Tag: Blog – The Balanced Life

If you are craving a great reformer workout, but lacking a reformer at home, then you’re going to love this 10-minute workout you can do from home!

This 10-minute Reformer on the Mat workout was inspired by many exercise done on the reformer, but they can be done right on your mat.

In 10 minutes, you’ll get an effective workout that will wake up and strengthen your entire body. You might even discover a new favorite reformer-inspired Pilates exercise!

This workout is now LIVE on The Balanced Life’s Youtube channel and within The Sisterhood workout library!

Let me know in the comments if you’ll be giving this workout a try!

See you on your mat soon!

xo,

PS – Are you new to Pilates? Check out this podcast episode on The Power of Pilates to learn more about this amazing exercise!

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A new year brings us new opportunities to align our health and goals. While we’re taking a new approach to goals in 2021, it doesn’t mean we can’t see big changes. 

In this episode, Robin reveals the biggest mistakes people make when setting goals that lead to burnout. She also analyzes red flags that may be why you aren’t seeing results or reaping the benefits from your health journey that you should be. If you’re tired of feeling burnt out and starting and stopping new fitness programs, this episode may help you find a solution! 

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

• Setting intentional rhythms and routines for 2021
• The mistake that leads to burnout and metabolic issues 
• Why only believing in high-intensity cardio is a mistake 
• Robin analyzes red flags in a workout routine 
• The ripple effect that happens when you don’t listen to your body 
• Why it’s important to choose a sustainable program 
• Why you should avoid overcommitting yourself 
• The benefits of Pilates

Links in this episode:

• Episode 41 – download your free guide!
• The Balanced Life Sisterhood
• Pilates Strong: a 5-Day Pilates Challenge

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I’ve received many requests for a new Pilates ring workout and I’m excited to share a new one with you today!

The Pilates ring is an incredibly versatile and lightweight prop that allows you to incorporate resistance training into your Pilates practice. Using a Pilates ring can help you engage the proper muscles and adjust your alignment.

In this 10-minute routine, you’ll tone and strengthen your entire body through exercises using the Pilates ring (and no worries if you don’t have a ring – you’ll still get a great workout without it!).

This routine is great to sneak in any time of day for a great full-body workout!

Click here to watch the video directly on youtube! And be sure to subscribe to my channel so you never miss a workout.

Let me know if you try this workout!

xo,

PS – Have any other Pilates workout requests? Leave me a comment below and let me know and check out more quick Pilates workouts on the blog!

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Trying to reach big and flashy goals can be intimidating, especially as we head into a new year that still has a lot of uncertainties. In this upcoming year, we have an opportunity to let go of that need for control and allow ourselves to find peace in the areas of life we can control. 

In today’s episode, Robin shares how to integrate new rhythms and routines into your daily life to make them a habit. She also discusses how you can set little goals in your day-to-day life without putting pressure on yourself. 

Join Robin in this episode to learn more about her new guide to create a life that works for you by integrating components of a healthy, balanced life. 

You can also print out the free guide in the show notes to help you walk through setting these intentions in 2021. 

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

• How to take what we’ve learned this past year and have a fresh start 
• Setting intentional rhythms and routines for the new year 
• How setting small goals will support you building new habits 
• The importance of reflecting on habits that did and didn’t work
• Ways to prioritize your health on a daily basis 
• The importance of establishing your why 
• Robin shares the rhythms and routines she’s integrating in her life 
• Why visualization is important 
• Why you should always choose grace over guilt
• Robin provides an overview of the Intentional Rhythms + Routines Guide

Links in this episode:

• The Balanced Life Sisterhood
• FREE 5-Day Pilates Strong Challenge
• Intentional Rhythms + Routines Guide

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Do you struggle with tension in your upper and lower back or are you looking to help improve your overall mobility?

Then this foam roller routine is for you!

In this quick workout, I’m going to lead you through a few stretches that you can do with your foam roller to help release tension in your upper and lower back, improve overall mobility, and feel good.

Click here to watch this video directly on youtube – these quick stretches are a perfect way to end another Pilates workout, run, or walk.

Give these stretches a try today – you’re going to feel so good when you’re done!

xo,

PS – Looking for a delicious and cozy meal for dinner? Check out this turkey and sweet potato immune-boosting soup – perfect for a cold winter day!

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Hi friends!

Every year I set a goal to embrace a “Slow December” and after the events of 2020, I think it’s even more important this year to slow down, reset, and recharge for a new year.

Now that I have a whole team working with me here at The Balanced Life, it would be easy to give this up and continue with business as usual. But, I’ve held on to this concept of “Slow December” and now I encourage my team (and our whole community) to embrace this too!

We are working on some really exciting new things for 2021 and can’t WAIT to share them with you soon.

But for now, we hope you’ll join us in slowing down this season, connecting with those you love, and looking ahead to an exciting new year with The Balanced Life.

In true 2020 fashion, I hope you enjoy our “team photo” – thanks to Zoom.

And I thought it would be fun to round up the best of 2020 at The Balanced Life with your favorite blog posts + podcasts. Check out the top 5 below if you’re looking for a quick workout, a last minute gift idea, or need a podcast to listen to on a morning walk.

• Bedtime Pilates Routine
• Episode 30: A recipe for burnout – and how you can avoid it
• Episode 32: Biggest mistakes I’ve made that held me back from being the healthiest version of myself
• Energizing Morning Pilates Routine
• The Balanced Life’s 2020 Gift Guides

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy holiday season!

xo,

Robin + The Balanced Life Team

The post Permission to slow down (+ a 2020 holiday photo!) appeared first on The Balanced Life.

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Looking for a recipe to keep you warm and cozy this winter?

Full of nourishing ingredients like garlic, bone broth, spinach, and turmeric – this delicious turkey & sweet potato immune-boosting soup is the perfect cozy meal for when you aren’t feeling your best or just want something to warm you up on a chilly day.

INGREDIENTS:

• Coconut or avocado oil for cooking
• 1 lb ground turkey
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 7 cups chicken or turkey bone broth
• 1.5 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup canned chickpeas drained and rinsed
• 1 handful of chopped spinach or kale
• 1⁄2 tsp ground turmeric
• 1⁄4 tsp ground ginger
• Sea salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat with coconut or avocado oil. Add the ground turkey and saute until completely cooked through.

While the turkey is cooking, add additional oil to a large stockpot over medium heat and add the garlic and onion. Saute for 3-5 minutes or until translucent.

Add the cooked ground turkey to the pot with the garlic and onion and add the bone broth, cubed sweet potatoes, and chickpeas. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.

Add the chopped spinach or kale, turmeric, ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Cool and pour into a serving bowl. Enjoy!

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Hope you have a wonderful winter season!

xo,

PS – Not feeling 100%? Check out my sick day survival guide for my tricks for boosting my immune system this time of year.

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Whether you are looking for a delicious and simple recipe to make with the kiddos, a baked good to take to your neighbor, or a sweet treat to leave for the mail carrier, I have just the recipe for you!

These peppermint chocolate chunk brownie cookies are so delicious and full of festive flavor this holiday season – perfect to enjoy yourself or for your gifting needs! 🙂

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 eggs 
• ½ cup pure maple syrup 
• ½ cup ghee, melted 
• ½ tsp peppermint extract
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour (like Bob’s Red Mills) 
• ½ cup cocoa powder 
• ½ tsp sea salt
• ¼ cup chocolate chips (like Enjoy Life Brand)
• Crushed naturally flavored peppermint candy canes for topping (optional: like Whole Foods 365 Brand) 

INSTRUCTIONS:

Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F and line a cookie tray with parchment paper. 

Add the eggs, pure maple syrup, melted ghee, peppermint, and vanilla extract to a large mixing bowl and mix well. 

Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, sea salt, and chocolate chips. 

Drop the cookie dough by the rounded tablespoon onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes. 

Allow to cool and sprinkle with the peppermint candy, if using. 

Enjoy! 

xo,

PS – Looking for some more gift ideas? Check out our 2020 gift guide – full of ideas from TBL favorites to budget friendly options!

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Hi Beauties,

Can you believe we are entering the holiday season? I’m not sure where the year went, but I’m happy to bring some joy to you today with our 2020 gift guides!

You’ll find three different categories this year…

• TBL Favorites: some of our team’s favorite things this year, including a few small businesses we love to support.
• Budget Friendly: great options for gift exchanges, stocking stuffers, and those looking to save money.
• Kids + Babies: healthy gift ideas for the little ones in your life.

So without further ado, here are some gift ideas for your loved ones (or for your own wishlist) this year!

TBL Team Favorites

1. The Koop New York Candle: The W 66th St. scent is described as “walking through central park in the fall” – what else do you need? These candles are all handmade and smell amazing!
2. Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal from Birkenstock
3. Recipe Binder: Great place to store all our recipe central faves!
4. The Feel Good Effect by Robyn Conley Downs
5. Stott Pilates Express Mat: Extra thick mat that also rolls up for easy storage when you’re done with your at-home workout.
6. Beautycounter Counter+ All Bright C Serum: A great item for treating yourself!
7. Lace & Pearls Jewelry: beautiful, handmade earrings for your friends, sisters, mom. Everyone will love these!
8. Athleta Rainier Tights: super comfortable and in a beautiful fall color
9. Powersheets – TBL team loves Cultivate what Matters!
10. The Balanced Life Sisterhood Membership: Give the gift of self-care this year with a Pilates membership!
11. Kindle: helps reduce time spent scrolling social media at night, and you can also download a couple books the recipient would enjoy.

Budget Friendly + Stocking Stuffers

1. Old Navy Joggers: so comfy + affordable!
2. KNC Beauty Eye Masks: Cute and functional? Sign us up!
3. Grace over Guilt Mug (add a gift card to a local coffee shop!)
4. Teavana Tea: Love these teas a for a warm + cozy stocking stuffer.
5. Scrunchies: easy and affordable gift for anyone!
6. Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara: incredible natural mascara for the beauty lover in your life!
7. Cultivate what Matters Daily Planner Notepad
8. Resistance Bands: Great stocking stuffer for at-home workouts
9. Cocokind mymatcha all-over moisture stick: Treat dry skin anytime with this product. From lips to under-eyes!
10. You’ve got what it takes keytag: for a daily dose of encouragement.

Kids + Babies

1. Kiwi Co: A TBL Team favorite and something for all ages to learn and have fun!
2. Little Tikes Trampoline: Get out that energy even when the weather keeps you inside this winter!
3. The World Needs who You Were Made to be by Joanna Gaines
4. Stainless steel sippy cup with lid + straw: Perfect for smoothies!
5. Colorfull: Celebrating the Colors God Gave Us by Dorena Williamson (she was also a guest on The Balanced Life Podcast!)
6. Froggy Toss: Great for playing indoors or take to the park.
7. Joyful Joyful Mug: For your littles to enjoy hot cocoa too!
8. Magna-Tiles: Great for imaginations + easy to clean up.

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And, don’t forget! One of the best things you can give yourself this season is taking care of yourself so take a deep breath, relax those shoulders, and try to get on your mat today.

Wishing you all a happy + healthy holiday season!

xo,

The Balanced Life Team

PS – Buying a gift for a fellow Sisterhood member this year? Don’t forget to check out our TBL gear for some fun ideas they are sure to love!

The post The Balanced Life’s 2020 Gift Guides appeared first on The Balanced Life.

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Many of us struggle with the fear of the unknown. The anticipation of what would happen can often be daunting, and for those with anxiety, debilitating. Anxiety can often lead you into a spiral that you don’t know how to escape and while you may feel alone in this experience, you’re not. 

Today, Robin talks about her experience with anxiety and how she overcame it. She shares logical and easily applicable tactics to help you take control of your anxiety. If you want to learn how you can distance yourself from paralyzing thoughts, join Robin in today’s conversation.

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

• Robin shares her story with anxiety
• Adjustments Robin made to overcome anxiety
• Being proactive in day-to-day practices
• How Pilates heightens awareness and creates calmness
• The benefits of counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy
• Tactics to communicate anxiety to your loved ones
• Favorite verse on anxiety: Philippians 4:6-7

Links in this episode:

• The Balanced Life on Instagram
• 5-day Pilates Strong challenge
• Creating Healthy Routines Workshop
• The Balanced Life Sisterhood

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