeps your skin super hydrated, your energy levels high and your hormones in balance. I try to incorporate both in my daily routine as much as possible.

Have you seen any other health and wellness trends become more popular lately? Would love to hear from you!

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January Favorites

Happy end of Jan! We made it through the first month of 2017. It was kind of a whirlwind and flew by, right? I decided to start a new segment on the blog- at the end of each month I am planning on sharing some of my favorite items, things, places, anything from that month that really struck a chord with me. These are items that I feel SUPER strong about. Things that I wear or use almost everyday. I can tell you that in the month of Jan I have been re-wearing some of my favorites almost every day. I also had a few beauty favorites that I have been using nonstop for the past few months. Before I review or share anything with you guys I make sure to try it repeatedly before I form an opinion. For example, I have been using this Marc Jacobs mascara for months now, and will never wear another mascara again…pretty sure. Same with my favorite makeup remover and tea, I use both every single night, and cant live without! If you follow me on instagram, this leather jacket and these leggings have been popping up quite a bit. Each month I plan to share things that are a little different, but things that are on my “cant live without” list. Hope you enjoy!

  1. Nike Power Speed Leggings: I have been eyeing these leggings for a long time and finally convinced myself to pull the trigger once they went on sale. I am SO glad I did and well worth the price. The material on these leggings is the best and perfect for a late night run. They are a thin stretchy material, and by far my favorite pair of leggings I own.
  2. Caudalie Beauty Elixir: I love the smell of this beauty elixir! It is spa-like and is so refreshing mid day or before and after a workout for a little refresher. I like to spritz right before the gym. There’s something about it that gives me energy and clear outlook.
  3. Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara: the best mascara I have ever used! I’ve been using it for almost a year now and it will be a staple for years to come. This mascara gives my lashes so much volume and length in just one swipe.
  4. North Face Parka Far Northern Parka: Let’s be honest, I’m a wimpy California girl and it’s been cold for me here in San Francisco! Jeff makes fun of me because it’s usually only 50 degrees and I have this parka on with boots, hat, the whole getting. I’m actually always cold, but these past few weeks I haven’t left the house without this jacket. It will be a staple for me in many winters to come, such a great investment piece!
  5. Voluspa Mokara Candle: I’m obsessed with lighting a candle every night and I’m on my 3rd voluspa candle. I love the relaxing ambiance a candle gives and the smell of this one is my all time favorite.
  6. BlankNYX Faux Leather Moto Jacket: I think you can tell from all of my Instagram posts that I live in this jacket as well. And may wear a little too often! It’s definitely my go-to work jacket, but I also pair it with leggings on the weekend. I have owned a few faux leather jackets but this is by far my favorite and on sale!
  7. Calvin Klein Cotton Sports Bra: I love CK underwear and have been wearing for years. I just picked up the sports bras a few months back and love them. They are so soft and the elastic isn’t too tight, they fit just right. Highly recommend for lounging / weekend wear.
  8. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Wipes: I’ve been using these babies for years and will never look back. I just ordered a 10 pack on amazon because I go through so many. I use these to take off makeup at night or to clean my fast after a sweaty gym session. I’ve tried others on the market but none really compare to neutrogena.
  9. Dr Jart Water Replenishment Sheet Mask: Since my skin has been so so dry lately I have been using a lot of products to help moisturize and this has been my go to face mask. Sheet masks are great in general, and so easy to apply and go about your business at home. I love the way this one makes my skin glow and feel extra hydrated after application. I love applying this mask on a weekend then going the rest of the day without makeup.
  10. Cosmedix Hydrate Moisturizer: I was introduced to the cosmedix line about 6 months ago when the brand invited me to a spa experience. I have been using this moisturizer ever since and have already replenished. It’s ultra hydrating and perfect for this time of year. I wear this as my night moisturizer as it’s a bit on the heavy side to apply under makeup.
  11. Yogi Bedtime Tea: I have a nightly ritual as I’m sure most of us do. I love going through my nighttime skincare routine then jumping in bed with nighttime tea. I’m a pretty easy sleeper but this tea relaxes me just the right amount right before bed. I will not go a night without it.

There you have it, my favorites in the month of January. What do you think about this new segment? I’m hoping to share  on a monthly basis if you guys like!

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Fit Fashion with Forever21

I am always on the hunt for good Forever 21 finds. I love shopping high/low and Forevs is a great place for trendy fashion at a lower price. I’ve found so many good activewear picks lately and sharing them with you today! Shopping in store can be extremely over whelming, so I prefer to shop online. There’s so many items online as well, but if you are just browsing I would recommend you check out their back in stock or bestsellers page to get to the good stuff.

OUTFIT DETAILS: Jacket (similar) // Leggings (similar) // Nike Air Max Theas (on sale!)

There are so many pieces in my shopping cart right now! Below are some of my favorites. I am definitely snagging this and this tank as well as this sports bra. I am also going to pick up this medicine ball for a home workout (under $10-such a great price)!

 
Happy shopping babes!

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