Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Pilates 101

Let me first admit that I am a humbled person today. Following my 5 mile run last night I planned to do a Pilates class at the Y and was not really looking forward to it. In the past I have not been a big fan because it just seemed… slower paced than the normal exercise that I generally do. After weeks of core work I just felt that this change and addition would help in building a stronger core. Well I am a changed woman. The instructor kicked my butt and really challenged me.

For the most part I consider myself a fairly strong athlete. After this class last night I realized that sometimes we are not as strong as we think. While most of the attendees were balanced and had perfect form I was all over the place like a drunken fool. I did not even mention how cut the instructor was with her perfect form and ease to each movement. Still I am going to go back for more. This totally motivates me to see what results I can pull from this new experience.

So to anyone out there I would highly recommend stepping out of a comfort zone and trying something new. It sure does make life interesting.

10 comments:

Overpronator said...

I'm not so much a fan of Pilates as I am of Yoga, and Hatha / Power Yoga to be more precise. They basically have the same exercises, but Yoga is way older and for some of the poses, the exhalation in Pilates is the inhalation in Yoga. Both can be very intense, and I have noticed a lot of new cuts from Yoga. Even the Marines practice Yoga. So rock on with it!

Overpronator said...

About that Furman website ... I'm ready to sign for that adult training camp thingy. I would LOVE to be have my biomechanics evaluated and tracked periodically.

Do you know what your VO2 max is?

Marcy said...

I should probably look into it. I think I'd probably have a hard time with it (not just on the physical aspect) :-/ Like you, I like to go, go, go and if I find things too slow or boring I just can't get into it. I'll have to see what they offer up around here, thanks for the info though!! It will most definitely benefit you ;D

Mendy said...

I'll join you soon, Robin. I'd like to see what it's all about, even if it's gonna kill me.

Adelyn said...

great job with the Pilates. I did a class once (albeit before I started running and being athletic) but I was probably the most sore I had ever been. Done right, it can be a serious workout!

Hope the subsequent classes are just as great

Nikki said...

Oh I heard that kicks your core into shape! Great job on trying and admitting your weekness :p

I will look into that in the years to come when I get more free time as the kiddos get older :)

Thanks for the kind words of encouragment on my blog :)

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

So AWESOME Robin...way to get fired up to GO BACK for more, luv the attitude!!

I have been "humbled" by the TRACK & CORE Workouts & Tire PULLS over the past 6 months and I love going back for more :-) IF IT WAS EASY everyone would DO IT!! WAY to separate yourself from the average peeps!!

after I get better at the CORE, Yoga then Pilates is on my future agenda.

Phil said...

When your moving fast no one can see your form. When your doing Yoga or Pilates its all about form and hard to hide. Congratulations for stepping out and doing something new.

Scott said...

Hello my love...I didn't realize that you had such a difficult time in the class. You are just using muscles that you never have before...it will get better and before you know it, new people taking the class with notice your great form and strength. Give it time my love...I will help you whenever you need it.
Perhaps I will try one day with you and we can both play "Chris K" on the matt... :)

Gretchen said...

It's kind of good to feel humbled sometimes, isn't it. Good job on not giving up! I still feel humbled every day in yoga, but I feel like running has so much repetative motion that I really need something different to keep my body in balance.