DC Fit Week Blog

 by Mariska Breland and Roxanna Hakimi (@fusepilates)

WASHINGTON D.C. (July 30, 2012) – Mariska Breland and Roxanna Hakimi, co-owners of Fuse Pilates Playground, share their tips for ‘fusing’ work and play.

“We think it’s important for work/life balance in order to lead a healthy lifestyle,” says Hakimi. “We’re both passionate about our business, however, we’re very aware that there are other aspects of our lives that also need attention.”

As businesswomen, the Fuse ladies lead a dynamic fitness-filled lifestyle at work and have learned a few tips and tricks along the way that work well in their personal lives, too.

“I think everyone, at one time or another, has taken their work home with them,” says Breland. “And sometimes your personal life comes to work. This can all be a positive thing!”

By balancing work and play, Hakimi and Breland have learned that fusing the two has actually turned out to be beneficial. Below are some tips they’ve picked up along the way in search of ‘that perfect balance.’

·         Work Is A State Of Mind: Enjoy what you do and it won’t seem like work. If you’re not where you want to be, then find the positive in where you are.

·         A Thin Line Between Work And Play: Take your favorite part of work and bring it into your personal life and vice versa. Ex: Love to cook at home? Become the resident chef at work by randomly bringing in your favorite dish to share! Are you known as a math guru at work? Offer to tutor children!

·         Know When To Take A Break: Work and play shouldn’t be life encompassing. Know that you need to take some time away from both. A midday coffee break to yourself, a fitness class, or a long drive, whatever it is, you need to take some time to sit out on the ‘bench.’

·         Share:  Have any tips of your own? Share your knowledge with other co-workers, family members and friends, it can be beneficial for both of you!

Test out the tips above and see how combining work and play can make for an overall healthier and balanced lifestyle.

For more information about the Fuse Pilates Playground or to meet the Fuse team, please visit: www.fusepilates.com

About Fuse Pilates

Fuse Pilates, developed in 2005 by fitness expert Mariska Breland, builds on traditional Pilates exercises and teaching styles with an original, fun, and highly effective twist on Pilates mat and apparatus classes. Prompted by the growing popularity of the Fuse Pilates method, Breland partnered with Roxanna Hakimi to open the Fuse Pilates Playground in Washington DC’s trendy Dupont Circle neighborhood in June 2011. Each Fuse class is different, uniquely customized to student requests and choreographed to upbeat music. Classes offer an intense yet approachable method of mat, tower, reformer and chair instruction, along with private coaching and wellness counseling for beginner to expert levels. Fuse Pilates' highly trained and experienced instructors concentrate on 360 degrees of the body to shape and create beautifully-toned physiques while promoting overall health and wellness. To learn more about Fuse Pilates visit http://www.fusepilates.com/.

by Mariska Breland (@fusepilates)

Maintain Your Fitness Routine During Summer Travel:

Six Quick Tips To Keep You Active

Mariska Breland, Fuse Pilates founder, creative director and co-owner has put together these “Quick Fitness Tips When Traveling” to help you reach your fitness goals no matter where you are in the world.

Summertime typically brings fun, sun and vacations making it hard to stay on track with your fitness routine. Breland’s traveling tips show you how to keep your workout fun and fresh, regardless of your surroundings.

When traveling many things are out of your control; flights are delayed, the weather is unpredictable and you may even be part of a larger group with a regimented travel itinerary. Fortunately there is something you do have control of, and that’s your will to work out.

“I know first-hand how difficult it can be to continue with your fitness routine when you’re out of your element,” says Breland. “These tips can be used as a guide, making it easier to stay on track when you’re away.”

Six Tips to Maintain Your Fitness Routine While Traveling

1.       Make Time: Set aside thirty minutes to an hour each day for your workout. The morning is an ideal time, not everyone in your party gets up at the same time and your fitness routine won’t interfere with your travel itinerary.

2.       Bring Music: Be sure to bring your music along with you. Fuse is based around vibrant music for a reason, it gets everyone pumped!

3.       Find Your Spot: Depending on the location your workout may be limited. If there is not a fitness studio or gym around, there is always the outdoors.

4.       Plan Ahead: Based on your travel destination you will know what type of workout you can accomplish. Ex: If you’re vacationing at the beach, be sure to bring a Pilates mat. In a city atmosphere? Bring your running shoes.

5.       Challenge Yourself: Variety is the spice of life no matter where you are! You’re in a new city, experience a new workout that’s not available in your own city. Try something new and allow your surroundings to inspire your workouts.

6.       Go Virtual: Working out for only 10 minutes is better than not doing any movement at all. While in your room, hop online and find some quick mini-workouts, like on the Fuse Pilates YouTube channel (youtube.com/fusepilates)

By incorporating some of these tips above, your fitness routine doesn’t have to be ignored but can actually go on an active vacation with you!

For more information on Fuse Pilates, visit: FusePilates.com

About Fuse Pilates

Fuse Pilates, developed in 2005 by fitness expert Mariska Breland, builds on traditional Pilates exercises and teaching styles with an original, fun, and highly effective twist on Pilates mat and apparatus classes. Prompted by the growing popularity of the Fuse Pilates method, Breland partnered with Roxanna Hakimi and Sormeh Youssefieh to open the Fuse Pilates Playground in Washington DC’s trendy Dupont Circle neighborhood in June 2011. Each Fuse class is different, uniquely customized to student requests and choreographed to upbeat music. Classes offer an intense yet approachable method of mat, tower, reformer and chair instruction, along with private coaching and wellness counseling for beginner to expert levels. Fuse Pilates' highly trained and experienced instructors concentrate on 360 degrees of the body to shape and create beautifully-toned physiques while promoting overall health and wellness. To learn more about Fuse Pilates visit http://www.fusepilates.com/.

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What a great list of sponsors we have for DC Fit Week 2012! We were overwhelmed with how many people wanted to so willingly help DC/MD/VA get fit, but oh boy were we WRONG! We have been overloaded since we launched the dates. 

Fit Week Foundation has some amazing additions to our sponsors list for DC Fit Week. The week brought us the following sponsors:

 Anytime Fitness | Athleta | Balance Gym | Divergent Planning | Capital Bikeshare | DC United |  Fuse Pilates | Group Therapy Associates |  Jordin's Paradise  | Marva Makle - Holistic Health Counselor | Noe Todorovich | PopChips | Solider Fit  | Sport & Health | Studio 310 | Top Rank Soccer Academy | Whole Foods Montgomery County | Whole Foods Kentlands |  Whole Foods Rockville |  Whole Foods Silver Spring |  Zukossa Fitness | Zumba DC 

DC Fit Week is going to be a great week filled with events and boat loads of information to get you ready for a healthier life. As of Monday, we are a week of great fitness tips, huge financial planning advice and vast tips on renewing your mind.

The countdown has begun! We look forward to meeting you and hope that you take advantage of the FREE week.

To your health,

 Fit Week Foundation