Why I Love Pilates
Michelle’s recent post about why she loves to cook got me to thinking about all the things I enjoy doing besides cooking. Hear me out before I write this next sentence. I enjoy working out. There I said it. I used to hate people that said that but I have really started to enjoy the mental benefits along with the physical. I lift weights three times a week and do cardio four times a week. Nothing crazy just walking on the treadmill for 30-45 minutes. I was starting to get bored with my routine and needed something to switch it up.
I noticed a new Pilates studio was opening in my neighborhood and thought I might try it out. I was very intimidated. We live in an area that has a lot of stay-at-home moms that are very fit and very intimidating to me. I mean, I start sweating just walking up and down the stairs and these women have full-on makeup at the gym, looking very put together. So, I procrastinated for a while.
Let me give you some background info. According to About.com, Pilates is a form of exercise, developed by Joseph Pilates, which emphasizes the balanced development of the body through core strength, flexibility, and awareness in order to support efficient, graceful movement. Ha. “Graceful movement”. If you know me, you know there is no part of me that is graceful. I fall down just walking all the time. Knowing this about myself and in spite of that I decided to sign up online for a private session.
I showed up and I was greeted by a very friendly, non-intimidating woman who walked me into the room. She showed me the reformer and explained all the parts of it to me. The reformer is a piece of equipment that uses springs, pulleys, bars and straps to perform over 500 different exercises in different positions. You can lie down on the reformer, sit on it or stand in front, behind and beside of the machine. A majority of the exercises I’ve completed involve lying down on the machine.
Pilates Reformer Machine-Photo Courtesy of About.com
Pilates focuses on core strength. Your core muscles are responsible for a lot of your balance and strength. Many people like Pilates because it helps them to overcome constant back pain. In fact, I have benefitted from this added bonus of Pilates. During the exercises you focus on breath, control and form. You complete a small amount of reps for each exercise. There is less strain on your joints vs. other methods of training such as weight lifting. It’s a great workout and you burn anywhere for 400-500 calories in a one hour session.
I’m the type of person that is never able to turn off my mind. I have to be constantly engaged. If I’m watching television, I’m also on Pinterest on my phone. For me, Pilates helps me to turn off my thoughts. When you’re focusing on your breath, all the moves you’re completing, and controlling those movements you’re not focusing on all the other areas of your life. That is the best bonus for me.
The studio where I attend classes, Reforming Indy, is all about empowering women. It’s a place where women can feel comfortable and come together to discuss life’s stresses and successes. You don’t feel intimidated about other people’s abilities being better than yours. In fact, you really have a hard time telling what the other people are doing because you’re lying down, staring up at the ceiling.
Empowering Women-Photo Courtesy of acelebrationofwomen.org
If you’re looking to change up your workout routine I highly suggest checking out a Pilates class in your neighborhood. Your mind, body and psyche will thank you. Don’t be scared or intimated. Life is too short to not try new things. Happy hump day, friends!
Judy Larr
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