Pilates, Peace, and Me

I went to my Pilates class last night and I have to say I love, love, love it! I started over a year ago but then quit for a while when I decided to go to a bootcamp to jump-start my fitness plan. I just could not afford to pay for the pilates class when bootcamp was costing me an arm and a leg. I did the boot camp for about 8 months. http://www.805bootcamp.com There were parts of the bootcamp I really liked. I enjoyed getting a full workout completed by 6:30 a.m. each morning. I liked being able to work out before my family was even awake to avoid cutting into my time with my family in the evening. I liked how powerful it made me feel. Alas, running outside on concrete and asphault was starting to mess up my knees. And although the staff, especially Randy and Sarita the owners, are the sweetest people ever, I just never did agree with some of their polarized views on diet and exercise. I am not an all-or-nothing person and strive towards flexibility and moderation. And it was hard to get there when my husband was going out of town two weeks out of the month.

Anyway, I began to think about Pilates and realized it was the only exercise I ever did that i truly enjoyed. I have to admit I have never done a formal pilates program with the machines and all, just a group class with our local parks and rec. But the instructor is fabulous, both encouraging and supportive, full of modifications for all medical or physical limitations. It truly is a mind-body experience with lowered lights and soothing music, yet it really makes me work hard. I would do it every day if I could and this is amazing when you consider my exercise track record. Alas, Debbie only teaches the class two evenings a week, but every tuesday and thursday after work you will find me there. Now, i just have to work on re-introducing some other workout on the days pilates is not offered!