Sierra Symmetry

Pilates and Painless Running

Eric Unterberger

Get Fit to Get Outside!

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Kick Start 2019 with Our Pilates Challenge! GET FIT TO GET OUTSIDE!

“In 10 sessions, you feel better, in 20 sessions you look better, and in 30 sessions you have a completely new body.” – Joseph Pilates, the founder of the Pilates method.

This is a bold claim! Only 10 sessions until you feel great? Only 30 sessions to a new, pain free body? It is possible – students who make the commitment and have the motivation it takes, do experience better athletic performance and less pain after 30 sessions.

As Joseph also said, to see these drastic results, students should attend class 3 times per week. We know that this can be difficult.

That’s why we created the 30-day Pilates challenge. Sierra Symmetry will give a $50 gift certificate from Tahoe Mountain Sports to the first client to attend 30 sessions starting this Monday, January 13th. In addition, Sierra Symmetry is adding MEMBERSHIPS!!

Use this challenge to get that new body you’ve always wanted. You will feel better and you’ll be less prone to injury when you participate in other sports, like skiing, biking and running.

We believe in you, and we want you to experience a total body transformation.

Within the first 10 sessions, Pilates students start to develop better mind-body control. Students start feeling better physically and mentally. While you may not see results yet, you will feel that your body is becoming more balanced and mobile. Students are calmer as they learn how to move with greater control. A relationship with your body develops – once we start to feel different, we are encouraged to continue.

After 20 sessions, students will start to notice a physical difference in their body. Muscles become stronger and more toned. Clothes that have been put on the shelf, waiting for the day when they fit again, are now a part of the rotation.

Joseph says that the lifestyle change really happens at 30 sessions. Students experience increased mobility and greater energy. At this phase, Pilates becomes a welcome habit as students enjoy their new body that feels great.

Again, Pilates makes this claim for students who attend 3 classes a week. We understand that it can be hard to fit 3 classes a week into a busy schedule, but we encourage you to put your health first. THAT’S WHY WE ARE STARTING 3 DAY PER WEEK MEMBERSHIPS! We want you to feel your best this year! Working out consistently makes you feel better physically and mentally. Your skin will look better, and you’ll begin creating a healthy habit.

Does this mean that if you only attend class 1 or 2 times a week, you won’t notice a difference? NO! Students who attend Pilates on a regular basis, even if not 3 times per week, still see results. Bodies still become more strong and mobile. And Pilates is the perfect compliment to all the outdoor sports you are already doing this winter.  

Come sign up for the challenge! If you can make 3 sessions a week, you’ll have a brand new body for 2019 by March! Imagine starting your Spring athletics stronger and pain free!

See you in the studio!

6 Ways to Stay on Track this Holiday Season

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You’re on a roll – eating healthy, working out, and attending Pilates class. But you can feel it coming – that bittersweet feeling of the holidays looming over. The parties, the dinners, the wine, the traveling – all the things that make this time of year super fun but ruinous for our healthy routines.

It’s the time of year that can knock you flat off your program. Being derailed from your normal routine – one that you have taken the time and put in the energy to make a habit – sucks. And while sometimes it just isn’t going to be possible to stick to your program, there are some things you can do to make it less sabotaging.

You CAN stay on your program amidst the festive parties and travel. Here’s how:

Fill up before you file out
Going to a holiday soiree and afraid you’re going to eat the whole cheese platter and drink all the eggnog? Prevent gorging yourself with empty calories by eating a healthy dinner at home first. Fill yourself up with your favorite lean meal and be sure to include some hearty vegetables and proteins. While you still may end up chewing on a bacon wrapped anything at least you won’t be eating the whole platter.

Back away from the buffet
It is where everyone is hanging out, I know. But we tend to eat more when the food is within arm’s reach. Make yourself a plate and find a spot to socialize in another part of the venue. Then – wait a bit before returning. It takes a second for our stomachs to tell our brains that we have eaten enough.

Drink water!
We hear it all the time – and it can be hard to follow when you’re in the middle of a festive holiday gathering. Try to drink at least a half glass of water in between every cocktail or glass of wine (if you’re drinking). Even if you’re not imbibing, drinking water frequently makes you feel more full, so you’re less likely to indulge yourself with another peppermint macaroon.

Scooting out of town?

Pack your running shoes
Traveling is one the most common ways to derail a healthy regimen. It doesn’t have to be though! Bring your runners and one workout outfit. Get outside and explore the town you are visiting. Even if you just go out for a walk – you are still doing amazing things for your body. And best of all – you are keeping your healthy habits in place. That way, when you return home, it’s not so hard to jump back into your established routine.

Download and print a quick indoor workout
Find a quick workout that you can do in a hotel room or at another person’s house. Even if it’s not as intense as you are used to, you will still feel better doing it. Heck – just a few rounds of squats, push-ups, and planks will keep your muscles in shape. Spend 15-20 minutes doing a non-stop circuit! You’ll raise your heart rate and keep your body in workout mode.

Drop in at the local Pilates studio
Pilates is becoming more and more popular – which means it’s easier to find a studio wherever your travels may take you. Take a drop-in class and work off some of that holiday bloat.

Are you visiting Truckee this season?

Visit Sierra Symmetry for a drop-in class! We would love to have you! Click here for the class schedule.

Sierra Symmetry offers group Pilates classes, barre classes, duet sessions, and private sessions.

Need motivation for the busy December Days?

Click here for our Twelve Days of Christmas Deals – specials for December 1 thru 12, 2018!

5 Reasons You Should Be Hitting the Barre!

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You’ve probably noticed that more and more Pilates, Yoga, and other fitness studios are offering barre workouts. But what exactly is a barre workout and what are its benefits?

As you might have imagined, a barre workout utilizes a waist-high bar that runs along the wall of a workout space. Just like in ballet class.

Guys! Don’t get turned off just yet! You might be surprised at how much you can get out of taking a barre class. Especially when the class is paired with other complementary exercises. In fact, I would bet that many men might feel more challenged in a class that includes isometric exercises as they are rarely the preferred discipline in a gym workout.

Hold up – iso what?

Isometric exercises are performed in a way that your joints are static and your muscles aren’t lengthening. Some popular examples of isometric exercises are the plank (where you rest on your elbows in a push-up position for a predetermined amount of time) and wall sits (sitting static with your back against the wall). If you have done either of these, you know that the burn is real!

These are exactly the type of exercises that are performed in a barre workout. But what makes our barre class stand out?

We combine the best of Pilates, dance, cardio, and weight training to create a high-paced, vigorous workout that is fun and ass-kicking.

Looking for some reasons to sign up? Here are 5:

Our Barre workout is fun!
This is a workout you won’t get tired of. We shift courses throughout the class, so you won’t get burned out. It’ll keep you on toes as we vary the focus from upper body to lower body and glutes, while always being aware of our core. It’s a fun way to get a total body workout while being mindful of our joints and proper alignment.

Anyone can do Barre!
Our instructors are able to create workouts that benefit all body types. We accommodate beginners, pro-athletes, and busy parents. Our challenging class poses very little to no risk of injury.

Our Barre class is cardio
Don’t get me wrong, I love running, and I love biking, but at times, I need to mix things up. And sometimes you just need to give your joints a bit of a break. Our class is low-impact cardio. This is fat burning at its finest – shedding pounds without straining your body.

 But it’s also strength training
Our barre class utilizes the mat, weights, and the bar to effectively tone muscles. Barre movements, specifically, create long, lean muscles. The small and repetitive movements will have your muscles burning, so you know that you’re getting a great workout in.

Barre increases mobility and posture
Whether you are an avid runner or just looking to stop the thigh burn while tackling a set of stairs, the barre workout will improve your performance. Picture a ballerina’s toned, sinewy, and sculpted body. You’ll develop and tone those long and lean muscles. After a few classes, you’ll notice that everyday movements and athletic activities are completed with increased ease. Your muscles move and flow with grace, which is huge for injury prevention.

Toned arms, long, lean legs, and rockin’ core. At Sierra Symmetry, we combine the best of barre and Pilates, resulting in a truly ass-kicking workout.

Sierra Symmetry is now offering TRX Classes too!

We understand as you head into winter and are longing to run or bike on trails covered with snow that perhaps you’d like to increase your endurance. That’s why we’ve decided to add TRX – also called The Pilates Suspension Method – to our offerings at Sierra Symmetry. The Pilates Suspension method, performed on the TRX Suspension Trainer, will utilize the skills you’ve acquired while attending Pilates classes and Sierra Symmetry and increase the endurance required to perform them by eliminating the full support of our typical Pilates equipment.

Are you ready? Browse our class schedule today!

 

 

Why Less is More: Getting the Most Out of Your Pilates Class

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It can be a bit overwhelming when it comes to deciding on a fitness program. There is such a vast menu of fitness choices available out there and plenty of options that should be considered. Join a gym or work out at home? Book private lessons or join a class? Join a big studio or a boutique studio?

Maybe you have narrowed it down to Pilates (good choice!). If you’re at the point where you have started comparing classes, and aren’t sure about the benefits of small vs. large classes, read on.

Participating in a smaller, more intimate Pilates class is not only beneficial, it’s crucial for the wellness of your body.

The father of Pilates, Joseph Pilates, originally termed his workout method “Contrology,” meaning “the science of control.” It is imperative that instructors have the time and space to be able to monitor their students’ movements effectively and to ensure that they are performing the motions in a correct and controlled manner.

Pilates requires clean, intentional motions, coupled with steady breathing to match. The Pilates method is strategic in that it targets specific areas of the body. Furthermore, these movements must be performed with the body in proper alignment. A certified Pilates instructor ensures that the exercises are being performed accurately.

For this reason, equipment classes should always be limited to a small number of students. Although, our Pilates studio is large enough for more reformers, we limit our class size to 5 reformers, in order to guarantee that you will receive the instruction you need to reap the benefits that Pilates has to offer.


Consider these 3 tremendous benefits of participating in a Pilates class with a limited number of students:

Less Chance of Injury
A smaller class size facilitates individual attention from your Pilates instructor. In fact, because our classes are so intimate, it’s almost like you’re getting a private session! With 5 reformers available, our instructors are able to assess everyone’s progress and movements at the same time. They have more opportunity to help a student who might need more assistance with alignment. In larger Pilates Reformer classes, it is impossible for the instructor to be able to assess everyone in the class at the same time, putting the Pilates students at more risk of injury.

Enhanced Comradery
As you continue to attend your Pilates class, comradery between the students grows, as does a sense of accountability. Classes morph into small communities where growth and support are organically nurtured. It is more likely that attending class becomes a habit. It is less intimidating to participate in classes with others who become friends. And when you don’t show up, you will be missed!

Expanded Knowledge
I don’t know about you, but when I am learning in a small group, I am more likely to ask questions when I am not sure about something. Big groups can sometimes be intimidating. Pilates demands precise movements, and if you are not sure if you are doing them correctly, a safe and small environment is conducive to seeking out assistance. Instructors can dive deeper into explanations because they don’t have as many students to attend to. You’ll learn more and perform better as a result.

Also, at Sierra Symmetry, we never cancel on single sign-ups. Meaning even if you are the only one attending that day, that class will happen. We understand the importance of sticking to a consistent workout regimen and how it can be thrown off by canceled classes.

We want to work out with you! Browse our Pilates class offerings and join our community of like-minded individuals interested in preventing injuries and continuing to live a healthy lifestyle.

See our class schedule now

Prevent Sports Injuries This Fall with Pilates

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Mountain Biking, Running, and Paddling, Oh My! Prevent Sports Injuries This Fall with Pilates

Fall in Tahoe – also known as the “local’s summer” – is an outdoor athlete’s dream. The stream of tourists slows down to a trickle – opening up our roads, trails, rivers, and lakes for an epic selection of prime mountain sports.

The dip in temperatures allows for a quick hop on the mountain bike to smash out an afternoon single-track session on one of Truckee’s many trails. Less summer traffic gives the road cyclist more room for a heart-pounding ride along the Truckee-Tahoe “triangle”. It’s the season of the dual sport day – a late morning paddle on Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, or Boca Reservoir followed by a relaxing afternoon trail run.

However, more participation in high impact sports can lead to more opportunity for injury. With winter just around the corner, the last thing you need is to be laid out because the proper precautions weren’t taken to avoid injury. Sports injuries can put you up for weeks, months, or even years.

While injuries can happen as the result of falls or crashes, more common are muscle and joint injuries, incurred from overtraining and, believe it or not, lack of proper over-all fitness. Injuries can happen if you are not treating your body with the care it needs to sustain high-impact workouts – like mountain biking and trail running.

Pilates is one of the best tools for the prevention of sports injuries.

Pilates is low impact. One of the most common sports injuries results from overtraining. One solution is to incorporate rest days into your workout regimen. But, like many die-hard Tahoe athletes, taking a day off in our short season is not an option. Pilates is an excellent alternative to a rest day if you are having a hard time justifying taking a day off. Active recovery in an alternative, low impact form gives your joints and muscles the stretch and toning needed so you are ready to tackle even the most technical of trails.

Pilates encourages body-awareness. When you practice Pilates, you are actively listening to your body. Being in the habit of concentrating on your body’s “voice” carries over to other athletic pursuits. While there are times when “no pain, no gain” makes sense, there are other times when our bodies are really telling us that we need to back off. We are less likely to push through pain that can cause future injury when we are aware of the signals our bodies are sending us. In this way, we are better equipped to react to our body’s needs in a more mindful way.

Pilates builds core strength. One of the best ways to horde off injuries is by maintaining core strength. Having a strong core is a shield against back pain. Many athletes cross-train with Pilates because it builds up those core muscles in a controlled environment.

Pilates focuses on key muscular areas. Different sports build up different muscles, which leaves other muscles to become underdeveloped, comparatively. These weaker muscles can cause injury, especially if we rapidly switch to a sport that we haven’t done lately (like a first winter ski). Pilates encourages movements that align the body properly, strengthen under-used muscles, and help you move mindfully and adequately. Addressing the whole body through Pilates is a crucial element in preventing sports injuries.

Enrolling in a Pilates class can help motivate you to stick with a program with like-minded athletes and prevent injuries. Not ready to join the masses? We also offer personal training sessions with our certified Pilates instructors. Check out our class schedule or contact Sierra Symmetry to find out how we can help ensure that you don’t sustain any sports injuries this Fall.