give the gift of health this valentines day at the centerValentine’s Day doesn’t have to be all about candy conversation hearts and chocolate in heart-shaped boxes.  This year share some healthy gifts with your loved ones.  Here’s some ideas to get you started:

1).  Prepare a Healthy Breakfast….  Cut up a quart of strawberries (they naturally make a heart shape) and arrange on a plate. Serve with greek yogurt  and granola (whole foods has some great choices, or you can make your own with the recipe here).

2.) Share some “Love Water”…... Add sprigs of rosemary, a bunch of crushed mint leaves; lemon, orange or cucumber slices; or cut up fresh strawberries in a pitcher of  water.  Refrigerate for several hours (ideally, overnight) for maximum flavor.  Set the pitcher out on the counter as an alternative to drinking high-calorie beverages.  Or bring it to work and share the love with your co-workers!

3.)Have a No-Technology Night… Turn off the computers, phones, iPads and video games.  Instead, play your favorite board game or a game of cards (Click here for directions to the card game “Hearts”).

4.) Take a Loved one on a Fitness Date…  Sharing exercise experiences can provide support and help you do more than you might if you went solo.  Go for a walk, play some tennis, go to the gym, or come to Pilates with your sweetie (Our “private duet” programs are a great way to build core strength, stability, balance, and tone together).

5).Do Something Good for Yourself this Year….  Put aside some time on your calendar to learn a new hobby, or restart one.  Find a group with similar interests to keep you motivated.  Make a commitment to practice your new hobby once or twice a week for a few months.  (Now you can do more Pilates with our February promotion: Get a small group lesson package at half price when you purchase any full price package. Learn More)