Forgive me readers, for I have sinned. It’s been three weeks since my last blog post.
Isn’t it sad? Only a few weeks into this blog post and I’m already neglecting it. Sorry readers. I’ll just get my confession off my chest and then, since I’m imagining you as imperfect and at times prone to backsliding in your goals as I am, you’ll forgive me and we can talk about Pilates.
If you look back at my original schedule, I should have written about Pilates, PiYo and TRX already and be gearing up for Strength Training. But…clearly that isn’t the case. So, I had a long chat with myself to figure out some sort of penance (Sorry for all the Catholic vocabulary. Last week was Canterbury Tales in Capstone and it’s stuck in my head). My way of making up for slacking is to take all three classes, PiYo, TRX, and Strength Training this week and then put them all in a blog post at the end of this week that will be simply swelling with information.
How’s that?
Since I figured out that a reward system will also help me actually stick to my goals I’ve come up with a few incentives as well.
- Classing it up at the Huff and writing this blog post on time will get me (aside from good health, confidence, better body blah blah blah) the reward of drinks on Saturday.
And since this is college-hosted blog I’m extending my no-skip policy into academia as well…
- Going two full weeks without missing even one of my seven classes will get me a ticket to see "The Grand Budapest Hotel" on March 7.
I’ll let you know how my new system goes. But now, let’s talk Pilates.
The session I went to apparently had to be slotted into another room at the Huff from usual, giving the class access to new and exciting equipment, so I was lucky enough to have giant medicine balls be a part of my workout. And all dirty jokes about them aside, I got a killer workout on that ball.
Quit laughing.
Anyway, on to why you should take Pilates. The instructor is energetic and fun, and she also has great taste in music. We went through a variety of core exercises, with the more intense moves followed by stretching and yoga’s child pose. As with yoga, having your own mat is a definite plus for this class. It’s much quicker-paced than yoga, however, so be ready for that. Using the medicine ball was definitely a challenge for me. There’s a particular move where you lie on your back with your legs extended up like you’re the “L” in Sesame Street or something, and you throw the ball up in the air and catch it with your ankles. I’m ashamed to say that I was the “L is for Loser” in the class who couldn’t quite manage to catch her ball a few times and had to chase it around the room. But I’ll just blame it on my habit of staying inside to read while the other kids played sports and feel superior. Sort of.
Coming from my credit hour Pilates class of last semester which was filled with male football, basketball and even golf players, I was surprised at the lack of men in the class. Maybe it was an off day, but if there are any male readers out there, I encourage you to try one of the Pilates classes at the Huff. Stretch out those muscles you’re so busy putting through the wringer with weights and get ready to feel some that you might not be reaching.
But really, everyone should try it. It is pretty beginner-friendly, I was the only one dropping the ball, so there’s nothing to be nervous about if you’re new to classes. And I felt my abs every time that I laughed for the rest of the week so you will get your money’s worth for sure.
Well, time to get ready for my delightful week of character building.
Until next time,
Shaida
