Joe's Pila-T-Shop

Featured in Pilates Style Magazine & More Good Stuff

MOVING FORWARD MONDAYS:

I'm feeling really good about my "movement forward".  I accomplished everything on last weeks list.  One of my tasks was to work with our web designer on creating a new page of Clearance tees.  So, I sent her the t-shirt photos to upload while I concentrated on uploading the product information into The Shop.  So, for this week, one of my "movement forward" tasks is to:

• Launch the Holiday Sale.  The day after Thanksgiving will mark the first day of the sale at Joe's Pila-T-Shop.  Yep, we're helping you get ready for gift-giving season by offering really great prices on tees created especially for the Pilates enthusiast in your life.  All of our tees will be on sale!  Plus, we're debuting a new page devoted specifically for Clearance Tees.  Definitely come look for great bargains on men's and women's Pilates t-shirts.

During the course of the week I received the latest Pilates Style Magazine in the mail.  I was THRILLED to see that our "Contrology Freak!" Thermal (perfectly cozy for the winter months) was featured in the Holiday Gift Guide.  Check us out on page 31!!! Who doesn't love a little attention?  It feels great to be growing into a recognizable brand within our Pilates community!  It's definitely something to be proud of.

(this is the t-shirt Pilates Style Magazine chose to feature)

Anyway, that inspired another "movement forward" task for the week.  I've decided to:

• Create my own Holiday Gift Guide for the Pilates professional or practitioner in your life.  Feeling stumped about what to get your friend who couldn't live without Pilates?  Have no idea what to get your Pilates teacher?  Studio owners, are you trying to figure out what to give your employees?  Employees, are you looking for the perfect gift for your boss?  Check out this week's "Friday Feature".  My BLOG will be chock full of Pilates-inspired ideas. 

Last but not least... I've been thoroughly exhausted recently.  I'm talking "fatigued" with a capital "F".  So, my other task is to:

• Create some "me"-time to relax, nap, daydream, reflect, be thankful, soak in a tub and just be good to myself.  Sometimes that's the hardest thing to do in my week.

Have a great day and...

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Sleep?

THURSDAYS THOUGHTS: too much sleep

Sometimes you just have to listen to your body.  Last night I had a list of things I wanted to accomplish but, instead,  fell asleep on the sofa at 9pm!  When I could finally muster up the strength to peel myself off of the sofa and transport myself into bed, I ended up sleeping until 10am!  Yes, I slept past my alarm clock!!!  I can't even remember the last time I slept this much.  I guess I needed it.  Right? 

It hit me how I'll be the first to proclaim the benefits of finding balance in your life but, I'm actually not that great at it myself.  Balance sounds so great in theory but, how do you put it into practice?  Grown-up life feels so packed with responsibility that I'm not quite sure of how to manage my time effectively.  Have I taken on too much?  Or, should I just organize myself better?  ZOINKS!

Today I was given a day off from my Spice Girl gig (I'm the stand in for Mel B. aka "Scary Spice" for the rehearsal process of the Spice Girl Reunion Tour) so I'm going to try to get organized.  Yes, organized in 1 day.  I'm hoping that's possible. 

So, I'm going to start by dropping off some t-shirt orders at FedEx and running a couple of errands.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Fearless!

MID-WEEK INSPIRATION:

This quote caught my attention because a friend and I were just talking about the nature of fear the other day.  She reminded me of how fear is an acronym for:
F- alse
E-xpectations
A-ppearing
R-eal

It's true. Well, at least I think so.  For me, fear can be a self-defeating mind-trick.  It's so easy to convince myself why I "can't", "shouldn't" or "won't" do something.  Then I create crazy scenarios of failure and replay them in my head to the point that the defeat feels real.  I even experience the emotions of defeat to the point that I've reasoned myself immobile. How crazy is that?

I've done this so many times.  I have to admit that I'm often fully aware of my negative self-talk.  Yep, I'm totally aware of what I'm doing.   Sometimes I find relief from the lies I tell myself because it means I don't have to be pro-active.  And sometimes it's just easier to do nothing. Pathetic, huh?

It's fear that keeps our dreams elusive even though they're completely attainable.  Imagine how powerful we would be if we constantly thought about how we "CAN", "SHOULD" or "WILL" do something.  Imagine how powerful we'd be if we replayed scenarios of success in our mind. I know I need to put that into practice more.  I tend to pick and choose the not-so-scary things to be bold about.  But now, it's my intention to boldly move toward my dreams... ALL of them!

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Pilates Resources Galore!

TEACHING TUESDAYS:

The growth of our Pilates community is so exciting to me.  Not just the sheer numbers of people practicing Pilates, but the fact that there's a greater sense of camaraderie among the different schools and approaches to the Pilates Method.  I love that we're becoming more open-minded as a community to the extent that we can embrace our differences as we all strive to maintain the integrity of Joseph Pilates' legacy. I believe that most of us teach with the pure intention of helping others via the exercises and movement principles originated by him. As a result, we're collectively providing an incredible service to the people we teach by helping them to experience life more fully in their bodies. 

I also love how there are a lot more resources for Pilates professionals and enthusiasts.  I'm sure that most Pilates junkies subscribe to Pilates Style Magazine.  But have you heard about Pilates-Pro?  It's a FREE on-line Pilates magazine!  It has really great articles, interviews and reviews. 

And now, more and more Pilates BLOGS are popping up.  Check these out:

• The Vertical Workshop
• Power Pilates Blog
• Pilates With Jeanette
• Pilates and Reiki in Paradise
• Teresa Malins Blog

And, have you ever heard of The Pilates Guy?  I've relied on his site for years in order to find work at local studios.  You'll also find classified ads for used Pilates apparatus, listings of Pilates workshops and certification programs.  But the Pilates Guy's main gig is maintaining apparatus for Southern California studios.

Are you looking to network with other Pilates professionals?  Check out MySpace!  You'll find tons of other Pilates studio owners and Pilates professionals with their own MySpace pages.  We keep each other up-to-date about what's going on in our local communities, provide each other advice, support and referrals.  Or have you checked out Pilates on YouTube?  There are some really cool and creative videos of people practicing Pilates around the world.

Or have you checked out any Pilates Forums?  Head over to Our Magic Circle Community Forum or Pilates Connections.  Feel free to post questions, events, information about your studio etc.

In recent BLOGS, I've discussed how the Pilates community has embraced the use of technology to reach more people.  You can even download Pilates sessions to your iPOD or MP3 player with senior Pilates instructors such as Alycea Ungaro and Mari Winsor.

Something else I love are all of the Pilates conferences where hundreds of us Pilates geeks converge on one spot to learn from the masters in our industry.  Check out my recent BLOG for a list of upcoming conferences for 2008.

Basically, Pilates is experiencing some of the excitement and attention that yoga has had for years. It's a great time for us as Pilates professionals. I promise to keep sharing all of the cool Pilates resources I discover.  And please, if you know of anything I've missed, let me know.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

I Did It!

MOVING FORWARD MONDAYS:

I did it!  I actually accomplished everything on my "Moving Forward" list last week.  It definitely helps to put it in writing.  It makes me feel accountable.  So, what's in store for me this week?  Here are my 3 tasks:

• work with our web designer on a new page for "Clearance T-shirts" at Joe's Pila-T-Shop.
• contact Pilates Style Magazine about advertising in the Annual Directory and about exhibitor information for the Los Angeles Conference in January.
• contact Kevin Bowen at the Pilates Method Alliance to get updates on Pilates in the Schools. 

Let me know if you've been joining me in "Moving Forward".  How is it working for you?  As I mentioned before, it's a great tool I learned while in my Ladies Who Launch incubator.  I have to tell you that becoming a member of that organization is one of the greatest business investments I've made thus far.  It's given me the opportunity to receive the support, mentor-ship and friendship of other entrepreneurial minded women across the country.  I've gotten so much practical advice that's saved me time, money and aggravation.  I've received great business referrals.  It's increased my business exposure.  Plus, I now have a network of other women whom I can commiserate with over our elusive quest for balance.  It can get pretty hectic trying to run a brand new business, spending quality time with family and friends, plus getting enough rest to function through what seems like a 24/7 schedule.

If you have any questions about Ladies Who Launch, check out their website or send me an e-mail.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Thanks for a Great Year!

THURSDAYS THOUGHTS:

WOW, I can't believe that my husband and I are celebrating the 1 year anniversary of Joe's Pila-T-Shop!  What a great feeling and sense of accomplishment!!!  If you had told me years ago that we'd be running our very own on-line Pilates t-shirt boutique, I wouldn't have believed you.  I'm notorious for having great ideas and not following them through to completion.  They stay hidden in notebooks buried somewhere in my closet.  I'm not sure if it's fear, self-doubt or both. But now I have much greater trust and confidence in my ability to create the life that I want for myself.

I'm so incredibly grateful for all of the support we've received from our Pilates community.  It's so much fun seeing people from around the world wearing our t-shirts.  I love when people read and comment on my BLOGS or post info on Our Magic Circle Community Forum.  Our goal is to be more than just a Pilates t-shirt boutique.  Our goal is to become an invaluable resource for people to learn more about Joseph Pilates and the Pilates Method.  We want it to be a fun and informative site for people to visit, share information, support, ideas and keep abreast of all of the exciting things going on within our Pilates community. 

To show our appreciation, we're giving away $15 Gift Cards to 10 lucky e-mail subscribers.  The following winners have been notified via e-mail.  Here are their names:

1. M. Leger
2. M. Miller
3. L. Ayala
4. N. Jaleel
5. A. Berkowitz
6. J. Blaine
7. N. Rubenstein
8. P. Wise
9. T. Sheridan
10. A. DiPace-Zullo

Congratulations!  And thank you for being members of Our Magic Circle Community.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Embracing the Elements

MID-WEEK INSPIRATION:

   

This quote completely resonated with me because our typically sunny Los Angeles weather seems to have disappeared with the Daylight Savings time change.  So I've been awakening to gray, hazy days which only make me want to hit the snooze button and linger in bed.  For some reason, I feel less motivated, positive or cheerful in gloomy weather.  Of course, I can't succumb to my weather-induced mood.  I have to muster up the will to put mind-over-matter, roll out of bed and kind of "fake it 'til I make it".  The funny thing is, once I get going and move through my day with purposeful intention, I usually feel great! 

It just illustrates to me how we can't let external situations (even the weather) effect our movement forward in life.  It's a reminder that even our toughest times are temporary and that they don't necessarily dictate the course of our future.  I think that we all know that (in theory), but when we're stuck in the middle of a "downpour", it's hard to remember.  Our determination and resilience are being tested. 

Wow, that just reminded me of a poem I wrote a few years ago:

DUCHA

I welcome the sensation of the rain and it's spirit of change.
My back arched, my eyes closed
but my inner-gaze toward the heavens.
Sometimes a spring shower, other times a heavy downpour
forcing me to sway, lose my balance... I collapse.

Without hesitation I return to my upward gaze
feeling the heat and the inspiration of the sun
and the glorious colors of the rainbow
reaching down the curve of my spine.
Once again I surrender to the lessons learned from the rain.(copyright 2000)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Whether we're faced with a light drizzle or torrential downpour, I hope we can all find it within ourselves to learn the lessons from life's challenges and still move forward with confidence and determination.

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Pilates Conferences = Education + Community

TEACHING TUESDAYS:

For anyone that's been teaching Pilates for awhile, you know that continuing education is imperative.  Not only does it sharpen our skills but, by gaining new teaching tools, it keeps our job fun and fresh.  And there's nothing like the feeling of looking forward to going to work.

Pilates conferences provide great opportunities to:

• immerse ourselves in an intensive weekend of learning from experts in our field.
• learn new approaches to teaching Pilates repertoire and adapting it to various populations
• learn skillful cuing techniques that deepen our own personal experience with Pilates & make our teaching more effective.
• expose ourselves to different schools of thought such as classical or contemporary approaches to Pilates.
• meet and network with other Pilates professionals within our international community.
• experience Pilates apparatus, props and accessories by a variety of manufacturers such as Gratz, Balanced Body, Stott and Peak.
• shop for Pilates specific merchandise including my own line of Pilates-inspired t-shirts from Joe's Pila-T-Shop.

So, when and where are these conferences?  Well, The 7th Annual Pilates Method Alliance Conference just passed.  But here's a list of upcoming events.

• December 7-9 Pilates On Tour in Rome, Italy
• January 23 -25  Pilates Style Conference in Los Angeles, CA.
• April 3-6 Pilates On Tour in Phoenix, AZ
• April 23-27  Body-Mind-Spirit Educational Conference in Santa Clara, CA.
• May 2-4 Pilates On Tour in Austin, TX
• July 19-21  Pilates Style Conference in New York City.
• August 22-24 Pilates On Tour in Minneapolis, MN.
• November '08 8th Annual Pilates Method Alliance Conference in Phoenix, AZ.

I hope to see you at upcoming events!

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira

Moving Forward... Take 2

MOVING FORWARD MONDAYS:

It was my intention last week to re-implement this great tool I learned during my Ladies Who Launch incubator.  I even tried to get all of you to jump on the bandwagon and list 3 tasks to accomplish for the week that will take us closer to our individual life goals.  I failed miserably.  I admit it.  Well, I got a lot accomplished but not the things on my list.  How embarrassing.  I didn't even hit the Korean spa!  The  most self indulgent thing I did was go to the mall and sit in a massage chair at Brookstone.  I can't recommend the OSIM iSqueeze Calf & Foot Massager enough!   

So, Moving Forward... Take 2:

1. $15 Gift Card Giveaway:  On Wednesday, I'll randomly select 10 winners of a $15 Gift Card redeemable for Pilates T-shirts at Joe's Pila-T-Shop.  I'll notify the winners by e-mail and post their names in The Shop.  (If you haven't subscribed yet... do so before Wednesday and you'll be eligible to win!)
2. Begin working on marketing plan/budget for '08.  (That's a toughie)
3. Go to the Korean spa OR do something a little self-indulgent.

Good luck if you're joining me in the "Moving Forward" plan!

Rock Your Powerhouse!

Kira