Sierra Symmetry

Pilates and Painless Running

Fitness Classes

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!

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