Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. However, all opinions are mine alone. #NourishInNoTime #SnackWithPurpose #CollectiveBias
I spend a lot of time on my computer and as a result, I often get lower back pain. One of my besties recommended that I try out pilates as it’s the perfect exercise to strengthen core muscles and minimize future back pain. She was also nice enough to organize a weekly backyard pilates class for Moms in our neighborhood! As we schedule the class right after school drop off, it’s a fun time for us all to get together and do something great for our bodies.
After dropping my daughter off at school, I will typically swing by Vons and grab some Odwalla beverages and fresh fruit to share with the ladies.
I find that after an hour long pilates class, my stomach starts to grumble, yet it’s way too early for lunch!
Odwalla beverages are the perfect post workout snack as they satisfy my hunger and I feel good about having a beverage made from high-quality, Non-GMO ingredients.
Pilates Power Move: The Plank
Our friend and Pilates instructor, Claire, will lead us through the class, and we always whine and groan when it’s time to do the plank! Planking is challenging, yet it’s the one solo exercise that can develop strength primarily in the core.
The plank exercise ‘pose’ will work the muscles that connect the upper and lower body, as well as the shoulders, arms, and glutes. I’ve been doing this for about four months now, and my lower back and hip pain has been dramatically reduced. The key is persistence!
How to do The Plank:
Claire and Helen were so kind to demonstrate how to do the plank correctly. It’s important to have good body form so there is no injury to wrists or the neck.
After the class, we always stretch for about 10 minutes. The core or torso stretch is another excellent move to elongate lower and upper back muscles that can often get impacted from long periods of sitting.
Core Stretch:
- In a sitting position, take your lower leg and bend it around your body.
- Take the upper leg and cross over the lower leg in the other direction.
- Twist your upper torso slowly to the side while keeping the hips still.
- Use your arm against your knee to create the stretch tension.
This is a good stretch to do any time of the day, especially if your lower back starts to feel tight.
After our workout, we like to take a few minutes to hang out and chat before we start our crazy days. We relish this time to catch up with each other, laugh and share our news. This is also a great time for us to enjoy some fresh-tasting nourishment!
Odwalla offers a wide variety of 100% juices and smoothies, protein and almond milkshakes, so I can fine tune my post-workout snack preference.
Some days are super hectic, so I opt for the protein shakes to give me the extra added boost I need to get to a late lunchtime. Other days, I crave a refreshing no sugar-added juice blend such as the Grovin‘ Greens by Odwalla with tangy tropical fruits mixed with apple, cucumber, and kale.
I look forward to my weekly Pilates classes with Mom friends even though we have to do the dreaded plank!
Save $1 on your next purchase of in-store fresh cut fruit when you buy any TWO (2) Odwalla 15.2 fl. oz. (You’ll receive a print out coupon at the register). Offer ends 6/27/17.
Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. However, all opinions are mine alone. #NourishInNoTime #SnackWithPurpose #CollectiveBias
