#health

Pretty in Pilates: Grip Sock Review

~ Syraluna ~ Leave a comment

I’ve been doing Pilates consistantly for almost a year now, and it has been incredible. I’ve lost 20 pounds, my back pain is gone, and my quality of sleep has improved greatly. In each Pilates class, I’m pushing my mind and body to be stronger and more flexible. Something that I’ve noticed though, during my workouts, while you’re using your body weight in conjunction with different spring strength, the right pair of socks are crucial for the workout, especially during the dreaded plank. However, the right pair of Pilates socks is crucial for the maximum Pilates workout.

During my first few Pilates classes, I was wearing Tavi Pilates socks, which are great for beginners. They have a variety of sock lengths and colours. The grip proved to be great for reformer work, but I found that it would slide off when I did planks on the mat. The overall fit is “true to size,” the price is great ($14-$24)and I love that they have a shade of pink for every season. I rate them 4.5/5

One day, I forgot my Pilates socks, so I quickly bought a pair of Gaiam Pilates socks on my way to the studio. As I started my warm-up, I noticed that I couldn’t get a good grip on the reformer. Regardless of the position, I had to buy another pair of socks halfway through the class. Though the price was $8, I felt you got what you paid for. The socks were too big, didn’t have enough grip, and had a limited colour selection. I rate them 2/5

As I’ve progressed throughout my Pilates journey, I’ve learned the importance of quality gear, (this is true for any workout/sport). In my search for different socks, I came across the brand Arbesk, which has captured fashionable and functional designs. I bought the “Anna Grip Sock,” designed with the big, beautiful pink bows, great compression, and a grip that is thick and covers the full bottom of the sock. I was able to flow through my reformer and mat workout without slipping. The socks also came with a mini garment bag for washing, which helps with the longevity of your grip socks. Priced $16-$25, worth the investment. I rate them 5/5

The popularity of Pilates is on the rise, and many brands have noticed and are jumping into the craze with their own brand of socks. However, not all socks are created equal. Great Compression and grip are essential for proper alignment and movement as you flow through Pilates. Arbesk is a brand that understands the intersection of fashion and functionality.

Pilates is on the rise, again, and many brands are taking notice and taking part, however not socks are created equal. You want something that will wick away moisture, hug your feet, provide great grip and not slide off during your workouts. While some may come with a higher price point, it’s worth it, you don’t want to risk injury or not being able to give your all due to your equipment.

Pretty in Pink: National Pink Day

~ Syraluna ~ Leave a comment

What could be more perfect than the colour Pink? June 23 is a day that celebrates all things Pink. Unique shades of pink are found in nature, from fruits and flowers to animals, including the pink flamingo (my favorite), to the rare pink hue that paints the sky.

Pink has taken on many meanings throughout history, art, literature, pop culture, and fashion. Pink has also played a part in our childhood, i.e, pink for girls and blue for boys. However, in the 19th century, pink was for boys, as it was a lighter colour of red, a powerful colour, and blue for girls; this changed in the 20th century. It’s now an identifiable colour for girls, and according to my mother and Nordstrom, I was born for the colour pink.

Pink has a unique history, with the first reference of the colour starting with the Greeks (naturally), first in Homer’s Odyssey, then coined by a Greek botanist who described the colours of carnations. Throughout the centuries, pink has influenced different countries and cultures. Pink was popular in Japanese fashion, worn by both men and women; much of their fashion was also influenced by the pink cherry blossoms. Pink made its way to Europe during the 18th century, when the colour was made popular by Madame de Pompadour and influenced the fashion of the era.

Pink continues to be a popular colour in fashion; however, pink starts to pivot into entertainment through the 20th and 21st centuries with fashion icons like Marilyn Monroe in “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”. To Molly Ringwald in “Pretty in Pink,” an 80s classic. Another Pink fashion icon we must acknowledge is Jackie Kennedy, dressed in her Chanel pink suit that defined an era of luxury but also a pivotal moment in US history when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

All things “Pink” exploded again with Barbie and “The Barbie Movie,” so much so that it caused a global shortage of the signature colour.

Pink has taken on the meaning of being soft, elegant, feminine, luxurious, and healing. Many women who are in a healing era gravitate to pink or reclaim pink as their favourite colour. I can attest to this because after my divorce, I found myself surrounded with all things pink; my bedding, bathroom, wardrobe, and now my kitchen. I was starting over, and I wanted everything to be Pretty in Pink.

Pink has been prominent throughout history and has carried many meanings. Pink also promotes softness, warmth, and healing and that is something worth celebrating.

Happy National Pink Day 🎀

Pretty in Pilates

~ Syraluna ~ Leave a comment

Happy Pilates Day! I’ve been doing Pilates for seven months now, and I just learned that Pilates has an International Day of Recognition (first Saturday in May), honoring the legacy of Joseph Pilates.

Pilates has a unique history; it was initially designed for wounded soldiers during World War II, then pivoted into the dance world and eventually expanded into studios across the globe. It is known for targeting the core, flexibility, and muscles that you didn’t even know you had.

I did my first Pilates class with my sister for her birthday. We came dressed in our pretty Pilates sock and ready to embrace the reformer. We’ve been consistent for months now, and I see the added benefits in my health: I sleep better, I’m hardly ever sick, my back pain is gone, and I have more flexibility. Pilates is very addictive and worth the investment.

Happy New Year: 2025 Prioritize your Health

~ Syraluna ~ Leave a comment

Happy New Year! We made it through another year. Many of us will start the year off with the best intentions of goal setting, getting organized, or starting that fitness plan. Don’t get me wrong, setting goals is great, and achieving them is even better but the hardest part is always getting started. My desire for improvement was there, but I lacked the energy to accomplish my goals. I would attempt to get more sleep and other quick fixes for more energy only to feel more exhausted.

In April 2024, I was admitted to the ER with thrombocytopenia, a condition where my blood wasn’t clotting due to the low platelet count which was caused by severe anemia. Before my diagnosis of anemia, I felt extreme exhaustion, shortness of breath, craving ice, and feeling weak all of the time. Days before being admitted to the emergency room, I felt extremely dizzy and I would wake up with random bruises on my body. Now before the weekend visit to the ER, I had a new primary care provider (PCP) whom I asked to check all of my blood levels and thankfully she really listened to me and saw that my platelet levels were falling. I was treated with steroids, an iron infusion, and a daily iron supplement. I do have to follow up with quarterly blood draws to monitor my platelet count

I share this story with you because extreme exhaustion is not normal; it could be an underlying symptom of other health issues. Secondly, your health may be affecting how you’re showing up for yourself, which has a direct result in your achieving your personal goals. So start 2025 off by prioritizing your health (mental and physical) and watch how it will impact your goal setting. Now, go make an appointment for a physical so you can be amazing.

Happy New Year