On Friday, Oct. 30 we had the Pilates & Plank for Pink Challenge!  Congratulations to our finalists!

Noelle was the winner with her 8 minute and 25 second plank!  However, she didn't get the grand prize since she is an instructor at ISP!  

Donnie, our star Olympian in training, was the runner-up at 6 minutes and 10 seconds!  He gets a massage since the facial wouldn't be all that good with his facial hair. 

Shandra came in 3rd.  She held her plank for an awesome 5 minutes.  Since she is not a Pilates instructor or a future Olympian, she deserves that prize of a facial.  Great job!!

We had a lot of fun, and raised $740 for Triad Pink Heals. 

Italian Peasant Soup

I was given this recipe from a fellow instructor and it sounded very good and somewhat healthy.  I made it on one of those cold days.  My husband really liked it when he came back from running 3 miles that night.


Italian Peasant Soup


1 lb Italian sausage links with casings removed and cut into 1-inch slices
2 medium onions or 1 large onion chopped
6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 cans (15 oz each) cannellini beans or white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans (14-1/2 oz each) chicken broth
2 cans (14-1/2 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon of dried basil
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
6 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped


- In Dutch oven or soup kettle, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain.
Add onions & garlic; sauté until tender.
- Add chicken; cook until no longer pink.
- Stir in beans, broth, tomatoes, basil, & oregano.
- Cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Add spinach & heat just until wilted.
- Serve with parmesan cheese if desired.


Yield 11 servings.
From Taste of Home


I served the soup with garlic bread.  It was good for dipping and wiping the bottom of the bowl.
Try it and tell us what you thought.

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We are into day 4 of our Pilates and Planks for Pink 30 Day Challenge.  October 1st we kicked it off with a 20 second hold... then 25 seconds on the 2nd... 30 seconds on the 3rd... and now day four takes us to a 35 second hold. Take advantage of the first of our Plank Builder Mat Classes this Tuesday the 6th at 1:00 with Lisa. This class will be FREE to anyone participating in the challenge. Don't miss this great opportunity to get in some great Pilates Mat work and work on your planking skills.
You are growing stronger every day. Focus on a solid abdominal engagement and length and strength from head to heel. Modify to the knees is you need and remember...Everyone Starts Somewhere. We are going to take it slow and steady and strive for that 5 minute hold. Thanks for helping us support Triad Pink Heals and all they do for women of the Triad as they battle cancer.