Bella Bellies

Pilates Erie, PA

Tue, 09 Sep 2014 03:52:00 -0400

Bella Bellies is now offering Pilates Apparatus training in Erie, PA. Contact Anne Martens at info@bellabellies.com

Lucas Allan Martens is Born!

Sat, 09 Aug 2014 23:52:00 -0400

We welcome our newest Bella Bellies member! Lucas is pictured below with his big sister Raina and big brother Liam!

What is Bella Bellies?

Tue, 14 Jan 2014 18:26:02 -0500

What is Bella Bellies? Below is a video describing the scope of services offered under the Bella Bellies name.

Pregnant with Baby 3!

Sun, 05 Jan 2014 04:49:14 -0500

Pregnant with Baby 3!

Quick, healthy smoothie your belly and kids will love!

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 07:05:11 -0500

Here is a healthy smoothie your belly and kids will love, ready in 5 minutes.

Enrollment for Long Distance Teacher Training & Workshop Opens Today!

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 09:26:53 -0400

In Hoboken, NJ January 17th-19th, 2014.

Begin Your Bella Bellies Teacher Training Program by Signing-Up Here!

What is the Bella Bellies Teacher Training Workshop?

This 3-day-workshop is a supplementary workshop to the long distance training.m

What is the cost for the Bella Bellies Teacher Training Workshop?

For no additional fee, this workshop is available to previous participants of the teacher training and current participants in the long-distance, teacher training.
The cost for both pre / postpartum long distance teacher training is 437.00. If you prefer to choose either the prenatal / postpartum long distance teacher training the cost is 297.00 for the postpartum 297.00 and 197.00 for the prenatal. Bella Bellies accepts credit cards at our secure scheduling and payment site located by clicking here

Where is the Teacher Training held?

Hoboken, NJ. On-site parking and public metro service from the tri-state area is conveniently located directly near-by. New York City commute is 10-minutes, PA Commute is 45 minutes, CT Commute is 45 minutes. Once participants are registered, they will be provided the specific address.

Do I need to attend both the Prenatal Workshop & Postpartum Workshop?

Participants are strongly encourage to participate in both the prenatal training & the postpartum training. However, participants are welcome to attend either the prenatal or postpartum teacher training (long distance & supplementary workshop).

What days are the Prenatal Workshop?

Friday & Saturday

What days are the Postpartum Workshop held?

Saturday & Sunday

What happens during the Prenatal Component of the Workshop?

Hands-on review of prenatal fitness assessments & prenatal musculoskeletal models
In person review of the following: Prenatal Movement Exercises Mat, Prenatal free-weight exercises & resistance exercises, exercises for Labor & Birth and Apparatus Review. -Pilates Apparatus Review is optional
Health Care Providers Q & A Sessions

What happens during the Postpartum Component Workshop?

Hands-on review of postpartum fitness assessments & postpartum musculo-skeletal models
In person review of Postpartum Movement Exercises Mat, Postpartum Movement modifications for Diastasis Rectus, Postpartum Movement modifications for Cesarean Movement Review, Postpartum Pilates Apparatus Review (Optional), Momilates Mat Exercises Review (Optional) & Stroller Moves Exercises Review (Optional)

If I am a previous attendee / graduate how do I sign up for the January Workshop?

Previous attendees, please email Anne Martens at info@bellabellies.com.

Who can sign-up for teacher training?

January Teacher Training Workshop

Mon, 28 Oct 2013 19:00:37 -0400

What is the Bella Bellies Teacher Training Workshop?

This 3-day-workshop is a supplementary workshop to the long distance training.

What is the cost for the Bella Bellies Teacher Training Workshop?

For no additional fee, this workshop is available to previous participants of the teacher training and current participants in the long-distance, teacher training.
The cost for the prenatal long distance training is 197.00, the postpartum long distance teacher training, 297.00 and both prenatal & postpartum teacher training is 437.00. Bella Bellies accepts credit cards at our secure scheduling and payment site located by clicking here

Where is the Teacher Training held?

Lamaze Child Birth Education Class

Sun, 13 Oct 2013 16:58:14 -0400

Anne Martens, Licensed Lamaze Child Birth Educator & Doula will instruct a Lamaze Child Birth Education Class, October 14 at Cleveland Clinic's Hillcrest Hospital, from 9-4.

Children's Dance Classes Ages 3-10, Lake Erie Ballet

Sun, 13 Oct 2013 16:50:13 -0400

Anne Martens will begin instructing children's dance classes at the Lake Erie Ballet. Mrs. Annie will instruct children ages, 3-10, in the Children's Level I Ballet Training. -October 14, 2013.

Easy, Nutritious, Yummy, 15-Minute Dinner Recipe

Fri, 27 Sep 2013 10:01:47 -0400

Fox News "5 Great Pregnancy Workouts" Features Bella Bellies!

Mon, 23 Sep 2013 12:27:43 -0400

Five Great Pregnancy Workouts!

Five Great Pregnancy Workouts features Bella Bellies! Bella Bellies / myself (Annie), had the opportunity to collaborate with Fox News Reporter, Julie Relevant of Healthy Mama! As the owner of Bella Bellies, I am passionate about promoting health and well-being during every stage of motherhood. Working with Fox New Magazine in video and in print has been an outlet for me to share all this information with. Julie Relevant of Healthy Mama is an amazing writer and offers sound advice for every stage of motherhood. It was great fun to share my background and understanding of prenatal movement and exercise with Julie. Continue following my blog to receive prenatal exercise tips, child birth education tips, tips for motherhood...and Check out the article below:

Bella Bellies

Tue, 17 Sep 2013 06:11:00 -0400

I read this story some time ago and wanted to share it with you. The great Maya Angelo travelled across Africa and documented her findings. To a surprised American audience, she later shared an experience she had during a female, tribal, communal bath. During the bath, the women surrounding her began to cry for her after seeing Maya's belly. Maya Angelo asked why and they expressed sadness for her that she did not have any children. Maya explained to them that she did in fact have children, but did not have any stretch marks or loose skin as a consequence of her pregnancies. The women then expressed their sympathies, because in their culture stretch marks and loose skin are considered an honor of motherhood. In fact, the women of this tribe and the surrounding tribes, proudly display their abdomens after having babies. Something to consider right? Our bellies are beautiful!

New Exercise Routine; Bella Bellies Plyometrics!

Thu, 12 Sep 2013 04:25:04 -0400

I modified the traditional Plyometric Routine so it is low impact (yet still effective), does not require a gym and is a practice you may incorporate your Stroller / Child into. I included video to demonstrate the exercise moves. I filmed the demo. exercises at home so my toddler and cat make a special appearance. I also, included some options for including the stroller.

No More Internet Wandering for Nutritional Information!

Tue, 10 Sep 2013 14:33:02 -0400

Have you tried Google's new, nutritional search tool? After typing a food, such as "yogurt", into the general, search toolbar nutritional information regarding the source of the food, total calories, total fat, cholesterol, protein, sugar, vitamins and minerals will appear. No more wandering around various sites to determine a foods caloric and nutritional content!

Tid Bits of Information I Wish I Would Have Learned Sooner---

Mon, 09 Sep 2013 07:05:53 -0400

1. Take your bananas apart when you get home from the store. If you leave them connected at the stem, they ripen faster. 2. Store your opened chunks of cheese in aluminum foil. It will stay fresh much longer and not mold! 3. Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4 bumps on the bottom are firmer and better for cooking. 4. Add a teaspoon of water when frying ground beef. It will help pull the grease away from the meat while cooking. 5. To really make scrambled eggs or omelets rich add a couple of spoonfuls of sour cream, cream cheese, or heavy cream in and then beat them up. 6. For a cool brownie treat, make brownies as directed. Melt Andes mints in double broiler and pour over warm brownies. Let set for a wonderful minty frosting. 7. Add garlic immediately to a recipe if you want a light taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if your want a stronger taste of garlic. 8. Leftover snickers bars from Halloween make a delicious dessert. Simply chop them up with the food chopper. Peel, core and slice a few apples. Place them in a baking dish and sprinkle the chopped candy bars over the apples. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes!!! Serve alone or with vanilla ice cream. Yummm! 9. Reheat Pizza Heat up leftover pizza in a nonstick skillet on top of the stove, set heat to med-low and heat till warm. This keeps the crust crispy. No soggy micro pizza. I saw this on the cooking channel and it really works. 10. Easy Deviled Eggs Put cooked egg yolks in a zip lock bag. Seal, mash till they are all broken up. Add remainder of ingredients, reseal, keep mashing it up mixing thoroughly, cut the tip of the baggy, squeeze mixture into egg. Just throw bag away when done easy clean up. 11. Expanding Frosting When you buy a container of cake frosting from the store, whip it with your mixer for a few minutes. You can double it in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes with the same amount. You also eat less sugar and calories per serving. 12. Reheating refrigerated bread To warm biscuits, pancakes, or muffins that were refrigerated, place them in a microwave with a cup of water. The increased moisture will keep the food moist and help it reheat faster. 13. Newspaper weeds away Start putting in your plants, work the nutrients in your soil. Wet newspapers, put layers around the plants overlapping as you go. Cover with mulch and forget about weeds. Weeds will get through some gardening plastic they will not get through wet newspapers. 14. Broken Glass Use a wet cotton ball or Q-tip to pick up the small shards of glass you can't see easily. 15. No More Mosquitoes Place a dryer sheet in your pocket. It will keep the mosquitoes away. 16. Squirrel Away! To keep squirrels from eating your plants, sprinkle your plants with cayenne pepper. The cayenne pepper doesn't hurt the plant and the squirrels won't come near it. 17. Flexible vacuum To get something out of a heat register or under the fridge add an empty paper towel roll or empty gift wrap roll to your vacuum. It can be bent or flattened to get in narrow openings. 18. Reducing Static Cling Pin a small safety pin to the seam of your slip and you will not have a clingy skirt or dress. Same thing works with slacks that cling when wearing panty hose. Place pin in seam of slacks and ... guess what! ... static is gone. 19. Measuring Cups Before you pour sticky substances into a measuring cup, fill with hot water. Dump out the hot water, but don't dry cup. Next, add your ingredient, such as peanut butter, and watch how easily it comes right out. (Or spray the measuring cup or spoon with Pam before using) 20. Foggy Windshield? Hate foggy windshields? Buy a chalkboard eraser and keep it in the glove box of your car When the windows fog, rub with the eraser! Works better than a cloth! 21. Re-opening envelopes If you seal an envelope and then realize you forgot to include something inside, just place your sealed envelope in the freezer for an hour or two. Viola! It unseals easily. 22. Conditioner Use your hair conditioner to shave your legs. It's cheaper than shaving cream and leaves your legs really smooth. It's also a great way to use up the conditioner you bought but didn't like when you tried it in your hair. 23. Goodbye Fruit Flies To get rid of pesky fruit flies, take a small glass, fill it 1/2' with Apple Cider Vinegar and 2 drops of dish washing liquid; mix well. You will find those flies drawn to the cup and gone forever! 24. Get Rid of Ants Put small piles of cornmeal where you see ants. They eat it, take it 'home,' can't digest it so it kills them. It may take a week or so, especially if it rains, but it works and you don't have the worry about pets or small children being harmed! 25. Dryer Filter Even if you are very diligent about cleaning the lint filter in your dryer it still may be causing you a problem. If you use dryer sheets a waxy build up could be accumulating on the filter causing your dryer to over heat. The solution to this is to clean your filter with with a toothbrush and hot soapy water every 6 months.

Dodging Competition...

Sat, 07 Sep 2013 18:28:48 -0400

When I consider school stress, I immediately imagine the chaotic rush in the last 10 minutes getting out the door. Shoes, book bags, gloves, coats, sweaters, realization(s) that there is an urgent need to use the bathroom...all of this flying in every direction, coming from both of my children. And then, after seeing my little-one off to school, I stand there in shock, possibly wearing mis-matching shoes and maybe a bra, asking myself "what just happened?" --Every day.

Why Do We Store Fat Over Our Bellies? And How Do We Ensure Our Exercise Routine is Targeting Excess Fat?

Wed, 04 Sep 2013 08:50:11 -0400

Believe it or not...most of my ah-ha moments happened in College Biology and Chemistry! Yet, studying the basic bio-chemistry of the body makes one aware of how complicated the body can be! Especially when discussing a diverse group of hydrophobic molecules called lipids or...Fat! Why are these molecules so darn difficult to get rid of? According to the basic principles of biology: they are insoluble in water and therefore not excreted easily. Why have we evolved to retain them?! I know the negative connotation...what use are they?! Fat molecules are excellent storehouses for energy. It is truly amazing how much energy a tiny gram of fat can store. When metabolized they release 9 cal/g -more than twice the energy from the same mass of carbohydrate or protein. Above and beyond energy storage, we need fats for many reasons...such as insulation and protection of our VITAL ORGANS. Where does our genius body store this energy, insulation and protection? Typically, over our precious organs...hence our sometimes distended bellies. How does one work to metabolize -or get rid of- excessive fat? Good old fashioned basics...balancing a HEALTHY diet (energy in) and exercise/activity/movement (energy out). How to target belly fat during your workout: 1) Ensure you have enough water in your blood to help break-down this excess fat 2) Ensure your heart rate is sufficient to circulate this excessive fat out of your belly and into your excretory area (poop and urine). Determining your target heart rate can help! Below is the "How-To!" Calculating your Target Heart Rate Step-by-Step: 1) Determine your Resting Heart Rate (RHR): After 4 or more consecutive hours of rest, take your pulse for 10 seconds. Multiply your beats-per-10-second by 6. 10 beats per second X 6 = 60 RHR 2) Calculate your Maximum Heart Rate by subtracting your age from 220 (220-29 yrs = 191 MHR ). 3) Determine your Low Heart Rate Range by subtracting your RHR from your MHR, multiplying the result to .50. Then, adding your last result to your RHR. (191-60 = 131 HRR/Heart Rate Reserve; 131 *.50 = 66; 66+60 = 126 Beats Per Minute). 4) Determine your High Heart Rate Range by subtracting your RHR from your MHR, multiplying the result to .85. Then adding your last result to your RHR. (191-60 = 131 Heart Rate Reserve/HRR; 131 * .85 = 111; 111 + 60 = 171 Beats Per Minute). 5) Put it all together! Warm up until your heart rate is the result of your HRR. Next, begin your workout and exercise while your heart beats between the result of step 3 and no higher than the result of step In review: I (Annie) Am 29 years old and have a resting heart rate of 60 beats per minute after take my pulse first "thing" in the morning. 220-29 = 191 Maximum Heart Rate; 191 MHR -60 BPM = 131 HRR; 131 * .50 = 66; 66 + 60 = 126 beats per minute. 131 * .85 = 111; 111 + 60 = 171 beats per minute. Therefore, I should warm-up until my heart rate is 131 beats per minute (by walking and dynamic stretching) and then continue to exercise for 30 minutes (running/biking/elliptical-ing) while my heart rate is between 126-171 beats per minute. Then cool down (walking) until my heart rate is 126 beats per minute. If you are still wondering, bring your resting heart rate number into a Stroller Moves Class (email: info@bellabelleis.com) and we will determine the values together. Or check out these websites: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/target-heart-rate/SM00083 http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/GettingHealthy/PhysicalActivity/Target-Heart-RatesUCM434341_Article.jsp As a personal trainer, I recommend monitoring your heart rate with OMRON or Polar Product (such as the Polar FS1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch) which measures your pulse over your midsection.... Personally, I have had the most positive results using these monitors with clients.

Get Your Belly Back with this Momilates Exercise!

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 06:46:25 -0400

Name of Exercise: Pelvic Tilts with Knee Bends and Heel Taps

Good 10 minute video on conscious parenting

Tue, 27 Aug 2013 12:51:41 -0400

Parental Evolution...a must watch video

Veggie-Fruit-Protein Smoothie the Kids will Love! -It's addicting

Tue, 27 Aug 2013 06:28:25 -0400

Alas, I have found a positive means of including healthy fats, kale, protein and more into a beverage my children (and hubby!) will request 2-3 times a day. Through trial and error I have finalized the concluding recipe below. I also attached some pictures at the bottom of the page. You may purchase the items frozen or canned (ideally glass canned) to help save money.

Hormones During Pregnancy

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 03:00:17 -0400

Here is a great article I came across describing some of the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy.

Does Dieting Alone Slow Down Your Metabolism? How to Prevent a Metabolic Slow Down!

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 03:00:28 -0400

First, the answer to the question is...YES!

Cilantro

Sat, 24 Aug 2013 02:55:30 -0400

Love it or hate it Cilantro is healthy for you! Today, my daughter and I planted cilantro seeds. After researching this ancient, Greek plant (it dates back to 5,000 BC!) I wanted to share some tips I learned, so, below is the information.

Wii for fitness?

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 12:03:13 -0400

According to Research published in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning, the Wii Aerobic Step & Hula games, at an intermediate level, effectively burn calories and increase one's vo2 max!

Easy, Healthy Lunch Box Ideas for the Entire Family!

Tue, 20 Aug 2013 13:30:22 -0400

It is school time and I am re-posting some lunch box options that have helped me greatly.

Find A Certified Bella Bellies® Instructor

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:29:54 -0400

To find a Certified Bella Bellies® Instructor in your area, please contact

Testimonials

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:25:33 -0400

Products

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:23:03 -0400

Schedule

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 14:18:19 -0400

11 New School Time Immune Boosting Tips To Guard Your Family

Sat, 17 Aug 2013 17:00:43 -0400

Teacher Training In Hoboken

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 19:31:06 -0400

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Sign Up

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 19:30:35 -0400

Thank You!

Sun, 11 Aug 2013 19:16:32 -0400

Boost your mood with this diet plan!

Sun, 11 Aug 2013 17:13:45 -0400

The alternative diet that lowers depression?

Events

Sun, 11 Aug 2013 10:46:01 -0400

Blog

Sun, 11 Aug 2013 10:22:22 -0400

Doula Care Services

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 18:54:56 -0400

In the Press

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 18:52:10 -0400

In the Press

Below are a few selected broadcast and print media stories that have featured Bella Bellies® and owner, Anne Martens:

Web MD, "Pregnancy Fitness Myths" Q & A with Anne Martens, Fall 2013
Presenter at 13th Annual Meeting of the Pilates Method Alliance, Anne Martens Presented 2-Hour Lecture Titled: "Understanding Adhesive Tissue Post Cesarean Section", October 2013
Top 25 Women's Trainers, September 2013 Huffington Post & Oprah
Fox News Segment, "5 Great Pregnancy Workouts", September 22, 2013
Belly Itch Blog, "How to Get Rid of the Postpartum Belly Bulge; Fitness Expert Anne Martens Explains", August 2013
Ask Miss A, Bella Bellies; Pregnancy, Motherhood & Beyond, July 12th 2013
National Public Radio Show "It's Your Health," Anne Martens' 15-minute interview explaining Bella Bellies, June 2013
Fox News Online, "Bella Bellies Top Prenatal Pilates Exercises", May 2013
Telemundo NBC Segment "Prenatal Pilates", May 2013
Presenter at 12th Annual Meeting of the Pilates Method Alliance, November 2012
Kiwi Magazine, "Exercises with Baby; Anne Martens Explains", Fall 2010
Baby Zone Magazine, Interview "Advice for New Moms", Fall 2010
Max & Fitness Magazine, "Diastasis Rectus" written by Anne Martens, May 2010
LX NBC Television, "Prenatal Pilates", April 2010
Featured Pilates Instructor in DVD, "Prenatal Pilates with the Tupler Technique", by Maternal Fitness, May 2009
Expectant Mothers Magazine, "Understanding Diastasis Rectus Abdominus" written by Anne Martens, June 2008
Waterfront Journal, "Bella Bellies", April 2007
Jersey Journal, "What is Bella Bellies with Business Owner Anne Martens", April 2007

Bella Bellies (R) has also been featured on other countless media outlets, Anne Martens would like to thank each and every media presenter for the opportunity to collaborate. If you would like to contact Anne Martens, owner of Bella Bellies, please email: info@bellabellies.com

Professional Reviews

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 18:48:30 -0400

How much is that cookie in the window—in exercise hours?

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 17:55:26 -0400

So how much is that cookie going to cost you in terms of exercise? There is technology available at your finger tips to answer this question. I love this! I am constantly counseling clients on how much exercise is required to “burn” or consume the calories acquired from food. For instance, a small bag of chips requires 2 hours of pilates to burn.

Apparatus Training

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 16:44:23 -0400

Stroller Moves®

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 16:40:35 -0400

Shop

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 16:07:06 -0400

Childbirth Education

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 16:05:22 -0400

Momilates® Mommy & Me

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:52:42 -0400

Prenatal Pilates & Stretch

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:42:28 -0400

Classes

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:38:22 -0400

Teacher Training

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:11:38 -0400

Online Training Available Now

About

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 14:52:14 -0400

Welcome to Bella Bellies!

Fri, 09 Aug 2013 14:33:11 -0400

Try this easy & quick exercise routine to improve your thinking!

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 21:12:57 -0400

More Exercise -> More Smarts?

Inspiration for Bella Bellies

Thu, 09 May 2013 14:35:15 -0400

It was a sunny May day and gathering around my Mother’s family table sat myself, my Mom, Nana / Grandmother, Great Aunts, Aunts, Cousins & Siblings, all of them lovingly taking a turn holding my newborn baby. All of the adults at the table were mothers and this was the first time I sat in their presence as a “Mother.” I was humbled and stunned. I had always loved, revered and respected my family but that day I looked at all of them with a new found respect. They were mothers who had sacrificed their bodies, time and mental energies…AND they had survived. But how? How the heck did they do it? Sleep deprived, hormonally questionable and constantly reminded by my engorged breasts that I was exclusively nursing a 12 pound baby, I could not find the words to ask these questions out loud, so I simply listened and watched as my family laughed and reminisced about motherhood. Alas, it was night-time and time to leave. As everyone stood up to go and helped me swaddle the baby, they joked about how sore their arms would be the next day. On that note, my Grandmother and Great Aunt joked about how they used to lift soup cans to strengthen their arms in preparation for motherhood, my Mom and Aunt joked about Jane Fonda Videos…and I realized, exercising and moving was inherently instilled in me as a small child. Of course I exercised and of course I exercised during my pregnancy, so much so I took it for granted. And there it was, that a-ha moment. During my pregnancy, I had been so focused on the birth and exercise for birth, that I overlooked the physicality of motherhood. Unbeknownst to me, I was ready. The exercises I had practiced during pregnancy strengthened my arms, back and tummy for motherhood. This memory is profoundly moving to me, and help motivate me to devote my career to maternal fitness.