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Anonymous asked: Hi! I am curious, do you have fitness or nutrition role models?? Who are your favorite celebs and athletes?? Cassey: Oh wow! A new type of question. I love it! For nutrition, I really like my Nutrition Diva podcasts. The woman’s name is Monica Reinagel and she is board-certified Licensed Nutritionist and a professionally-trained chef. She delivers quick tips on hot foodie topics that are clear and easy to understand. I am actually going to do a giveaway of her latest book Nutrition Diva’s Secrets for a Healthy Diet: What to Eat, What to Avoid, and What to Stop Worrying About. More on this later! Fitness role models that I admire are the instructors that are able to create a community and a loyal following with their passion for their format. The creators of formats like BODYPUMP, TurboJam, Hot Hula etc. were made by instructors who had a vision of sharing their workouts on a larger scale. They helped hundreds of thousands of people change their lives, and they did it in a fun and creative way. They had a vision and they made it happen. They impacted lives. These are the people I look up to. Creatives. Entrepreneurs. Doers. Risk takers. I hope to one day share Pop Pilates with many more people as well. My favorite athlete is Apolo Anton Ohno. He is an Olympic speed skater and I’ve had a crush on him since high school! Haha. I also got to meet him at a Dancing with the Stars taping, and we hugged. Twice! I don’t really have favorite celebrities, but in terms of who I think is gorgeous…the list includes Halle Barry, Mila Kunis, Sofia Vergara, Jessica Alba, Vanessa Hudgens, Kim Kardashian (sorry! I have to!), Eva Longoria, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Megan Fox. For males, Zac Efron is pretty cute. Mark Zuckerberg is pretty inspirational. Oh and this is shameless but I really like Jake Pavelka from the Bachelor! He is hot and that is all. Anonymous asked: Hi Cassey! You really are the best. I’ve been doing your videos for over half a year now and have gotten my little brother (12) and sister (14) hooked too! Whenever people ask me how I keep so fit, I tell them about my little secret: Pop Pilates! It’s obvious that you’re super passionate about what you do, and I love that! I’m curious about what other things in your life keep you happy and balanced. What are your hobbies and interests outside of working out and eating healthy? Are you dating anyone or do you have any pets? Sorry, maybe you think these questions are too personal or irrelevant, but we’re all friends here, right? Plus I think it’s necessary to emphasize the importance of a full and balanced lifestyle ; ) Thanks for all you do! It’s amazing that you’ve made these videos accessible to people of all ages and to people who may not be able to afford workout videos or a gym membership. Cheers, Ella Cassey: Oh a Q&A session about me! How fun! Ok here it goes: Q - What are your hobbies and interests outside of working out and eating healthy? A - I love dancing, esp. ballroom and salsa dancing. There was a point right after college when Arthur Murray hired me to be a ballroom dance teacher. Then I decided I didn’t want to be in a studio for like 11 hours a day! But I still love dancing. I also love drawing. Especially fashion sketching and fashion design. I’ve been drawing since forever. Back in elementary school, the group of girls that I used to hang out with during recess and lunch would always ask me to draw pictures of them in the latest outfits. The kids thought I was going to be a artist when I grew up. At least that’s what they put on my Valentines Day cards! Haha. Oh and I also like trivia…I’m not that great but I love a good mind boggler or two. Q - Are you dating anyone? A - I guess the best way to answer this right now is…not really ;P Q - Do you have any pets? A - I have one pet. His name is Turtle. Yes. And he is a turtle. A red-eared slider that I’ve had for over a decade! My parents bought him for me in Chinatown when he used to be about the size of a quarter. Now he is as big as a notebook! thatsweetedge asked: You’re butt blasters video worked wonders for me. I’m finally almost completely content with my body now the only part that I still want to tone is my thighs. No matter how much a run on the treadmill, how much I diet, and how much I do squats and lunges, I cant tone my thighs. They’re thinner but not where I want to be. My calves are so tiny and my legs are strong so I don’t think simple squats and lunges will do anything for me anymore. Pleaseeeee help me. I would be so grateful if you could make a high intensity thigh blaster pop pilates video. I have tried everything and your butt blaster video worked so well for me I know you can come up with something incredible! Please help me reach my goal in time for summer! I will finally have achieved the body I always wanted. I think alot of other girls can benefit from the video too! Cassey: Thanks for the thigh video suggestion. Have you tried my Legs & Thighs 10 min video yet? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHfe0rG_THk Anonymous asked: Hi Cassey, my name is selmed and I want to ask a favours, can’t the videos be made downloadable so that those of us who have no constant access to internet take them on our computers for use? I really enjoy your videos, keep it up. Cassey: I am currently looking into making a DVD…but this won’t be for a while. I need to figure out music copyright laws. So, I’m sorry, but right now I cannot make them downloadable. salmoomah asked: Hey Cassey! I’ve never done Pilates before, but I discovered your Pop Pilates videos recently and I am absolutely loving them! I think that what you’re doing is a great way to motivate people to get fit and have fun at the same time :) I just have a question about your leg workout though… I’m not looking to tone or reduce any area of my legs in particular (although that would be a welcome side-effect), but I just want a good all-around leg workout. Would using your Legs and Thighs workout be sufficient for that, or would I also need to combine that with Slimmer Inner Thighs and Runner’s Calves? And once my body adjusts to the workout, what would I have to do to make it more intense? Feel free to answer this in my ask. I really appreciate your help! Keep doing what you’re doing because it’s awesome! <3 Cassey: If you are serious about toning your legs, do all of the leg workouts. And once your body adjusts to the workout, I will have more workouts :) Anonymous asked: Dear Cassey, I love your recipes. Where do you take them from/do you know any websites with low calorie + healthy food and recipes? xoxo Cassey: I scour the internet for recipes of foods that I just happen to buy that weekend at the farmer’s market. I always link the recipe source at the bottom of each article. The sites that I love are: http://cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com/ http://www.hungry-girl.com/ http://www.skinnytaste.com/ Anonymous asked: Dear Cassey, You have inspired me so much! Basically, I was in a procrastination rut, always delaying my diet+workout start but now I do your videos 6 time per week and I’m startin to gain confidence (I’ve lost about 12 pounds so far…). I would really like to start to running to gain even more resistance but I’m not sure of how many miles I should start with (bear in mind that I am NOT used to running!). How many do you think? P.S.: You are beautiful! Cassey: Thank you for your kind comments. First of all you can’t “gain resistance”. I think you mean improve your cardiovascular endurance. Start with jogging. If you have access to a treadmill, start around 5mph and go for a mile. Then try to go faster every week. Maybe 5.2. then 5.4. Once you get faster, try going for even longer distances! Good luck. justbeingjess asked: Hi Cassey, I have a question about “shins to the air”. During that I have tons of trouble keeping my shoulders relaxed, they always tighten up and lift off of the floor. How can I prevent this? Cassey: So when you’re in table top position or “shins to the air”, if your abs are weak, then you’re going to try to compensate my pushing your hands into the mat and tensing your neck/shoulders. Try to press your low back into the mat and leave you shins up as long as possible WITHOUT tensing your upper body. Once you start tensing, then release your toes to the floor. Then try again, you’ll get stronger each time. You could also place a rolled towel or pillow under your neck for support. Good luck! Anonymous asked: Hey Cassey! I LOVE your vids but wanted to ask that seeing as you’re doing focus videos like pilates for beginners etc could you possibly do an ‘Overcoming a Plateau’ one? Just a suggestion! I like a challenge! Much love, Regina Cassey: That’s a great idea. That would probably just be a talking video though because everyone’s plateau will be different. If you’re trying to overcome a stagnant phase, you need to start changing your workout. That’s it. Add new moves that you’ve never done before and the body will get surprised. It will start burning calories faster until it gets more efficient again, at which point you will need to do something new again! Anonymous asked: Can Pilates actually make you taller? Cassey: In a sense, yes, because it will help with your posture so that you won’t walk around slumping anymore. But no it will not lengthen your bones. Anonymous asked: Hi Cassey, I suffer with bad lower back pain and I was wondering if you can recommend any exercises to help ease it? Cassey: Try “cat-cow”. You’re on all fours, palms down, knees down. Then you want to make a dip in your low back (like you’re holding a cup of soup on your low back) and stick your butt up. Now contrast that pose with a perching of the upper back - push the upper back high up into the air so that now your low back is arching in the other direction.  This should feel good. letsfocusonbeingthin asked: Hey Cassey! I discovered your videos and let me tell you…THANK YOU!!!!! When I first tried your videos I stopped and just watched the video and everyday it just kept getting easier! But one question, Pilates and Yoga are different, but which one is better to lose weight? I know it’s like DUH PILATES because you’re doing more physical work…but I’ve asked a few friends and they all said Yoga is very effective to so I dunno(: Cassey: Have you read my post on Pilates versus Yoga? Here is the link: http://www.blogilates.com/post/3696273044/pilates-versus-yoga-whats-the-diff-read Both are effective, just make sure you’re pushing yourself to the limit in each exercise and you will see results. Anonymous asked: Hey Cassey! My question is this, I work two different jobs: One is coaching gymnastics/tumbling 4 hours a day and involves alot of walking, catching, lifting and constant movement. The other is working at Subway, which involves constant walking at a pace of about 2-2.5 mph. The only time I’m sitting down is during the 20 minute lunch break. Can I count this as exercise? Should I add up the calories burned towards my calorie deficit? I feel like I’m clueless! Help? Mary Cassey: Hi Mary! Great question. Yes you can. But if you’re not seeing the results you want, it means that even with your constant movement, you’re still eating enough calories wipe out chances for weight loss. Does this make sense? Eat more calories than you burn and you will gain weight. Eat less calories than your burn and you will lose weight. Read my post on how to lose weight and find out your basal metabolic rate and your daily energy requirement. http://www.blogilates.com/post/3697883302/figure-out-exactly-how-many-calories-you-need-to Anonymous asked: Hey Cassey! Yipeee! You answered my question! Anyways, I think you should become a nutritionist since you’re a great role model for exercise + health. I would totally support you! I’m working on some Pop Pilates designs/slogans, and it’s really fun[: I wanted to know if there were exercises for building up quadriceps. Any ideas? Have a great week! Love, Lena Cassey: Cool Lena! I might consider looking more into nutrition. It is so interesting! Have you uploaded your design to the facebook page yet? And yes there are so many exercises for quads! Squats are amazing. Lunges too! rednblue asked: Cassey, your workout videos are SO awesome! I love that you incorporate your personality into them. I seriously feel like im working out with one of my friends. Thanks for keeping me motivated! p.s. I can’t wait to have toned awesome legs like you! =) Cassey: You know, I appreciate you telling me that you feel like you’re working out with one of your friends. I never really thought about it, but I guess I keep it pretty light and informal when I do the videos. But informal lets the personality shine through from my mat to your mat! So that’s pretty cool. Thanks for letting me know! Anonymous asked: i heard that no ab xercises are good for ur abs bc it will just built muscle on top of ur fat, thus making ur tummy fatter. PLEASE HELP!! Cassey: Okay, first of all this is so not true. #1. Ab exercises ARE good because they strengthen your core. If you don’t do ab exercises, how will you tone your midsection? #2. Muscle does NOT lay on top of fat. Muscle is attached to your bone, fat lays on top of muscle. I think what you may have heard is that doing a million crunches won’t get you a six pack. This is true. But you will get a stronger core. Underneath. You have to melt the fat off with cardio. shyskylark asked: Hey Cassey I love the move in the beginning of the butt blaster vid, it feels like I’m doing ballet on the floor. Having been a professional dancer I think it’s great. Do you have any more dancer like exercise moves for pilates?!!! Cassey: I love that move too! Check out The Bar Method. They are also very ballet and pilates-esque. I can do a video on dance-y moves. That’d be fun. Anonymous asked: I love your exercise, you’re an excellent instructor! I lost weight with your exercise and proper diet aid. I workout several times a week after your exercise. You’re the coolest! Alice from Romania Cassey: Congratulations! This is great news!

Anonymous asked:

Hi!

I am curious, do you have fitness or nutrition role models?? Who are your favorite celebs and athletes??

Cassey: Oh wow! A new type of question. I love it!

For nutrition, I really like my Nutrition Diva podcasts. The woman’s name is Monica Reinagel and she is board-certified Licensed Nutritionist and a professionally-trained chef. She delivers quick tips on hot foodie topics that are clear and easy to understand. I am actually going to do a giveaway of her latest book Nutrition Diva’s Secrets for a Healthy Diet: What to Eat, What to Avoid, and What to Stop Worrying About. More on this later!

Fitness role models that I admire are the instructors that are able to create a community and a loyal following with their passion for their format. The creators of formats like BODYPUMP, TurboJam, Hot Hula etc. were made by instructors who had a vision of sharing their workouts on a larger scale. They helped hundreds of thousands of people change their lives, and they did it in a fun and creative way. They had a vision and they made it happen. They impacted lives. These are the people I look up to. Creatives. Entrepreneurs. Doers. Risk takers. I hope to one day share Pop Pilates with many more people as well.

My favorite athlete is Apolo Anton Ohno. He is an Olympic speed skater and I’ve had a crush on him since high school! Haha. I also got to meet him at a Dancing with the Stars taping, and we hugged. Twice!

I don’t really have favorite celebrities, but in terms of who I think is gorgeous…the list includes Halle Barry, Mila Kunis, Sofia Vergara, Jessica Alba, Vanessa Hudgens, Kim Kardashian (sorry! I have to!), Eva Longoria, Alessandra Ambrosio, and Megan Fox. For males, Zac Efron is pretty cute. Mark Zuckerberg is pretty inspirational. Oh and this is shameless but I really like Jake Pavelka from the Bachelor! He is hot and that is all.

Anonymous asked:

Hi Cassey!

You really are the best. I’ve been doing your videos for over half a year now and have gotten my little brother (12) and sister (14) hooked too! Whenever people ask me how I keep so fit, I tell them about my little secret: Pop Pilates!

It’s obvious that you’re super passionate about what you do, and I love that! I’m curious about what other things in your life keep you happy and balanced. What are your hobbies and interests outside of working out and eating healthy?

Are you dating anyone or do you have any pets?

Sorry, maybe you think these questions are too personal or irrelevant, but we’re all friends here, right? Plus I think it’s necessary to emphasize the importance of a full and balanced lifestyle ; )

Thanks for all you do! It’s amazing that you’ve made these videos accessible to people of all ages and to people who may not be able to afford workout videos or a gym membership.

Cheers,

Ella

Cassey: Oh a Q&A session about me! How fun! Ok here it goes:

Q - What are your hobbies and interests outside of working out and eating healthy?

A - I love dancing, esp. ballroom and salsa dancing. There was a point right after college when Arthur Murray hired me to be a ballroom dance teacher. Then I decided I didn’t want to be in a studio for like 11 hours a day! But I still love dancing. I also love drawing. Especially fashion sketching and fashion design. I’ve been drawing since forever. Back in elementary school, the group of girls that I used to hang out with during recess and lunch would always ask me to draw pictures of them in the latest outfits. The kids thought I was going to be a artist when I grew up. At least that’s what they put on my Valentines Day cards! Haha. Oh and I also like trivia…I’m not that great but I love a good mind boggler or two.

Q - Are you dating anyone?

A - I guess the best way to answer this right now is…not really ;P

Q - Do you have any pets?

A - I have one pet. His name is Turtle. Yes. And he is a turtle. A red-eared slider that I’ve had for over a decade! My parents bought him for me in Chinatown when he used to be about the size of a quarter. Now he is as big as a notebook!

thatsweetedge asked:

You’re butt blasters video worked wonders for me. I’m finally almost completely content with my body now the only part that I still want to tone is my thighs. No matter how much a run on the treadmill, how much I diet, and how much I do squats and lunges, I cant tone my thighs. They’re thinner but not where I want to be. My calves are so tiny and my legs are strong so I don’t think simple squats and lunges will do anything for me anymore. Pleaseeeee help me. I would be so grateful if you could make a high intensity thigh blaster pop pilates video. I have tried everything and your butt blaster video worked so well for me I know you can come up with something incredible! Please help me reach my goal in time for summer! I will finally have achieved the body I always wanted. I think alot of other girls can benefit from the video too!

Cassey: Thanks for the thigh video suggestion. Have you tried my Legs & Thighs 10 min video yet? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LHfe0rG_THk

Anonymous asked:

Hi Cassey, my name is selmed and I want to ask a favours, can’t the videos be made downloadable so that those of us who have no constant access to internet take them on our computers for use? I really enjoy your videos, keep it up.

Cassey: I am currently looking into making a DVD…but this won’t be for a while. I need to figure out music copyright laws. So, I’m sorry, but right now I cannot make them downloadable.

salmoomah asked:

Hey Cassey! I’ve never done Pilates before, but I discovered your Pop Pilates videos recently and I am absolutely loving them! I think that what you’re doing is a great way to motivate people to get fit and have fun at the same time :) I just have a question about your leg workout though… I’m not looking to tone or reduce any area of my legs in particular (although that would be a welcome side-effect), but I just want a good all-around leg workout. Would using your Legs and Thighs workout be sufficient for that, or would I also need to combine that with Slimmer Inner Thighs and Runner’s Calves? And once my body adjusts to the workout, what would I have to do to make it more intense? Feel free to answer this in my ask. I really appreciate your help! Keep doing what you’re doing because it’s awesome! <3

Cassey: If you are serious about toning your legs, do all of the leg workouts. And once your body adjusts to the workout, I will have more workouts :)

Anonymous asked:

Dear Cassey,

I love your recipes. Where do you take them from/do you know any websites with low calorie + healthy food and recipes?

xoxo

Cassey: I scour the internet for recipes of foods that I just happen to buy that weekend at the farmer’s market. I always link the recipe source at the bottom of each article. The sites that I love are:

http://cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com/

http://www.hungry-girl.com/

http://www.skinnytaste.com/

Anonymous asked:

Dear Cassey,

You have inspired me so much! Basically, I was in a procrastination rut, always delaying my diet+workout start but now I do your videos 6 time per week and I’m startin to gain confidence (I’ve lost about 12 pounds so far…). I would really like to start to running to gain even more resistance but I’m not sure of how many miles I should start with (bear in mind that I am NOT used to running!). How many do you think?

P.S.: You are beautiful!

Cassey: Thank you for your kind comments. First of all you can’t “gain resistance”. I think you mean improve your cardiovascular endurance. Start with jogging. If you have access to a treadmill, start around 5mph and go for a mile. Then try to go faster every week. Maybe 5.2. then 5.4. Once you get faster, try going for even longer distances! Good luck.

justbeingjess asked:

Hi Cassey,

I have a question about “shins to the air”. During that I have tons of trouble keeping my shoulders relaxed, they always tighten up and lift off of the floor. How can I prevent this?

Cassey: So when you’re in table top position or “shins to the air”, if your abs are weak, then you’re going to try to compensate my pushing your hands into the mat and tensing your neck/shoulders. Try to press your low back into the mat and leave you shins up as long as possible WITHOUT tensing your upper body. Once you start tensing, then release your toes to the floor. Then try again, you’ll get stronger each time. You could also place a rolled towel or pillow under your neck for support. Good luck!

Anonymous asked:

Hey Cassey!

I LOVE your vids but wanted to ask that seeing as you’re doing focus videos like pilates for beginners etc could you possibly do an ‘Overcoming a Plateau’ one? Just a suggestion! I like a challenge! Much love, Regina

Cassey: That’s a great idea. That would probably just be a talking video though because everyone’s plateau will be different. If you’re trying to overcome a stagnant phase, you need to start changing your workout. That’s it. Add new moves that you’ve never done before and the body will get surprised. It will start burning calories faster until it gets more efficient again, at which point you will need to do something new again!

Anonymous asked:

Can Pilates actually make you taller?

Cassey: In a sense, yes, because it will help with your posture so that you won’t walk around slumping anymore. But no it will not lengthen your bones.

Anonymous asked:

Hi Cassey, I suffer with bad lower back pain and I was wondering if you can recommend any exercises to help ease it?

Cassey: Try “cat-cow”. You’re on all fours, palms down, knees down. Then you want to make a dip in your low back (like you’re holding a cup of soup on your low back) and stick your butt up. Now contrast that pose with a perching of the upper back - push the upper back high up into the air so that now your low back is arching in the other direction.  This should feel good.

letsfocusonbeingthin asked:

Hey Cassey! I discovered your videos and let me tell you…THANK YOU!!!!! When I first tried your videos I stopped and just watched the video and everyday it just kept getting easier! But one question, Pilates and Yoga are different, but which one is better to lose weight? I know it’s like DUH PILATES because you’re doing more physical work…but I’ve asked a few friends and they all said Yoga is very effective to so I dunno(:

Cassey: Have you read my post on Pilates versus Yoga? Here is the link: http://www.blogilates.com/post/3696273044/pilates-versus-yoga-whats-the-diff-read Both are effective, just make sure you’re pushing yourself to the limit in each exercise and you will see results.

Anonymous asked:

Hey Cassey!

My question is this, I work two different jobs: One is coaching gymnastics/tumbling 4 hours a day and involves alot of walking, catching, lifting and constant movement. The other is working at Subway, which involves constant walking at a pace of about 2-2.5 mph. The only time I’m sitting down is during the 20 minute lunch break. Can I count this as exercise? Should I add up the calories burned towards my calorie deficit? I feel like I’m clueless! Help?

Mary

Cassey: Hi Mary! Great question. Yes you can. But if you’re not seeing the results you want, it means that even with your constant movement, you’re still eating enough calories wipe out chances for weight loss. Does this make sense? Eat more calories than you burn and you will gain weight. Eat less calories than your burn and you will lose weight. Read my post on how to lose weight and find out your basal metabolic rate and your daily energy requirement. http://www.blogilates.com/post/3697883302/figure-out-exactly-how-many-calories-you-need-to

Anonymous asked:

Hey Cassey! Yipeee! You answered my question! Anyways, I think you should become a nutritionist since you’re a great role model for exercise + health. I would totally support you! I’m working on some Pop Pilates designs/slogans, and it’s really fun[: I wanted to know if there were exercises for building up quadriceps. Any ideas? Have a great week!

Love, Lena

Cassey: Cool Lena! I might consider looking more into nutrition. It is so interesting! Have you uploaded your design to the facebook page yet? And yes there are so many exercises for quads! Squats are amazing. Lunges too!

rednblue asked:

Cassey, your workout videos are SO awesome! I love that you incorporate your personality into them. I seriously feel like im working out with one of my friends. Thanks for keeping me motivated! p.s. I can’t wait to have toned awesome legs like you! =)

Cassey: You know, I appreciate you telling me that you feel like you’re working out with one of your friends. I never really thought about it, but I guess I keep it pretty light and informal when I do the videos. But informal lets the personality shine through from my mat to your mat! So that’s pretty cool. Thanks for letting me know!

Anonymous asked:

i heard that no ab xercises are good for ur abs bc it will just built muscle on top of ur fat, thus making ur tummy fatter. PLEASE HELP!!

Cassey: Okay, first of all this is so not true. #1. Ab exercises ARE good because they strengthen your core. If you don’t do ab exercises, how will you tone your midsection? #2. Muscle does NOT lay on top of fat. Muscle is attached to your bone, fat lays on top of muscle. I think what you may have heard is that doing a million crunches won’t get you a six pack. This is true. But you will get a stronger core. Underneath. You have to melt the fat off with cardio.

shyskylark asked:

Hey Cassey

I love the move in the beginning of the butt blaster vid, it feels like I’m doing ballet on the floor. Having been a professional dancer I think it’s great. Do you have any more dancer like exercise moves for pilates?!!!

Cassey: I love that move too! Check out The Bar Method. They are also very ballet and pilates-esque. I can do a video on dance-y moves. That’d be fun.

Anonymous asked:

I love your exercise, you’re an excellent instructor! I lost weight with your exercise and proper diet aid. I workout several times a week after your exercise. You’re the coolest! Alice from Romania

Cassey: Congratulations! This is great news!