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As we step into the fresh, vibrant energy of Spring, what better way to elevate your Pilates routine than by adding the exciting Jumpboard to your workout? Introducing our new Jumpboard Pilates class, now available every Wednesday at 6 PM – just in time to shake off the winter blues and jump into a new fitness challenge!

The jumpboard is an innovative addition to the Pilates reformer that transforms your usual routine into a heart-pumping, total-body workout. It’s essentially a vertical board attached to the end of the reformer, and once it’s securely in place, you can use your legs or hands to push off, letting the reformer’s sliding seat glide with you as you jump, land, and stretch. Ready to spring forward with your Pilates practice? Here’s why you’ll love incorporating the Jumpboard into your routine this season:

The Benefits of the Jumpboard: A Spring Awakening for Your Body

1. Cardio Boost
   Spring is all about renewal, and what better way to refresh your fitness than with a cardio burst! The Jumpboard Pilates class will give your cardiovascular system a serious challenge. By increasing the intensity of your movements, you’ll improve heart health, stamina, and VO2 max. The faster pace keeps you on your toes (literally), offering a fun, dynamic way to take your Pilates practice to the next level.
2. Plyometric Power
   Springtime is the perfect season to push your limits, and the jumpboard brings the power of plyometric exercises to your routine. These explosive moves build strength, speed, and agility – key for athletes and anyone looking to step up their fitness game. Whether you’re looking to enhance your athleticism or add a fresh challenge, Jumpboard Pilates is your ticket to increased explosive power and more dynamic workouts.
3. Low-Impact, High-Reward
   While plyometric exercises often put strain on the joints, the jumpboard’s design allows you to perform high-intensity movements with minimal impact. Thanks to the reformer, much of the impact is absorbed, protecting your knees, ankles, and hips while still offering a challenging workout. This makes it ideal for those looking for a powerful yet gentle way to build strength and endurance.
4. Variety to Keep Things Fresh
   One of the keys to a successful workout routine is keeping things exciting. The jumpboard adds variety and surprise to your Pilates practice, helping to break through plateaus and keep your muscles engaged. Plus, with the changing seasons, it’s the perfect time to try something new – and Spring is all about new beginnings, right?
5. Fun Factor
   Who says workouts have to be tedious? The jumpboard turns your Pilates class into a fun, high-energy session that’ll leave you smiling (and feeling accomplished!) as you push through each movement. It’s a playful way to get your heart pumping while staying motivated to stick with your fitness goals.

Ready to Jump In? Here’s What You’ll Do in a Jumpboard Class

• Single Leg Jumping:
  Jump off with one foot at a time, alternating between legs. This move strengthens your legs and core while improving coordination and balance.
• Wide Jumping:
  Widen your legs and land with your feet on the edges of the jumpboard. This targets the inner thigh muscles and adds an extra layer of challenge.
• Side Single Leg Jumping:
  Lie on your side and use your upper leg to jump. Adjust your leg’s position to engage different muscles, focusing on the glutes and thighs.

This class is perfect for those who are ready to take their Pilates practice to the next level, whether you’re an intermediate or advanced practitioner. And don’t worry – beginners can join too, as modifications will be provided to ensure everyone gets the most out of the workout.

Spring Into Action: Join Our New Jumpboard Pilates Class!

Now is the perfect time to try something new and push your limits this Spring. Join us for the Jumpboard Pilates class every Wednesday at 6 PM and enjoy a fresh, fun, and challenging workout that will leave you feeling energized and stronger than ever!

Spring forward with ABsolute Pilates – sign up today! Let’s jump into a new season of fitness together.

Born in Japan and translated as “universal life force,” Reiki is a non-invasive energy healing technique that works to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation in the body through gentle touch, or no touch at all. 

Reiki can be performed as either a primary therapy or in complement to a range of other therapeutic treatments. It is designed to aid in healing through balancing a person’s energies – mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. 

Is Reiki right for you? If you hear your inner voice telling you to pursue Reiki healing or if you have a gut feeling it may be the right path, this is as good a sign as any to give the Eastern healing practice a try. If you’re still not sure, here are some signs that Reiki might be worthwhile for you and your healing journey. 

1. You Suffer the Effects of a Stressful Lifestyle 

Stress is a common affliction in today’s society. The numbers don’t lie: one in five Canadians over the age of 12 report feeling quite a bit or extremely stressed on a daily basis. However, just because it’s common doesn’t mean it’s normal, or healthy. Prolonged stress can have significant negative effects on the mind, body, and soul.  

Whether you’re experiencing muscle tension, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, or any other common symptoms associated with stress, Reiki might just provide the relief you’re looking for. Studies have found that Reiki healing can result in increased feelings of peace, relaxation, security, and wellness. Sounds good, doesn’t it? 

2. You Possess a Desire to Heal 

Just like the power of positive thinking has merit, the inverse is also true – if you’re skeptical and unwilling to open yourself to the possibilities of Reiki, you’ll likely find that it’s a self-fulfilling prophecy.  

However, if you possess a desire to work on yourself and heal from within, and if you approach Reiki with an open mind and a positive spirit, the outlook is good. If you look to Reiki healing with hope and a willingness to release yourself to the process, Reiki is a promising option to explore in your healing journey. 

3. You Believe in Alternative Medicine 

Let’s face it, alternative healing isn’t for everyone. In order to reap the full benefits offered by Reiki, it’s essential that you recognize the value in alternative practices in healing.  

Conventional medicine is a powerful thing, no doubt. However, you may be a prime candidate for Reiki if you enjoy practices such as yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and somatic therapy techniques. Engaging in these activities likely means that you recognize the power of the connection between mind, body, soul, and energy, and you value techniques which approach health and healing from such a perspective. If this sounds like you, Reiki is right up your alley. 

4. You’re Willing to Accept the Unexplained 

This isn’t to say that Reiki is entirely dependent upon blind belief – studies have shown Reiki to have measurable effects on patients undergoing a medical healing journey. However, a willingness to believe in powers beyond the scope of science is beneficial to those looking to make the most of their Reiki healing journey. 

If you find that you can sense the energy in a room or that you can pick up on a person’s aura, this is for you. There are things in this world that we can’t quite explain using facts and figures, and Reiki is currently among those phenomena. If that’s not a barrier for you, you’re well-positioned to reap all of the wonderful benefits that Reiki has to offer.  

5. You’re Ready to Change Your Life 

If you’re even considering pursuing Reiki healing, chances are there’s something in your life you’re hoping to change. That’s a good sign – Reiki has the potential to do just that. 

The impacts of Reiki healing can last a lifetime. Those who practice Reiki find that as a result, their energies are aligned for the better in the long-term. That which doesn’t serve you will exit your life, making room for new possibilities and opportunities. You remove the negativity and create space for your best self – and therefore your best life – to flourish. 

If your intuition is pushing you toward Reiki healing, you ought to listen. If you have any questions about the Reiki healing practice or how it might fit into your lifestyle, we’re happy to provide you with the information you need to pursue this next step in your healing journey. Contact us today. 

Have you stumbled across the concept of Reiki, or perhaps had it suggested to you by friends or family members? This increasingly popular healing technique is usually grouped into the same category as New Age healing techniques, but is becoming mainstream. For some, it is a healing method that can help move energies through the body. Here is everything you need to know about Reiki.  

How Does Reiki Work?

Reiki comes from the Japanese words for “universal” and “life force of all living things.” It is an eastern medicine technique that is supposed to work by moving blocks in your energy fields. Those who practice Reiki believe that everyone has energy fields within and around the body such as aura and chakras. Reiki healers move energy in the person they are healing, improving flow and often removing blocks in their energy.  

Reiki is simple and non-invasive. Practitioners use no touch, or gentle touch, hold their hands near your body, or even heal from a distance without hand gestures at all. Reiki healers will focus on their healing intention while they do so. You will remain dressed during treatments and there is no use of invasive techniques.  

How Much of Reiki is Evidence-Based?

Research has found that Reiki can have a positive effect on those who are treated. The strongest evidence is for its ability to reduce anxiety. There is also evidence Reiki can reduce pain and fatigue. Some people report feeling more relaxed after Reiki, suggesting their anxiety has reduced, while others report being energized which may explain a reduction in fatigue.  

Research conducted in 2015 found that those who were being treated for cancer by conventional means reported that Reiki helped them tolerate the treatments, with lower levels of pain, anxiety and fatigue. Another study found that Reiki helped women feel more relaxed and less pain in the days following a cesarean delivery.  

Reiki has also been studied for its ability to help with more chronic sources of pain, including herniated disks. A 2018 study found that Reiki was effective in relieving some pain in those with lower back pain caused by herniated disks, and that Reiki was more cost-effective than other pain relief methods.  

While Reiki is a great supportive treatment, it is important to note that it is not a replacement for conventional medical treatment of the underlying medical condition. No one recommends that you forgo other treatment to pursue Reiki instead. In fact, one of the significant benefits of Reiki is that you can use it alongside any other treatment.  

What About Side Effects?

There is very little risk of negative outcomes from Reiki. That’s because this is a noninvasive practice generally meant to be supportive, and improve a patient’s experience and level of comfort as they undergo other means of treatment.  

ABsolute Pilates has recently added a Reiki master to the clinic, who is able to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the Reiki healing process. If you’re curious about learning more about Reiki, you can contact us at Absolute Pilates today.