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Before I get on my soapbox and start preaching about how amazing my life is now that I’ve started Pilates, three things:
1) This is of course not me. This is ballerina Misty Copeland, who I will never look like in a gazillion years
2) Pilates is great but I still like (and drink) wine, like (and eat) fish and chips, chocolate, cakes and all the millions of things I should eat less of. See point 1.
3) I was tossing up whether to write about Pilates or blog my caramel ripple brownies that I made last week. See points 1 and 2.
So, Pilates. I started going on Monday nights after work to my favourite cafe just up the road in Sundridge Park after I found out they were going to use the space after hours for very small classes. It is absolutely perfect enough for our instructor and 3-4 students.
I can’t quite remember when I started but I think it’s been around 10 sessions now and it really is starting to change my life. The most key thing for me is that it’s a small class which works well on two levels: there’s nowhere to hide so you cannot skimp on the movements, and there is someone closely watching to make sure the technique is exactly correct. Sit ups are easy peasy if you’re not making slow, controlled movements, really focusing on your core.
The first few sessions it took me a while to really understand what makes Pilates different – that it is very much focused on keeping that control, breathing at the right times and often making almost imperceptible movements. Co-ordination is not my strong point by any means and I really had to think hard about breathing in the right places.
Then, suddenly, after maybe 6 sessions it just started clicking. I stopped struggling so much, started breathing where I was meant to and now it really is the best way for me to kick off the week. I really look forward to the classes and because we’re all progressing at the same time, our instructor is able to mix things up and introduce new more challenging moves as we get stronger. She also adds a few extra bits and bobs that are not strictly Pilates to make sure we get a full body conditioning which I love even more.
I’ve also noticed a difference it’s made to my running, my strides are longer and stronger and I don’t need to run a mile just to start feeling like I’m getting going. Whenever I read articles in the past about women really figuring everything out in their 30s and 40s I used to think it was utter poppycock because surely life was over by then. Now I’m there, certainly from a fitness point of view life is just wonderfully clicking right into gear.
If only I could swap those caramel ripple brownies for an apple or two… #nevergonnahappen
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Wow I thought that was you for a second, those muscles – insane! I’ve always wanted to try Pilate’s, think I will now especially now I’ve lost a bit of weight and won’t feel as silly. I forget to breathe though so will need practise! I wish I could feel like I do now about my health and fitness ten years ago! So true about the thirties thing x
Thanks Laura for stopping by, yes I think to be honest it was the breathing thing that got me in the beginning I just couldn’t understand the importance. Thankefully persistence paid off in the end X
Fabulous to see you have started pilates, another thing on my “to go back to” list. I think being in a smaller class is great for all you have mentioned above. I have tried a lesson years back, overcrowded and often was not able to book as too many people interested. Keep it going! #FitnessTuesday
Yes it definitely makes such a difference for me anyway to be in a smaller more focused class 🙂 Thanks so much for being an inspiration X
I did Pilates after my second baby as my alinement was terribly out. I can’t now think why I stopped but five children on and a bit of a dodgy lower back I think it would do me the world of good to get back into #fitnesstuesday
I’ve heard from people that it does wonderful things for posture and so on so would definitely recommend to go back to it if you have time, you must be so busy! Thank you for stopping by X
I want to hear the brownies recipe! But the Pilates sounds great, I’m glad it’s clicking for you. I’m trying to get back into yoga at the moment – it feels good!
You know now that I’ve tried and enjoy Pilates I really would love to give beginners Yoga a go. I’ve always feared it a bit because I’m not very good and letting my mind relax and pushing myself but I’m definitely enjoying challenges the older I get. Thank you for stopping by X
loved this post. You really made me laugh with your little list… I have done a bit of Pilates and I always really enjoyed! I think a small group is really important as these are so small and focused movements that you really need the teacher to pay close attention to the students all the time.
I’d really like to hear about those brownies by the way!
#FitnessTuesday
Aw thanks Christine, if I can make anyone giggle that’s always a bonus. I totally agree that a small class is best, it may not be for everyone but for me it’s very encouraging. I’ll let you know when the brownie recipe goes up 🙂 X
I’m totally with you on Pilates! I’ve been going for almost 6 months and once it had ‘clicked’ I could really start to feel a difference. Besides going to the actual classes I really like how my awareness of my alignment and core has improved when I’m at my desk/driving/brushing my teeth and other every day things.
Your brownie recipe looks scrummy btw, definitely don’t think you need to swapt them for apples!
Mmmm caramel ripple brownies…. *drools*
Anyway…
I would love to try and make more time for something like pilates. I’ve tried a DVD once before but found it far too difficult, I think I’d be better off finding a beginners class.
I’m glad you’re ‘getting it’ though and enjoying the sessions. 🙂
Jenna I think you’ve absolutely got it right – it’s so important to find a good class and instructor in the beginning especially, I too tried a DVD and just didn’t understand really what I was meant to be doing. I wholeheartedly recommend it if you can find somewhere x
Ha ha this made me laugh – I think the restrain to look like that all the time would make me too miserable!
I have been thinking about trying Pilates as my core needs improving and as a singer my singing teacher said it helps too. Would to look into I think.
Thanks for linking up #weighloseorstay
Haha remember Laura, in the words of Kate Moss “nothing tastes as good as being skinny feels”. In the words of me “bullsh*t” X