Balanced Body(R) Provides Mindful Movement Tips for Summer

SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - Jun 16, 2015) - Balanced Body^®, the leading source of mindful movement equipment, information and education, is providing four tips to maximize and sustain your workout throughout the summer.

"In order to experience the benefits of mindful movement, you must remain consistent and intentional with your workout sessions throughout the entire year," said Nora St. John, Balanced Body education program director. "Most people exercise with a specific goal in mind, such as 'tight abs for summer,' but they slow down once summertime hits. I recommend choosing movements that challenge your entire body physically and mentally and that you can continue to practice through the changing seasons."

Following are four tips for getting the most out of your workout:

Build your core
Traditional core work is usually focused on the abdominal muscles that make up a six-pack, but these muscles are only part of a larger group that spans your entire torso. Find a program like Balanced Body's Orbit that will work your core three-dimensionally -- front, side and back. An effective core conditioning exercise program needs to target all the muscle groups from your hips to your shoulders.

Tune in during endurance training
Runners, rowers and swimmers know how much focus it can take to maintain form over a long workout. Consider "tuning in" for short bursts of time. If you are practicing a repetitive endurance sport, try being fully present for periods of 10, 20 or 30 seconds several times during your training period. Take a few seconds to turn off the music, quiet whatever chatter is happening in your mind and feel your body moving. Tuning in to your internal sensations can provide information you can use to help your body self-correct.

Focus on form in weightlifting
If your preferred fitness activity is weightlifting, consider focusing on form as a way to connect the mind and the body. To do this, you'll need to find workout equipment that lets you focus on moving smoothly and with control through every phase of the movement. For example, traditional kettlebells can put tension on wrists and shoulders, so finding the right type of weight for your body is worth the effort. Balanced Body's SmartBell is designed to help tone muscle without creating joint pressure.

Introduce variety
Let's face it: doing the same workout day after day can be incredibly discouraging. Not only that, but workouts can start to become ineffective. Incorporating different types of exercises can help motivate you to work out more frequently and awaken muscles in your body that have been neglected. MOTR is a convenient way to mix up your workout routine and can be used throughout the year, whether you're indoors during the colder months or in the park on a sunny summer afternoon.

Nora St. John is the education program director at Balanced Body. She is responsible for creating curricula for new and existing products and training faculty to teach these curricula. She also writes product manuals, plans training videos and vets new products.

About Balanced Body Inc.
Balanced Body believes that movement changes people's lives. The company is the leading resource for Pilates and mindful movement equipment, information and education for fitness centers, studios, rehabilitation facilities and home enthusiasts. Founded in 1976, the company was the first to substantially update Joseph Pilates' equipment with state-of-the-art engineering, materials and technology. Ken Endelman, the company's CEO and founder, has been awarded 28 U.S. patents for his inventions. Balanced Body is headquartered in Sacramento, California, where almost all of its equipment is manufactured.

For more information, visit www.pilates.com, www.facebook.com/BalancedBodyInc, follow us on Twitter @Balanced_Body or call 1-800-PILATES.