I'm supposed to be blogging about American Idol on my other blog (yeah I have another blog but that's a discussion for another post) BUT I just had to write this post about my Pilates experience tonight.
A few days ago I was having a conversation with Amy R. and she tells me that there is this really great pilates class at the gym we attend. She tells me that we should go to the class on Wednesday (today). I'm thinking, of course! I really enjoy hanging out with Amy and I have wanted to start incorporating some flexibility training into my training plan.
When Amy said pilates the following thought came to mind: pilate mats, some streching, a few poses but nothing too strenuous. I've never taking an OFFICIAL pilates class but I've taken lots of yoga classes and I've done numerous pilates videos. In my mind...I'm good!
The first hint was when the woman at the front desk asked me had I done pilates before while I was picking up my pass. I say...."yes, I've taken lots of pilates classes (LIE) just not here". The second hint was when I looked in the pilates room and saw some sort of contraption on the floor. The THIRD hint was when the instructor asked me had I used a reformer before. My response..."yes, I wouldn't say I'm an expert but I've used one before (LIE)." Shoot...I had waited all this time so I wasn't about to get put out of the class before it even started. I'm freaking out inside, wondering what I've gotten myself in to and hoping that I don't make a fool of myself and get embarrassed.
We start out on the mat...cool...I know how to do this mat stuff! INTENSE! She worked our abs OUT but I held my own. It was pure torture but I made it through...whew. Now comes the part where we have to use the reformer. I see people making adjustments to their machine..so I start messing around with mine to make it seem like I know what I'm doing (I DON'T). I clearly lucked up and had it spaced out right. The instructor did have to come help me adjust the straps but she didn't seem like that was odd so I didn't feel too bad. Once we got on the machine I'm trying to peep over and look at the person beside me so that I can mimic her movements. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately because it made me not feel as bad) she didn't know what she was doing so the instructor had to correct her...I quickly switched to the correct position before she could see that I had been doing it wrong.
The rest of the class went pretty well....very difficult...really deep, intense stretching and ab workout. I joked with Amy that I was going to get her but I really appreciate her telling me about this class. It was an intimidating class but once I got past the nervousness of messing up I really enjoyed myself. I got an amazing workout and I will definitely feel this tomorrow. I might not be able to breath and I'd appreciate if no one makes me laugh because it is definitely going to hurt to do so. I plan on making this a regular part of my routine! If I keep this up I'll have Abs of Steel in no time...
3 comments:
LMAO! Your experience tonight is a great lesson that can transcend life's challenges. Sometimes it's better to forge into something full speed ahead without fully knowing what lies ahead. Glad you pushed through the workout!
Amy: That is so true, thanks for helping me out with that lesson!
Alisha: I mainly learned to swim from my parents when I was much younger. I also took swimming lessons at the local pool when I was in grade school. I haven't taken formal lessons as an adult although I do plan on looking into getting some coaching just to make sure my form is correct.
Pilates Reformer is a great workout! If you ever have the chance you should also try the Pilates Chair, Tower or Cadillac, and barrels. There is much to explore and all of it will give you "abs of steel".
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