Since I was little I wanted the grace and beauty of a ballerina and the flexibility and rhythm of a jazz dancer. Unfortunately, while I have some of the rhythm everything else just seems to be slightly out of reach. I focused my attention on workouts that we less dainty and more grunty. I've woven in yoga, and enjoyed the graceful flow that comes along with it. And then there was Pilates. I'd once done a Pilates DVD without ever attending a class and hated it. My mistake. I viewed Pilates with the same hesitancy one views pulling into oncoming highway traffic for the first time. But I continued to hear good things.
So when I found out one of my trainers at OTF also taught Pilates I decided to take the plunge. The real kicker I decided this might be the right time, was mostly because you could do one-on-one sessions and having that meant I would actually learn how to zip up my belly.
Despite my active workout schedule, I tend to work the same muscles and have weaker hips and lower back --- leaving me tight and in pain. MaryBeth, of Beyond Fitness, has designed workouts that condition my entire body from ankles to the tiny itty bitty muscle in my rotator cuff. We use a combination of the reformer, weights, body weight, bands and bosu balls.
Our workouts are gentle, but challenging. I am sore the next day but not overly sore that I can't do that day's workout. I feel like I am standing and sitting straighter. I am feeling stronger
I am fully hooked on Pilates.
