your first pilates class

I think part of the reason it’s taken me so long to start exercising is that I didn’t know what to expect. It’s always difficult to walk into new situations, and especially when you’re essentially starting from scratch. So if you’re thinking about trying pilates for the first time, there are couple of things you’ll probably want to know first.

Your First Pilates Class

1. Choose a spot near the front of the room. I was nervous about being in the front and center because everyone else could see me attempting these things for the first time. But here’s the thing about pilates – everyone there is focusing on their own movements. Being in the front makes it much easier to watch the instructor and mirror what she’s doing. And by the time the class gets started, everyone else will be concentrating enough on the poses and stretches they’re doing that they’ve probably forgotten there’s anyone else in the room at all.

2. You’re probably going to be shaky. And you might forget to breathe. We did several versions of the plank pose (the basic plank is pictured above) and it was literally one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I have little to no upper body strength, so my arms shook the whole time. At times, I would realize that I had been focusing so much on maintaining the pose that I had forgotten to breathe, but breathing makes every pose so much easier. If you want to give the basic plank pose a try before your class (which I would highly suggest; I’m going to be practicing this weekend), click here for step-by-step instructions.

3. Give yourself a break. Not to freak you out or anything, but there will probably be people in your class who have been doing pilates for a long time. So of course they are going to be a little bit stronger than you. Of course they can hold those poses longer. Of course they aren’t so shaky they look like they’re having a seizure on their purple mat. Be kind to yourself and don’t lose your confidence. A good pilates instructor will give suggestions for people at varying levels of experience, so don’t be scared to take the “easier” alternative at first (for example, rest your knees on the floor during the plank pose). You’ll still feel the stretch.

Have any of you tried pilates? What was the most difficult part for you?

[Photo courtesy of yogajournal.com]

Tags: beginner, beginner pilates classes, breathing, exercise, first pilates class, fitness, modified plank pose, pilates, pilates class, pilates for beginners, pilates instructor, pilates mat, pilates pose, plank pose, strength, yoga pose

norah does pilates

I just got back from pilates, and I didn’t hate it. I actually kind of loved it. (GASP!)

Now, I’ve gone to two pilates classes before (years ago), so I knew what to expect, but I’m kind of overwhelmed by how good I feel right now. I feel like such a cliché (to quote Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.”). I mean, of course I feel good after exercising. Everybody told me I would. And the stubborn part of me wants to have hated pilates, just to prove them wrong. Except I don’t…and I wish I had a chance to go back before next Thursday. (A whole week without pilates? What will I do?)

I am so ridiculous.

So here are the basics, in case you’ve never tried pilates (from pilates.com):

Developed from the rehabilitation techniques of Joseph Pilates, Pilates is a safe, sensible exercise system using a floor mat or equipment, that will help you look and feel your very best. No matter what your age or condition, it will work for you. Pilates improves core strength, flexibility, agility and economy of motion. It can even help alleviate back pain and other chronic ailments.

In short, it’s like yoga on steroids (except not on steroids, because steroids are bad) – you do many of the same poses (Downward Facing Dog, Child’s Pose, Cat Pose, Cobra Pose) and focus just as much on breathing, but pilates also incorporates strength-building in addition to the relaxation and flexibility aspects of yoga.

Thinking of trying pilates? Stay tuned for a few beginners’ tips.

[Photo courtesy of yogajournal.com]

Tags: breathing, cat pose, child pose, cobra pose, core strength, downward facing dog, endorphins, exercise, first pilates class, Joseph Pilates, pilates, pilates breathing, pilates class, pilates mat

finding the motivation to exercise

You would think that after my last post, I would have kicked my butt into gear and started doing something, so I’m embarrassed to say that I still haven’t started exercising.

I went to a pilates class two years ago (ahem…the last time I exercised), so I thought that would be a good place to start. I was going to go tonight, but then a meeting ran late, and I didn’t have time to change my clothes, and…insert a series of excuses here. So, in my current defeated state, here’s a (somewhat hypocritical) guide to self-motivation.

Finding the Motivation to Exercise

1. Write down your goals. It’s easy to forget (or avoid) goals if you have no record of them. And in the grand scheme of things, it’s helpful to have a long-term plan so you can see what you’re working towards. As I found out, just saying, “I’m going to go to a fitness class sometime” isn’t enough. So I’m going to go to a pilates class this Thursday, October 15 from 5-5:45. And once I’ve limped my way back to my computer, I’m going to tell you all how it went. If there isn’t a new post by Friday, I give you all permission to call me out on it. And that leads to step two…

2. Find someone to hold you accountable. If someone’s cheering you on – or better yet, exercising with you – you’ll feel like you’re letting them down if you skip a workout or a class. And I’ve heard that it’s just generally more fun to work out with your friends (some websites even let you search for a workout partner in your area). At some point, I hope I’ll enjoy exercising enough to do it alone, but for now, I’m enlisting my friend Martha (an exercise goddess, essentially) to attend Thursday’s pilates class with me.

3. Put it in ink (or on Google Calendar). I’m a slave to my calendar. If something’s on there, I’m going to do it. And because exercising’s not part of my routine yet, treating it like an appointment just might ensure that I’m there. I can just imagine how great it will feel to cross it off my “to do” list – and to tell you all about it afterward. So until next time…wish me luck.

[Photo courtesy of obit-mag.com]

Tags: accountability, class, excuses, exercise, fitness, goals, Google Calendar, lazy, motivation, pilates, pilates class, schedule, workout, workout partner

progress: none

I haven’t done anything since last week.

Tags: defeated, dejected, disappointment, lazy, no motivation

taking flight

See the photo above? I can’t do that.

I am quite possibly the least athletic person you will ever meet.

When I was 12, my mother asked me not to run in public. “It’s embarrassing,” she said. “There’s something about the way you run that’s just…weird.”

Once I started college, my friends quickly diagnosed my problem: I run like a dinosaur.

Here’s why: When I was 4, I started taking Irish dancing lessons. Yes, like Riverdance. And in Irish dancing, you’re not allowed to move your arms – they have to stay straight at your sides. So when it came time to run, I didn’t know what to do with my arms. With no better ideas, I just pulled them up by my armpits and “took flight.”

Add in some exercise-induced asthma and a fear of flying sports equipment and it’s clear that I was never meant to be an athlete.

But that’s all going to change now. I know I’m not going to become a fitness guru or a triathlete overnight, but I’m on a mission to find fun ways to get fit for those of us who aren’t so athletically inclined. I’m sick of videos like this that were clearly not created with people like me in mind. And while I’m sure I’ll find plenty of awkward, clumsy moments along the way (and share them with you, of course), I’ll keep trying new things until I find something that might help us all.

(If that’s not enough motivation, check out this video. Then imagine a person running like that. Yes, I really do need help.)

[Photo courtesy of linkedbow.com]

Tags: asthma, athletics, awkwardness, fitness, yoga