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Have you ever asked yourself the question; will I ruin my child if I homeschool?

There’s one simple answer. No!

if you asked yourself that question, I already know you’re going to be a fabulous homeschooling mom. Just by asking alone says two things about you. One that you care, and two you won’t let that happen!

Unfortunately, we have been made to feel that we’re not worthy enough to teach our own children our lifetime of knowledge. Yet someone who has merely finished a college education is more suited for the job. I am not devaluing teachers, please don’t take that wrong. I’m simply saying teaching from home can be done successfully.

We know our children, how they think, how they learn, what gives them joy. Thoose details help shape there learning environment. As you become a more seasoned homeschooler, you will use those trates to your advantage. This comes naturally.

Wheather you have a degree or not, you are enough and you are capable of teaching your children.

Today, homeschooling is easier than ever. More and more people have decided to make the move. That’s great news for you because the path has been paved and the ample opportunities for learning out of school are endless. We don’t have to physically teach our children if we don’t understand something. Let’s say math! We can lean on curriculum or YouTube or another homeschool family.

Recognize that you have your strengths and use those strengths. Similarly, pay attention to your weaknesses and outsource those areas.

There are many ways one can outsource. Some curriculums have video courses. Kumon has tutors and in-person classes. Youtube has an amazing amount of learning Channels. We do art on youtube through Art hub. We learned basic French from Duolingo. the list goes on and on. I have brought in youtube for some scientific facts. It has been extremely helpful. Other people are so talented and we get to benefit from their gifts.

I even have friends that were public school teachers and are now taking on small groups of homeschooled children for specific subjects. So the opportunities for our children are endless.

Are you worried about socialization?

Do you not take your children shopping, to the grocery store, the park, the local Jump Place, or to birthday parties? Are they on local sports teams?

Opportunities for socialization are all around us we just don’t see them. We are led to believe that sitting behind a desk listening to the teacher for hours while waiting for that 15 minutes at recess is socialization.

When my child has a question about how their friend is acting, we can look at the possibilities and see their side. That 15 minutes at recess would not allow you to grow, learn and understand somebody else’s feelings. To me that is socialization, learning how to get along with others instead of letting them figure it out on their own.

Is curriculum overwhelming?

Yes! so is anything else new. The first year, as with anything is always the hardest year. Just like starting a new job, or learning a new hobby. A curriculum is merely a tool, if it’s not working, change it. The beauty of homeschooling is that you will not ruin them. Once you can see the freedom, the joy-filled possibilities are endless.

The first year is about you!

It’s about adjusting to your child’s learning style and trial and error. It’s about learning what routine works for your family. Picking your no matter what’s. Finding your community! And you will need a community.

Is it hard to be around your child All-day-Long!

At first, if you are coming from a public school or private school where they are away from you for hours, it may feel overwhelming to have them home. But after a few weeks, you will start to see that the more you are around them the easier it is. Some say, absence makes the heart grow fonder but I have seen the reverse and many moms I know feel the same.

Once you find your routine, it becomes smoother. They become more responsible, They develop a more creative heart. It’s not like when they are home from school for summer and are BOARD!

I fought homeschooling tooth and nail. I did not want to do it! I had no faith in my ability to teach my kids. I can not spell, reading was never my passion, math was challenging and I am dyslexic. Not to mention I have no patience.

Yet life is full of surprises and twists and turns. Enjoy it and try not to stress yourself out. Be open to the possibility of greatness. You are enough and your kids adore you.

Good luck beauty

Stephanie

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Let’s start simple what is Pilates?

Pilates is a movement experience, bodyweight exercises that you perform in a sequence. A man by the name Joseph Pilates created it and people have been healed by it for decades. It differs from yoga, as in Pilates we do not hold positions for long periods of time. Often when we are not strong enough, holding a position can put pressure on the joints and create pain. ( Until we gain strength that is!)

While practicing Pilates, the beginner system is designed to guide the body to build strength and flexibility. This is a very basic explanation of Pilates, however, that is for another post.

Is Pilates safe?

Pilates is one of the safest forms of exercise, In- fact, many Physical Therapists recommend Pilates for back conditioning. Joseph designed the movements to give the body strength, stretch, and stamina. All of the exercises have a modified system that allows someone in pain to move safely and teaches you the proper form to gain strength over time.

Unlike many exercises, we start out laying down. This allows us to work from our center first, strengthening the core before moving on to the extremities. In many cases, you will hear “powerhouse” or “core” as a reference to our working areas.

In the case of back issues, a qualified instructor will accommodate you so that you will heal properly. The training a Pilates instructor goes through is quite extensive and often why it’s so expensive.

Ultimate benefits of Pilates!

Building strength from your core is the fundamental purpose of the Pilates workout. In fact, this foundation alone is what sets Pilates apart from all other forms of exercise. Once the practitioner understands where to move from and how to move from that inner core, the body develops proper posture and control. This is where a Pilates Instructor can help you to fully understand where strength really comes from.

I will try to explain it to the best ability. I am a tactile instructor so this will be more challenging for me.

What is the Core/ Powerhouse?

The core, in Pilates, represents not just the rectus abdominals. The smallest of all abdominal muscles. This is the six-pack we see on bathing suit ads or on beach body’s Facebook feed. It’s much more than that. The core starts at the shoulder blades and includes the internal and external obliques, as well as the pelvic region.

Working through the core, naturally builds strength in the abdominal muscles. These muscles are the protector of the lower back. Therefore, when we have weak abdominals, we often experience back pain.

This is not to say that a person who has strong muscles will never have back pain because there are many ways we injure the back. However, when the back does get injured, Pilates is the first responder to rehabilitation.

How will Pilates help by back?

I mentioned this a little already. Pilates focuses on the body’s core. The core is the area between the rib cage and the pelvis. A common misconception is that the core is just the abdominal muscles. However, when practicing Pilates the core is the trunk of the body.

A series of exercises are performed to aid you in gaining strength in your abdominal wall, shoulder girdle, and pelvis. Think about it this way, imagine a seat belt in a race car. The belt overlaps in multiple directions. Over the shoulders, at the chest, and at the base of the pelvis. You are locked in essentially.

When doing Pilates we train those muscles to lock in your trunk. Protecting the major organs in the body.

I often hear people say they need to get in shape to do Pilates.

Pilates is a lifestyle! It’s about feeling your best, living a fulfilled life, and creating a strength that lasts from the inside out. I do Pilates so that I can play with my kids, so I don’t feel my age, so I can heal quicker, and so I can regulate mood swings.

If you decide to try it, please give it a few classes before making up your mind. You will thank me I promise.

Stephanie

Posts you may like, check out

5 Uncommon benefits of Pilates, You may not have thought about.

5 Simple foam roller exercises to stretch the back, chest, and hips.

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What you should know about the AreoPilates Reformer!

Have you been practicing Pilates for a while and decided it’s time to purchase a home reformer? You may have run across the AreoPilates reformer and saw that it is reasonably priced and thought to pull the trigger on making the purchase.

I have been teaching Pilates in studios and personal homes for 11 years and have physically used almost all the machines on the market.

I had the privilege of training a woman for 3 years on the AreoPilates Pro X 556 machine in her home. I can personally give you the low down on whether this machine is any good or not.

Let me just say, it worked fine, she loved how her body felt and did get a good workout. However, we could have seen better results and faster if we had the upgraded model. The AreoPilates Pro XP557. The only reason I say this is due to the cable system. I feel the cables do not provide this same resistance as the springs in both directions.

Is the AreoPilates Reformer a good choice?

This reformer is a great option if you are looking for a minimal investment reformer.  The price point on this machine ranges from $499.00 to $1,500.00

If you are comparing a studio reformer to this machine, you are looking for a substantial difference in cost. However, there is a good reason for that! Quality of materials.  The studio reformers were made to Joseph Pilates’s original design allowing for the continued flow of movement. Many of the budget-friendly machines do not have ease of transition and do not use the same quality materials as the original design.

You get what you pay for! I will break down the differences later, but for now, when it comes to cost this machine is a good option.

If you are looking for a good workout and want a home machine and don’t need to stick to the traditional Pilates routine, then the AreoPilates machine will do just that!

It’s really about your preference. 

Are you used to the studio and LOVE the feel of the springs? If so you may miss the gentleness of the resistance in both directions if you choose the X 556 machine. This model is built on the cable system and sadly, there is a big difference in the workout! Not a deal-breaker but something to take note of if you go the cheapest route.  Stamina has created a “higher-end” reformer, the AreoPilates Pro XP557 that is more suitable for the Pilates practitioner. This machine comes equipped with springs and is priced closer to $1400.00. 

If you are classically trained, this machine will not allow you to complete the transitions you are used to, creating a disruption inflow. This actually is a big deal, because that is an important part of the workout itself and will not fulfill your needs. For example, you can not adjust the foot bar by foot and we found the hand/feet straps would sometimes get tangled. (They are ropes instead of leather straps.) Also, note the straps are hung by the shoulder rests. If you are using the reformer, you will have to put the straps on the floor. 

 

For someone on a strict budget, the AreoPilates reformer checks off many boxes.

Let’s take a look at some of the pros.

1. They come with a jumping trampoline. This is often extra for the Studio reformer.

2. If you choose the PRO X 556, there are 4 cables that you can adjust the resistance. If you decide on the PRO XP557 it is equipped with 4 springs that adjust at different levels.

3. You still have all the basic functions as a studio reformer, so you can do the beloved leg circles.

4. Can do all the exercises you are familiar with.

5. Have a steal frame!

6. You have the ability to upgrade both models.

Keep in mind, AreoPilates Reformers are in the budget category of reformers. If you ever dreamed about owning a reformer and being able to work out at home on your off days at the studio, this could be your new best friend.

I remember purchasing my first reformer and was really sad that what I choose was not close enough to what I had experienced at the studio. You can see my review of those reformers here.

My 1st reformer was too close to the ground. This is an important piece if you are tall, have knee issues, suffer from vertigo, or simply have a hard time getting off the floor. I do not advise purchasing the cheaper model if any of these apply to you.

Now let’s look at the cons.

The Pro x566

1. Low to the ground

2. Must purchase a platform to create height.

3. The machine is not as smooth and has been said to be distracting while working out.

4. Has a Cable System, this changes the feel of the workout and also needs replacing more frequently.

5 Shoulder rests are uncomfortable.

6 NO Adjustable foot bar!

PRO XP 557

1. Harder to clean the frame.

2. Heavy

In every effort to give you the best information, I created the main difference chart below.

Here is a side-by-side comparison of the 2 Stamina Reformers talked about in this post. I put it in an infographic below to make it easier for you to decide what fits your specific needs.

Happy Shopping!

Stephanie

 

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It just may be that you are consuming the wrong protein powder. I have tried many protein powder brands in the past and all left me wondering why I was feeling bloated and starving.

Why some protein powders make you feel bloated.

Many of the manufacturers use Whey protein witch is made of lactose. Usually, we experience gas, bloating, and stomach cramps because we are intolerant of lactose which is the main carb in whey protein. Combine that with cow milk and you’ve got a nice inflammation system going on inside of you. Not to mention, extra calories. Not all whey proteins are bad. Whey isolate can be a good option for some and many use them especially if they know there is a dairy sensitivity.

Over the years I have personally had better results with pea protein. And I am not a vegetarian!

Many people get nervous that pea protein is going to taste disgusting so they reach for brands loaded with fillers without even thinking about it. 

Are you suddenly craving sugar?

There can be as much as 23 grams of sugar per scoop in your mix! Or it’s much more sneaky, many of the popular protein powders are full of artificial sugar and sweeteners. These sugars are chock full of chemicals. Yuck! In order to stay clear from bloating, I always look for the carb count and sugar source! Watch out for these substitutes…Sucralose, Saccharin, Aspartame, Advantame and Acesulfame K. 

Most dietitians would agree Stevia is a good choice. However, Manuka honey is by far the best!

So what you should be looking for in a quality protein powder?

The protein source! Did you know not all whey powders are created equal?

Basic knowledge of the ingredients, if you can’t say, read, or understand the ingredients. You should not ingest them! Some things like Ashwagandha may be unfamiliar to you, but that doesn’t sound like a chemical and that is because it’s not. It’s an herb that many companies use to aid in anti-inflammatory properties. Ashwagandha is actually a wonderful addition to protein powder.

Organic ingredients

Real food! No more synthetic crap!

This protein powder had undergone some major tests! This company uses third-party labs to test its products for heavy metals, pathogens, and contaminants. Talk about going the extra mile.

Is there really a better time to drink your shake?

Some say to consume your powder before your work out. But let’s face it not all of us work out daily and simply just want to feel great. If you are drinking a quality powder, I say morning is best.

Remember, protein powders were originally made for weightlifters to gain weight, so you have to make sure you have purchased the right one! Yours may be full of calories and in that case, you will defiantly want to consume it in the morning. 

As a woman, I suggest a low-calorie, low-sugar, easy-to-digest powder. One that could replace a meal without depriving the body of nutrition. That being said, a quality shake can be breakfast. 

The benefit is, starting your day with great nutrition that makes you feel mentally and physically at your best.

Women should be drinking powder designed for them!

I said this already and here it is again. Not all protein powders are the same. That is why I drink this powder! It checks all the boxes above. Organic, non-GMO, quality ingredients, and little to no sugar content, that helps my diabetes.

I trust this product so much, I drank this powder just after having my youngest and all through breastfeeding.

I also dropped all my baby weight and felt great within a month.

Bottom line, unfortunately, we have to research what we put in our bodies. So, find a quality protein powder that makes your body happy! Stop putting crap in because it’s conveniently sold at Costco or Target. Or because it says KETO! Don’t trust the pretty package. Read the label.

Here is a link to what I use! Check it out! I have done the research and found this stuff is the bomb. I like the flavor and fully support the business.

If you already have a powder you love, you may like this post on new recipes!

Stephanie

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