Trying Something New, Minda’s Adventure With Pilates

Sometimes, you just have to try something new, you know? My new experience was taking the plunge and signing up for a class at Club Pilates in Fayetteville.  Let me give you a tiny bit of background information.  I've never attempted Pilates before, at best I've tried some yoga which had some pretty dismal, however hilarious results. In fact, I think I invented some new yoga poses such as the Weeping Baby and Gassy Donkey.   I just haven't got the balance or patience for yoga (yet!)  But, nobody's getting any younger and I wanted to try a new workout.  After doing a little online research and looking at some plus size fitness bloggers, I hesitantly reached out to Club Pilates.  I was worried about so many things! I was concerned that I wouldn't be able to do the movements, that the instructors would be aloof or judgmental, and heaven forbid my body make a weird or embarrassing noise during the class! You know what I mean......

So, because misery loves company, I forced two of my friends to join me on the Pilates adventure.  Let me just tell you, all my preconceived notions about this experience were so far off the mark! We were greeted for our Intro to Pilates class by the most friendly of folks.  The instructors there heard my concerns before we started the class and gently reassured me that everything could be modified if I needed (which some things did need to be modified, I have a bum knee) and that they would be there every step of the way.  Club Pilates operates with a machine called the reformer, that almost looks medieval but was so much fun! The vibe at Club Pilates was encouraging and  fun and it was the best workout I've had in a while.  I was hooked.  The best part was after the workout I just felt good.  As I work at a desk or in a recording studio most of the time, it was a nice break for my body to feel energized and stretched out. You really don't know how much stress your body is holding onto until you let it go.  I felt taller and had such a sense of accomplishment! Club Pilates in Fayetteville proved that Pilates can truly be done by " every body" regardless of size, shape or age.  I will definitely be back!

The weather is warming up and that means it's time to get outside to some of the North Carolina berry festivals! Our state has no shortage of fun stuff to enjoy during the spring and summer and a long, rich history with farming and agriculture. The merging of those two results in a berry good time!

North Carolina and blueberries go back pretty far. According to the North Carolina History Project " In North Carolina, blueberries are the highest-ranked fruit crop and overall, the 16th-ranked commodity for the state. In 2008 North Carolina produced 28.5 million pounds of blueberries, an estimated $50 million in value. With roughly 9.2% of the 2009 blueberry production in the United States, North Carolina is the 6th largest producer of blueberries in the nation.

Annual blueberry harvests occur mainly during June and July. Although blueberries are native to North American soil, they were first planted in North Carolina in 1936. Blueberries are sweet in taste and rich in fiber and Vitamin C. The fruit also has the highest antioxidant level of any fruit. The blueberry has been commonly referred to as a “superfruit” because of its many health benefits."

However, let's not sleep on strawberries! Strawberries are one of the most consumed fruits in the world. In 2009, North Carolina farmers harvested 1,500 acres — or 19.5 million pounds — of strawberries and produced nearly $20.5 million in value for the state. These numbers put North Carolina as the 3rd largest producer of the heart-shaped fruit. The Tar Heel State trails only California and Florida.

Strawberries are annually harvested in the late spring and early summer, usually from mid-April to early June. Although there are many varieties of strawberries, three are commonly grown in North Carolina: Camarosa, Chandler, and Sweet Charlie. Like blueberries, strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C and rich in fiber and antioxidants. They are also a great source of vitamin K, vitamin B, and folic acid.

While we are at it, the humble blackberry deserves some press as well. A true North Carolina fruit, the blackberry is either native to North Carolina or were introduced very early to the state. Native Americans have been enjoying wild blackberries for thousands of years, and the early European settlers also consumed blackberries fresh, dried, and as preserves.

So, we celebrate these delicious, healthy berries in the best way possible, with some North Carolina berry festivals, of course!

White Hill Farms Strawberries & Produce is hosting a strawberry festival in Moore County on May 4th this year.  Antique Tractors will be on display along with wagon rides for the whole family, plus local vendors and food trucks.

North Carolina's oldest running agricultural festival! Hosted the first weekend in May in Chadbourn.  Celebrating its 91st anniversary this year, the schedule is jam packed with so many fun and delicious things to do!

Learn more here.

Not only does the NC Blueberry Festival celebrate all things blueberry, this year they are adding a Whole Hog Cook Off! Also featuring a car & truck show, live music and all the blueberries your heart desires.

More information here.

The North Carolina Blackberry Festival is a celebration of blackberries, cobbler, and fun! Held in Lenoir, North Carolina, the festival offers tons of family-friendly events. There's free music, kid's activities, and a blackberry-eating contest.  This is the festival's 21st anniversary and they are celebrating with the Little Miss Blackberry Pageant, live music and more! Be sure to register for the blackberry pie eating contest! 

More information here.