Healthy Investments, High Returns

The safest bank to stash your cash in 2009 is on your body. Your value only goes up when you feel good and you can perform at your personal best. Not sure what investment is best for you? Let us help. FREE: This offer is good for new clients only. Try one of two half-hour teaser mat classes to see what Pilates can do for you. Wednesday, January 14 @ 5:30 Wednesday, January 21 @ 5:30 Class size is limited so reserve your spot asap. HIGH ROUND ASSETS - 4 WEEK CLASS $100: Wednesday nights from 5:30 - 6:30pm January 28 - February 18 Jill Harris will lead you through four weeks of booty beauty, abs and arms to restructure your "business". Be prepared to work off excess holiday baggage and have fun. Class size is limited to 5 people. PILATES MAGIC CIRCLE - 5 WEEK CLASS $100 Mondays at 8:30am 1/12 - 2/9 Join Anne Bishop and learn how to yield the magic circle. Mat Pilates exercises will be enhanced and supported by one of Joseph Pilates original creations. Come to class and find out what Joe's inspiration for the magic circle was and how to get a challenging and fun work out. Class size is limited to 5 people and will accept drop-ins if space permits for $25/class. PILATES+HAPPY HOUR $35: Friday, January 30th at 5:30pm We are offering a circuit class followed by a healthy, organic, post workout meal catered by Lilah Belle's (www.lilahbelles.com). Every 15 minutes you will switch over to a different piece of equipment. Class will be your appetizer followed by socializing and a light meal. Limited to 12 participants. PILATES MAT WORKOUT - $200/10 or $25/single Mondays at 7pm Wednesdays at 7:30am Wednesdays at 7pm Join Katie McMahon for our most social classes of the week. You will use fit loops, balls, rollers, weights and magic circles to tone your body while discussing the latest restaurants, shops, trends and local news. Trust us you will work as hard as you will laugh! Saturday AM Mat Class - 4 WEEK CLASS $100: Saturday morning from 10:00-11:00 am January 17 - February 7 The Informed Body's answer to "yogilates"! Lisa Bower is offering a challenging mat flow workout which features stretching (think of those tight hamstrings and overworked neck muscles!) and, of course, core strengthening. Learn, review, or build upon basic principles. Informed Weekend Circuit - 4 WEEK CLASS $130 Saturday morning from 11:15-12:15 am January 17 - February 7 Join Lisa Bower on Saturdays and have some serious fun on all the equipment in the studio: the reformer, chair, springboard, and mat. The sky's the limit! Build upon your experience in privates, duets or mat classes, as you learn more about the repertoire and develop your Pilates smarts. For more information or to sign up for classes, call us at 415-626-1111. We hope to see you in the studio soon and wish you a happy and healthy 2009.

Maintain Balance During The Holidays

The last "leg" of the year is challenging in that we are ready to move forward, but need to stay present for that last month. How do we maintain balance in our lives during this time and not get caught up in the mayhem around us? Feng Shui expert Katherine Metz shares her knowledge and invites us to practice a few exercises to keep us grounded through different scenarios we may encounter. Before you read what Katherine has to impart, I'd like to take a second to introduce you to her work.

Katherine is devoted to the seen and unseen ways in which physical environment can spark and nurture the individual's natural potential to be as vibrant, receptive and focused as possible. For over twenty-two years Katherine has provided her services in private homes, corporate offices, small businesses, schools, restaurants, and health care facilities, helping her clients create environments where they experience tangible and positive changes. Sleeping gets better, communication becomes more effective, family peace is restored, business multiplies, and people get well. When harmony and success are your goals, she is the person you call on. We are lucky to have her share her wisdom with us.

Take a deep breath and take your time reading!

Choosing Your Holiday (Five Element) Style Each of the Chinese five elements is a style of being in the world - a statement of experience and expression. Every person embodies each of the elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. Yet, when action is demanded, it is our Wood element that kicks into gear; and during the holiday season we are moving as fast as we can. When our usual style is challenged by the pressures of work, family, and the rush of the season, we can easily lose our balance as the extremes of Wood take over. Usually motivated, resourceful, self-confident and optimistic, and capable of tremendous power, the tendency of Wood under pressure is to keep pushing forward - overdoing and over performing. Instead of backing off, we stay occupied with a vengeance. We may become impatient, hasty, and even reckless. Frustration is common. Tired, we become nervous, irritable, and even angry. At the other extreme, our love of getting things done turns into paralysis, and we may sink into a suffocating depression. Either way, our usual elegance is lost. During this busy holiday season, we can create both inner and outer environments that encourage our Wood personality to stay balanced and flexible - to gracefully regulate unrelenting intensity, and to retreat when necessary. If you find yourself becoming impatient as others around you seem to be moving too slowly: Take a full, deep breath; then breathe it out in eight short puffs and one, l o n g, final exhale. Repeat the inhale and nine exhales at least nine times, or until the emotion has passed You will lower your blood pressure and heart rate, and tame the part of the brain that triggers anger. If anger does creep in as you search the Internet relentlessly for the perfect gift: Pull out and put on clothes that are both green and black. Green lets you tap into your kind side, and black allows your better judgment to take the place of an angry outburst. If the moon is out, simply breathe in the moonlight. You will cool the anger. If it's daytime, think about the moon and breathe. The effect will be the same if you concentrate. If you are really headed for a meltdown, add the following: As your lungs expand on the inhale, visualize that your hair begins to stand on end. See all your hair standing straight up on top of your head. As you exhale, visualize your hair returning to its natural position. You are, once again, looking neatly coifed. I guarantee you will begin to smile. If you become unsettled, unfocused, and out of sorts (even erratic): Prepare a warm bowl of soup (or cold cereal) and follow the instructions below: 1. Eat from your soup (or rice or cereal) bowl, and then rinse it a little bit. 2. Now, fill the bowl about 80 percent full of water. 3. Take the bowl, filled with water, outside under the open sky. There does not have to be sunlight. It can even be nighttime. 4. Return to the house carrying the bowl with the water. Set it down. The movement will have created ripples on the surface of the water. 5. Focus your eyes upon the ripples until the water becomes still. Your mind will become calm. 6. Now, repeat the procedure beginning by lightly rinsing the bowl once again. You do not need to eat again. Complete all the steps that come after. 7. Repeat for a total of nine times. Even if you feel settled after one time, continue. Your newly discovered sense of calm my just stick around well into the new year. If your tendency is to withdraw under pressure, and you find yourself hiding under the covers unable to cope: Peel an orange. The essence of orange is a powerful force to change your mood. Raid your closet to find something Kelly green, apple green, or reddish purple. You will lift your spirits even if your wear it back to bed. Clean up any disarray at the front door and you will organize your thinking making it easier to take at least one important step forward. It will also encourage friends to magically appear, bringing friendship and laughter. While they are with you, ask them to help you do the following: Place nine small, potted plants into the bedroom (or any room where you spend a lot of time). You are adding vitality and the impetus to move forward. If this is the one thing you do today, tomorrow will be brighter. Whether moving too fast or too slow: Take some time every night before going to bed to think about things you normally don't think about; adventures, discoveries, art, stories, etc. Think about the exciting things you have pushed aside because of your busy schedule. Have some fun thinking. Erase the worry at this important time before bed. You will awake refreshed and ready to go, full of a sense of adventure and enthusiasm. You will have reestablished the skillful, inventive, curious, and fearless grace of Wood. Congratulations. You are a gift to everyone around you.

For more information about Katherine Metz and her services, please go to her website at http://www.katherinemetz.com . If this information was helpful to you in some way, I invite you to leave a token of your appreciation for Katherine in a red envelope which we will have in our office (even a penny denotes gratitude). In Feng Shui, red envelopes are used in Black Sect Tibetan Tantric Buddhism as an honorable tradition of paying the practitioner. Because of the high energy of the color red and the blessings associated with its tradition, it is believed that the client, (presenter), as well as the consultant, (receiver), are both graced with auspicious chi. The envelope also represents the imparting of sacred knowledge. Thank you and happy holidays!

Save Those Buns!

Sign up for 1 of 2 hour long booty-centric workout circuits
Cost is $25/class and is limited to 12 students
Reserve your space by calling 415-626-1111

Can't make it to class? You can still purchase tickets to win some amazing health, beauty and food packages. The cost is $5 for one ticket or $20 for 5. Package details can be viewed at www.informedbody.com/bunsday.

During the week of November 17th, Informed Body will donate $5 from all training sessions plus 100% of the proceeds from the ticket sales and Buns Day classes directly to SaveABunny. SaveABunny is a Bay Area animal rescue organization. For more information about SaveABunny, visit their website at www.saveabunny.org.

Don't Give Up Your Excercise - Economize

For the last two weeks we have been inundated with news about economic collapse. Some clients come to the studio stressed and panicked while others are taking a wait and see approach. All we can do is continue to provide people with an outlet to release their physical tension and get out of their heads. This isn't easy for us particularly since clients are thinking about how can they continue to spend the money for Pilates while they are cutting back everywhere else. To that end, here is what I recommend:

1. 1/2 hour sessions
Do a 1/2 hour of focused work for $40-$45 and save $30

2. Join a mat class $200/10 or $25 single
A savings of over $50 from a Private
We have classes on Mondays at 7pm, Wednesdays at 7:30am and 7pm and Fridays at 9am. Make a request for another time and we can try our best to accommodate you if there are others interested in the same time. Ask your co-workers and friends!

3. Grab a friend and split your session
$400/10 per person a savings of over $30 session

4. Continue to come at least one time a week, this is money well spent since it is both therapeutic and will keep your body in shape.

This week the New York Times did a fantastic article about why you shouldn't give your exercise up during these stressful times. Check it out:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/fashion/thursdaystyles/16fitness.html?_r=1&em&oref=slogin

Fall Foods

How do you decide what foods are best for you when you are inundated with so many differing philosophies on intake? Personally I extract what I like from various professionals, friends and clients. This month I asked a few colleagues to recommend some food and snacking ideas for energy and for staying healthy. I hope you will learn and try something new! Acupuncturist Janis Feichtmeir, co-founder of Clouds Rest Healing Center (www.cloudsresthealing.com) approaches food recommendations based on the principles of Chinese medicine. According to Jan, lungs are the organ associated with the Fall season. The Lung system corresponds to our immune system, our skin and sinuses. Do you know anyone who gets rashes when the cold and dry of autumn set in? This would indicate that their Lung system is weakened. Ditto if you get sick frequently. Your Lung system is showing signs of weakness. The weaknesses of the Lung system show up more in the Fall. But Fall is also a time when the Lung system responds most to strengthening. How to strengthen Lungs? Eat apples and pears, preferably cooked. If you're eating them raw, eat them at the end of a meal, when the digestion has been warmed up by other cooked foods. Add a little spice to your foods, like ginger and cinnamon. The change of seasons are considered crucial times in Chinese Medicine. A lot of change is happening. How well we adapt to change is a sign of how strong our Lung system is. So, if you're under a lot of stress going into the Fall, do your best to get enough rest, exercise and eat well in order to help your body deal with not only the stressors in your life but the stressors of seasonal change. Make an appointment with Jan to learn more and get through this time of year by calling 415-661-0608. Shona Curley is officially back from maternity leave and looks phenomenal! She credits her minimal weight gain to snacking on foods high in fiber and protein. Here are her favorites (good for the non-pregnant as well): Greek yogurt with honey and ground flaxseed Sprouted Manna Bread toasted with almond butter "Active Greens" Organic Food Bar . Shona is now working just three days a week, Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and has a few coveted openings in her schedule. Shona is looking forward to teaching more pre and post natal work after having such a positive experience with Pilates during and after her pregnancy. Ami Jampolis, owner of Focus Fitness Personal Training (www.focusfitnesspersonaltraining.com) recommends the following snacks because they are well-balanced and help stabilize the blood sugar: *cup of 0% greek yogurt, fresh berries, and 1/4 cup Kashi Go Lean (add Splenda to taste) *Apple with 18 almonds or 2 pcs of light string cheese *Protein bar - Luna, Dr. Melina.....(Look for bars with at least 5 g of fiber) *Celery with 2 Tbsp peanut butter *Raw veggies with 3 Tbsp hummus Ami is available to see clients at Informed Body by appointment. For more information, click through to her website. Katie McMahon is constantly on the go. Between teaching three mat classes and taking two semi-private sessions each week at Informed Body she works full time for Starbuck's Coffee in Corporate Sales and Marketing. As if this doesn't keep her busy enough, she is training for her first full marathon after completing four half-marathons. Katie's office is often her car and she knows what it is like to not have time to eat. To keep herself from becoming "homicidally hungry" Katie keeps the following snacks on hand at all times: - A huge bottle of Crystal Geyser Sparkling Water - A piece of whatever transportable fruit is in season - Handful of raw almonds - Lara Bars. Larabar is a delicious blend of unsweetened fruits, nuts and spices - energy in its purest form. Made from 100% whole food, each flavor contains no more than six ingredients. All bars are dairy free, gluten free, soy free, vegan, kosher, non-gmo, unprocessed, raw and contain no added sugar. They come in amazing flavors such as chocolate coconut, cherry pie, lemon bar, key lime pie and peanut butter cookie. You will swear you are eating the real thing! It is always a good idea to keep a few healthy staples around to prevent you from overindulging. A few of my favorites are: Sugar Free Hot Cocoa Zen Bakery Apple Cranberry Cakes (80 calories) Apples Almond Butter Laughing Cow Light Wedges Light String Cheese Low Fat Cottage Cheese Akmak Crackers Whole Wheat Pita Bread Instant Oatmeal (pay attention to sugar or buy the heart healthy Quaker version) Walnuts Baby Carrots Snap Peas

Eyelash Update Month 1

Before plastic surgery was as prevalent as it is today, it was hard to tell what was different about a person. Next thing you know, you are on an escalator at Barney's in NY saying "rhinoplasty, boob job, chin implant, eye lift" as each person passes you on your way up. Then there was botox and you couldn't take your eyes of the lack of movement in people's faces. Now you can be obsessed by sky high eyelashes thanks to Revitalash, Jan Marini etc....

I am officially one month into my eyelash growing project and I can't help but notice everyone around me is two months ahead. Their lashes are ridiculous! The consensus seems to be two months to three months and you will notice huge changes. At one month I am noticing some growth, but not as much as I hoped for. It is the competitor in me which makes me think my eyelashes should grow faster than everyone else. The game plan is to continue diligently every night and hope that by next month, I will be rocking some serious drag queen-esque lashes.

What brand is working for you and how long did yours take to grow? Let me know!

Are You In The Know?

How do you stay Informed? Newspapers and blogs can take days to get through and you still won't be caught up on all that is new and exciting in San Francisco. Fortunately, a lot of our clients are moving and shaking up this city and we are the first to find out everything during their sessions. Because we are givers, we have decided to share their news with you. Whether you are a foodie, charitable giver or on a quest for eternal youth, you will find something or some business you have to get to know. Enjoy!

FOOD & WINE Ever wonder why you are always hungry during your Pilates session? It is because clients are forever talking about the newest restaurants! Thanks to the following four clients you will be chatting even more (but not with your mouths full please!) Lindsay Tusk is busy planning the design for the new Quince restaurant. She expects to open in the new location at 470 Pacific by the end of the year. Prepare yourself for elegance and an amazing dining experience! For those of you who are more casual, get excited about the cafe connected to the restaurant. Lindsay mentioned a string of descriptions which included lunch, brunch, pizza, open on weekends. Please note: your Pilates instructor might not have pull anymore to get you in at the last minute so book well in advance. Dade Thieriot, owner of Dee Vine Wines, is hosting a 2007 German Riesling tasting at his shop located at Pier 19 on the Embarcadero. 2007 was the longest growing season on record in Germany. There was plenty of photosynthesis for high sugar levels and cool weather for balancing acidity. Those with experience are comparing 2007 to 1971. In addition to the wines, a selection of artisanal cheese will be served. The tasting is informal, educational and most of all fun! The fee for the tasting is $25 ($20 if you bring your own glass). RSVP to otto@dvw.com or for more information about Dee Vine Wines go to www.dvw.com Saandra Nazzal of Burger Joint infamy, will infuse her energy and warm personality into their newest location in Burlingame located at 1401 Burlingame Avenue @ Primose. This location opens on the heels of another recently opened Burger Joint at 242 King Street in San Francisco. For those of you who are veggies, please note veggie burgers are cooked on a separate grill from the Neiman Ranch burgers. Not feeling like burgers? Try the french fries which are made from fresh cut potatoes and fried in peanut oil or a milkshake made with whole milk and Double Rainbow Ice Cream. Be sure you come to your workout after this meal. Traci Higgins, chef and owner of Dining In, expands her empire to include a new, healthy take out store called Lilah Belle's located at 3801 18th Street @Church. Experience fresh, seasonal and well-balanced meals seven days a week. The weekly selection will include hot entrees under 500 calories, fresh salads, sandwiches, vegetables a la carte and mouth watering desserts under 300 calories. Only organic meat and vegetables will be used. This is the perfect option for those of you who are constantly on the run and need healthy and quick meals. Opening date is September 27th.

HEALTH & BEAUTY Lisa Eddy, owner of Evolution Wellness Center, launched her new boutique website: www.evolutionwellnesscenter.com With her vast experience in the industry as an aesthetician/salon owner, and as an educator and consultant, she knows good skin care! If you are looking for serious results with more natural/pure products that are in line with your body then she has got something for you! Check out her extensive selection of top-notch skin & body care products for sale online. Not sure what is right for you? Cant make it in for a treatment or consult? that's ok you can do it all via email or phone. You can share what is going on with your skin and what your goals are & she will get you all set up from the comfort of your living room and on your time. Informed Body clients receive 15% off their first orders! Enter coupon code first15. Ok, so this is beauty and charity, but Frankee Uno is a busy lady! Frankee Uno, Owner of Frankee Uno San Francisco Salon & Gallery (www.frankeeuno.com) is working to make people look and feel great! When she isn't doll-ing up people and promoting the local art scene, she is busy with various volunteer efforts. This year, she is on the steering committee for the Annual Polo In The Park Events. Not only is there a Gala and Polo Event not to be missed, but the charities raise money for the James S. Brady Program, giving back to disabled and disadvantaged children. For more information on the charities and tickets go to: www.sfpolointhepark.com/tickets.html Julie Elliott, owner and creator of In Fiore, launches her newest skin care creation CREME DE FLEUR Complexe Rejuvene. Creme de Fleur is a nutrient rich moisture complex comprised of 30 effective ingredients that promotes cell renewal and deep hydration. Formulated for dry and mature skin types, and skin exposed to dry and harsh climates, Creme de Fleur provides a protective barrier from the elements while regenerating and strengthening skin tissue. Launches September 15th. For more of Julie's beautiful products, go to www.infiore.net Our favorite holistic nutritional health counselor Alice Moore led a group of us through an 8-week series where we learned gems like "sugar addiction is not your fault" and "you aren't too lazy to cook, you are busy" and "take a deep breath before you eat and look at what you are about to put in your mouth". Alice has 11 years experience in the art of inspiring women to do the things they know they need to do, but aren't doing. If you are feeling frustrated and wanting to improve your relationship with food and your body, there is a solution. She is offering Informed Body clients a free consultation to see if Emerge Healing (www.emergehealing.com) food programs are right for you. Alice can also be contacted via email at alicemoorehealth@gmail.com.

FASHION Diana Slavin always looks phenomenal when she shows up for her sessions dressed in clothes from her eponymous line Diana Slavin Womenswear. Her Fall line is to die for, particularly since it is always Fall in San Francisco. This season features layers of rich texture and luxurious fabrics. Her beautiful menswear inspired tweeds and stripes are mixed with soft cashmeres and silky charmeuses. The color palette includes dark neutrals accented with jewel tones of red, burnt orange and sapphire blue. Strong details, minimal silhouettes, and perfect accessories - including hard to find Martin Margiela boots, shoes and bags and Megan Park scarves and wraps. It is a feast for the senses! The shop is located at 3 Claude Lane. To see photos and get a feel for the designs visit www.dianaslavin.com

CHARITY When realtor Toni Thomas isn't busy selling houses, she is busy getting involved in causes that effect not just her, but the nation at large. She is organizing a private fundraising event for Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign. Toni is committed to raising $10,000. Besides getting involved at a critical time in our history; the event promises to be a great experience with music and an important surrogate guest. The event will take place in late September. Please call Toni at 415-351-4661 if you would like to get involved in an exciting campaign.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT My dance mentor Patricia Reedy has inspired and educated a whole generation of gifted teachers and performers. Her organization Luna Kids Dance is dedicated to bringing dance to all children and to training teachers to inspire creativity in children. The California Institute for Dance Learning (CIDL) a project of Luna Kids Dance, hosts a FREE reception for Bay Area Dance Teaching Artists. Let the CIDL faculty help you launch the 2008-09 with ideas, refreshments, collegial support. Bring your questions and curriculum ideas September 13th, 2008, 1:30-3:30. CIDL, 2138 Cedar Street, Berkeley. 510.644.3629. Those of you interested in this event or in supporting dance for children should definitely link to this fantastic organization at www.lunakidsdance.org. In addition to being an amazing food writer, chef and potential Martha Stewart rival, Dionne Wallick is a gifted soprano. She will be sharing her talents with the public in a recital "Songs From The Heart" on September 27th at 3pm at the African American Arts and Cultural Center located at 762 Fulton Street in San Francisco. Tickets are $20 at the door.