A few times a week, I go to the Pilates studio. I started this habit earlier this year as part of my grief and break-up recovery program. I had been putting off dealing with my health for a couple years. It didn't help that I had spent much of the previous year eating amazing European food, wine and jet-setting.
I was looking for a new exercise experience. As much as I loved my time doing (and teaching) yoga, I wanted something new. My motivation was low, so I knew a regular gym membership would not work for me (despite my love of weight training and the row machine). I also knew there was no way I would swim on a daily basis with my lovely purple hair. And since I'm a fairly buxom lady, high impact aerobics are out until someone invents an anti-gravity sports-bra. I refuse to do burpees or jumping jacks. I generally love high intensity, heavy weight, low impact activities. I considered briefly returning to rock climbing. I had great ability and results when I climbed in San Francisco - but that requires a partner, and to dig out my gear. I also jumped back on the Aikido mat a couple times. As much as I loved this return to martial arts, I was so out of shape and my skill was so poor, it was very disheartening.
Somehow, I got the idea that I wanted to try out machine based Pilates. So I did. And OMG - I fell in LOVE!
With each session, I felt my body getting stronger - from the inside. I loved the heavy spring footwork - without gravity. I LOVED the footwork with my feet in the straps. With each leg circle, I could feel my core, abs, thighs getting stronger. I had amazing teachers. They'd switch things up so I was always doing something new. And because the focus is on good form, I strengthened previously susceptible areas.
It was great. I continued my practice. Earlier this week, working on the reformer, my teacher complimented me on my form. I reflected that it has been almost a year of doing Pilates. I've lost well over 25 pounds, I feel stronger, leaner, more relaxed. I have more control over my core muscles.
Mornings I head into Pilates, I jump out of bed, put on my exercise pants and knee high socks, and head off to the studio. I jump on my favorite reformer and get to the footwork, switch the springs and put my legs in the straps. Do my favorite short spine stretch. Arm works. Core. I might jump up on the Cadillac later to do leg work or Monkey stretch. Always at the end I do the leg/splits stretch. (I really want to do the splits.)
I'm not always able to do Pilates because of travel, but when I make the time on a regular basis, I am so happy. I love you Pilates. You are the perfect exercise for me and have helped me reclaim my hot bod!
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