pilatesbody-blog

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I've teamed up with Dr. Shannon Davis, a Physical Therapist at Champion Performance Physical Therapy to bring a Marathon Recovery Pilates and PT workshop to Austin! Join us at Luke's Locker for this FREE event on Monday, 2/23/15 at 6:30 pm.

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14 Post Ideas for your Pilates Studio Facebook Page

Do you feel lost when trying to figure out what to post on your studio’s Facebook page? Well, you’re not alone. 

I consistently get questions for Pilates studio owners and teachers about how to use Facebook and what can be measured, managed, and improved. I’ve seen many teachers get hung up on posting the same types of content over and over again…whether it is working or not. 

This post will give you some killer Facebook post ideas for your Pilates studio that WILL work, by generating lots of likes, shares and comments, as well as increased clicks through to your website. 

1. Contests - offer your clients an in studio contest for referrals, visits per month, or exercise challenges 2. Before and After pictures of your clients 3. Exercise of the Day/ Exercise breakdown posts (ex: How to do a teaser) 4. Featured Staff or Teacher Posts 5. Featured client posts 6. Reviews of new fitness/ health products 7. Video diaries of behind the scenes in the studio 8. Live Q&A - evening or day time about new classes or who could benefit from Pilates 9. Photos of the studio, clients, teachers, your community 10. Expert tips for the season like “how to stay hydrated during the winter” 11. Studio Challenge - Post a group challenge for your fans…sometimes doing something as a group can feel less overwhelming than doing it alone! Some examples include: 30-days to a better plank or 7-days to tighter abs (post a daily video or blog post sharing  Pilates exercises) 12. Seasonal posts - Share a holiday picture, quote or greeting centered around an upcoming holiday. Try to add a personal touch, if possible. This reminds your fans that you are a real person! 13. Links to your blog 14. Inspirational/ motivational images

Try adding these to your Facebook marketing mix today and email me, Sarah, at pilatesbodyatx@gmail.com if you need help!

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Garlicky Brussels Sprouts with Pine Nuts

This Brussels sprouts recipe was made up for a quick Sunday dinner using leftover pine nuts from pesto and its quickly becoming one of my favorites of the season!

1/2 pound Brussels sprouts

2 large garlic cloves

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

1/2 tablespoon of butter

2 tablespoons pine nuts

salt and pepper to taste

To Make:

Cut the Brussels sprouts in half and chop the garlic into thin slices. Melt butter and 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet or heavy pan and cook garlic, stirring, until golden brown. Remove garlic from the pan and set aside.

Arrange sprouts in the pan and sprinkle with salt and pine nuts. Cook sprouts on low heat until crisp-tender and undersides are golden brown, about 15 minutes. Remove sprouts from pan, add 1/2 tablespoon oil and garlic and cook pine nuts until they are brown. Sprinkle garlic and pine nuts over sprouts and serve.

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The Best Workout Songs of 2014

With today being the last day of the year and all, I wanted to make sure you have an awesome playlist for your New Year’s Eve party. Here’s a playlist of the best songs from my Pilates, Barre, and Spinning classes in 2014. Get up and get dancing - there’s no time like the present! Am I Wrong - Nico & Vinz I will never let you down - Rita Ora Don't tell em - Jeremih Take U there - Jack U feat. Kiesza Timber - Pitbull feat. Ke$ha Summer - Calvin Harris i - Kendrick Lamar Lovers on the Sun - David Guetta Sing - Ed Sheeran Black Widow - Iggy Azalea Wake Me Up - Avicii Boneless - Steve Aoki Faith - Calvin Harris High You Are (Branchez Remix) - What So Not Trumpets - Jason Derulo Problem - Ariana Grande You Make Me - Avicii Blame - Calvin Harris Through the Night - Cedric Gervais Shot Me Down - David Guetta feat. Skylar Grey

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Plan a Big Finish for 2014

Guess what. As of today, we officially only have four weeks to go in 2014. Oh goodness.   It might not sound like a lot, but it’s definitely time to take care of some short-term goals and put your studio in as good a position as possible before next year.   When 2015 arrives, what will you wish you’d have started earlier? Maybe you want to make sure all your instructors update their teaching availability. Maybe you’d like to introduce a new class or workshop. Maybe you want to set a goal of selling all the retail items taking up shelf space. Maybe you just want to finally get your website finished or Facebook page set up. You don’t have to move mountains, but you should buckle down and take care of some tasks that you don’t want hanging over your head when the end of the year arrives. So go ahead - jot down some ideas, figure out what’s realistic, and look forward to leaving these tasks behind in January.

Need help getting a plan for the studio together for 2015? Email me, Sarah, at pilatesbodyatx@gmail.com.

[pilatesbody-blog]

Thank Your Clients

It’s the season of giving thanks so show some love to the people who love your studio!   It sounds simple, but a good old fashioned "thank you" is one of the most effective strategies for generating referrals and keeping your schedule full. The clients who “like” your Facebook page, share your events, or give you feedback about classes, have taken time out of their day to interact with you and your studio and they LOVE to hear that you appreciate it!   Did somebody post about their training session on Facebook? Did they tweet out a link to your next workshop with some kind words? Show them how much it means to you! All you have to do is respond with a simple thank you message - it’s the perfect way to make the most of a moment and strengthen a relationship (plus, it just plain feels good).   You’ll be amazed at what a “thank you” can do for your business.

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New Pilates for Teens class series at Ballet Southwest Academy

How cool is this?!? I’m teaching a brand new Pilates for Teens class series at Ballet Southwest Academy! 

Pilates for Teens is a unique and energizing workout taught to music that incorporates Pilates mat and barre exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Pilates is perfect for developing bodies and teaches key elements of lifetime health like self awareness, self care, and functional movement skills.

Classes start 11/7/14 and run through November. Laughing, dancing, and fun encouraged!

Pre-registration is required. Please contact Lisl at: balletsouthwestacademy@gmail.com for more information.

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Spinach, Zucchini + Chickpea Bulgur Wheat Bowl

When life is crazy with work and clients, I make big vats of healthy comfort food to help me get through the week. This yummy chickpea and bulgur wheat bowl has been my "go to" the past few weeks and serves as a great base for whatever veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients:

1 Tbs olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 can chick peas, rinsed

1 cup bulgur wheat (or quinoa)

4 cups spinach

2-3 zucchini or yellow squash, chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1/2 Tbs of apple cider vinegar

2 tsp dijon mustard

2 Tbs water

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 1/2 Tbs tahini

1/2 Tbs olive oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

To Make:

1. Whisk together the last eight ingredients (olive oil, lemon juice, tahini,  vinegar, water, mustard, garlic, and pepper together to make your sauce.

2. Make your bulgur wheat. Combine 1 cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Reduce to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes.

3. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Once oil is heated, add the onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring often. Add zucchini and cook for another 3-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add chickpeas.

4. Add the wheat and spinach to the large skillet. Mix well to combine and to make the spinach wilt a bit.

5. Turn heat off and drizzle everything with lemon- tahini sauce.

Have a great week!

[pilatesbody-blog]

Foam Roller Workshop at Luke's Locker

I am excited that Luke’s Locker will be partnering with Kor180 to bring you my BRAND NEW Foam Roller workshop!

Wednesday, September 24th 2014

115 Sandra Muraida Way

6:15pm - 7:15pm

This Foam Roller Workshop is a unique, fun, and rewarding combination of a workout and massage session done with your foam roller.

Class begins with a Pilates based foam roller workout to challenge your core strength and balance. Then, my colleague Chris Spears will teach you how to use the foam roller to break up your fascia to aid in workout recovery.

Self-myofascial release with a foam roller has transformed from a once mysterious technique used only by professional athletes, coaches, and therapists to a familiar everyday practice for people at all levels of fitness. You’ll learn tips and tricks to do this at home and some new ideas to spice up your workouts!

You are welcome to bring your own 35 inch roller or Luke’s Locker has generously offered discounts on rollers that you can purchase at the event. The workshop is FREE on Wednesday, 9/24/14 from 6:15pm - 7:15 pm.

RSVP and Register here: http://foamrollerworkshop.splashthat.com/

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Our first ever Pilates + Bootcamp Sweat n' Stretch couldn't have been more perfect. Nothing beats that euphoric feel after you crush your workout! Thank you all for coming out and stay tuned for round two! 

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Sweat N Stretch Pilates + Bootcamp

I’ve done a lot of cool things while teaching Pilates in Austin, and now I’m excited to team up with Camp Gladiator Trainer Matt Fedor to bring you a FREE Pilates + Bootcamp workout in Zilker Park!

Varying your workout is the best way to see results and this fast paced, heart pumping workout will get you on your way to your fitness goals! Join us for Stretch N’ Sweat on Sunday, August 31st at 9:30 am. No pre-registration necessary, just RSVP on our Facebook page.

Questions? Shoot me an email at pilatesbodyatx@gmail.com

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New Classes at Luke's Locker and Spark Fitness Club

I have TWO exciting announcements to share with the Austin Fitness Community!

As you know, I love sharing Pilates workouts as often as I can. This month, I’ve got a special workshop just for runners on August 26th!

Introducing Pilates for Runners at Luke’s Locker brought to you by Kor180 with Sarah Nelson as your teacher!

The workout is free and open to everyone. Just bring your own mat! Class starts at 6:15pm - no pre registration required.

Spark Fitness Club I am very thrilled to share that I have joined the instructor team at the brand new Spark Fitness Club in Austin! I am teaching Indoor Cycling on Wednesdays at noon and Barre on Fridays at 2pm.  All classes are open for drop in with a gym day pass. The gym is gorgeous and right on the Town Lake trail so walk on over and check it out!

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Turkey and Kale Lettuce Wraps with Ginger Sauce

I can't tell you how much I love lettuce wraps for light, cool dinner on a hot Texas night. They are crunchy and delicious and you can use almost anything you have on hand for the filling. Here's a variation with ground turkey, carrots, and kale that you can put together in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients:

1 large head of lettuce or romaine hearts

1-2 carrots, shredded

1 bunch of scallions, diced

1 bunch of cilantro, chopped

1 1/2 cups kale leaves, shredded

1 lb ground turkey (you could also use tofu, chicken, or pork)

1 garlic clove

1-2 Tbs ginger, grated

1 Tbs honey

1/2 Tbs apple cider vinegar

1/2 Tbs rice wine vinegar

1 Tbs soy sauce

1/4 cup water

Salt to taste

Crushed red pepper flakes to taste

2 Tbs olive oil (or oil of your choice)

How to:

In a pan, heat about 1 Tbs of olive oil and add scallions. Saute until tender then add carrots and kale and cook for another 3 minutes. Add turkey and stir fry until cooked through, about 5-8 minutes. While turkey is cooking prepare sauce. Using a food processor or immersion blender, combine garlic, ginger, honey, vinegars, soy sauce, water, crushed red pepper, salt, and 1 Tbs of olive oil. Drizzle prepared sauce over pan for the last minute of cooking. Scoop turkey mixture into the lettuce leaves and top with chopped cilantro.

Enjoy!

You may also like: Quinoa Salad with Endives

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5 Ways to Get More Pilates Clients This Summer

“How can I get more clients?” This is the number one question I get from other Pilates instructors and studio owners.  Summer time can be a slow time in the studio with client vacation schedules, changes to childcare, and people simply wanting to be outside in the sunshine. Don’t stress. There are lots of things you can do to reach out to your clients and keep your schedule full. Try these 5 tips to get more Pilates clients in your studio:

Be helpful. Ask your clients, “What are your goals and how can I help you reach them?” This may not translate directly to new business, but your clients will know that you care and are a helpful, friendly person.

Ask for referrals. Are you asking for referrals? If you have a good relationship with your clients, they will want to help you and your studio grow. You just have to ask.

Write a weekly email or newsletter for your clients. I know you are busy. This doesn’t have to be a novel. Just keep in touch on a regular basis and you will stay top of mind with your clients (and it makes asking for referrals and promoting workshops and promotions a whole lot easier!)

Plan a promotion. Summer is full of reasons to celebrate with a special promotion in your studio. For example, this month I am planning and running promotions for Independence Day (America themed playlist classes and Red, White, and Blue workout attire), Daiquiri Day on 7/19 (create and share a Texas-inspired daiquiri recipe for a post-workout party at the studio), and a Baby Bump workshop for all the expecting mothers at the studio. It’s always good to have something to invite your clients and their friends to.

Write to five clients.  I’ve started sending “Thank You Notes” to my new clients after each session and they love getting something nice in the mail. You don’t have to pick new customers, you can check in with five customers at random. Send them a note to ask how they're doing or send an invitation to an upcoming studio event.

All of these things are very do-able and will help you fill your marketing calendar for the summer!

[pilatesbody-blog]

Shrimp Scampi with Spaghetti Squash

Here is a quick, healthy shrimp scampi recipe with spaghetti squash instead of pasta that I've been playing around with. Let me know if you try it!

Ingredients:

3-4 garlic cloves - crush em up!

2 lemons - juiced

5 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

20-25 medium shrimp peeled and deveined

1/4 onion

1 spaghetti squash - cut in half, scrape seeds out and coat with olive oil, salt, and pepper

2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

1 small bunch parsley, leaves chopped

How to make it: Preheat oven to 450 and roast squash with the fleshy side down for 30 - 40 minutes. Scrape out the inside of the skin and throw the skin away. Combine the garlic, zest and juice of 1 lemon, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper, to taste, and the shrimp. Let marinate for a while. Heat a skillet over high heat. Remove the shrimp from the marinade, reserve the marinade, and add the shrimp to the skillet. Cook until they turn pink and remove the shrimp from the pan. Add marinade to the pan and let cook a few minutes then add the spaghetti squash. Continue to cook until the squash has absorbed a lot of the sauce. Add the zest and juice of the remaining lemon, the butter or olive oil and the parsley and stir to combine. Salt and pepper, to taste and add the shrimp to combine with the sauce. Serve and enjoy!

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Pilates Workout Music Vol 11

This is one of my favorite parts of my job - downloading awesome playlists and choreographing workouts!

Here's my latest Pilates workout playlist from my classes at ToddPilates.

Starry Eyed Surprise - Oakenfold

Can't Remember to Forget You - Shakira

Paper Aeroplane - Francesco Rossi

Problem - Ariana Grande

Independent Women - Destiny's Child

This is What It Feels Like - Armin Van Buuren

Breaking it Up - Lykke Li

Chasing the Sun - The Wanted

Jack - Breach

Turn Me On - David Guetta & Nicki Minaj

All Night - Icona Pop

Blackout - Breathe Carolina

Ways to Go - Grouplove

You Make Me - Avicii

Riptide - Vance Joy

Come try a Pilates class with me!

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Social Media Marketing Doesn't Have to be Hard

Struggling to get started with marketing your studio with Facebook, Twitter, or other social media tools? It may be time to refocus your efforts.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been working with a brand new studio in Central Texas. The owner of the studio knows that they need to reach out to the community, “market” the studio online, and “make a Facebook page,” but is so busy with everything else needed to get the studio doors open, that they just aren’t getting around to the business of actually doing the marketing. Unfortunately, when they do manage to post and share content or marketing messages, it has been a rushed effort full of spelling errors and bland, uninspired, unexciting media. I know that sounds a bit harsh but really, it hasn't been good. They are stressed and unhappy about it, instead of being excited for their launch, and it’s not exactly the type of image they are working to create for their studio...

Now, I realize that adopting to new marketing technologies can be difficult. I know that it is a fast paced marketing world with constant change, and you have a lot to do to run your business... But I also know that the studios that use new marketing technologies grow faster and do better than those that don’t.

If you are struggling with Facebook, Twitter, or email marketing, remember that you do not have to do everything at once. Choose a tool that you feel most confident with, and get excited about using it!

Do you use Facebook personally to connect with family and friends? Stick with that, and share your fitness studio status updates just as you would share with your loved ones. Do you like to read news on Twitter? Then use Twitter to share your studio news.

Pick a thing you can get behind. It will shine through the work you do and will help you connect with your community and grow your client base. Just like what you do within the studio, approach your marketing and social media with genuine enthusiasm. Live and breathe your studio culture online and it will come across as genuine.

Need help getting going? Email me, pilatesbodyatx@gmail.com