Pilates: Perseverance Pays Off

For me, exercise has always been about intensity. I’ve thrived on pushing myself beyond what I thought was possible. I love the sweat, the elevated heart rate, and the feeling of accomplishment after a hard workout. So when the editors of Body+Soul suggested starting a “mindful fitness” routine, I was skeptical.

Despite being given several good reasons to try Pilates, my excitement dwindled minutes into my first session. The machines—the Reformer, the Cadillac, the Wunda Chair—looked a little like medieval torture devices. And I could not get the hang of exercises like the Stork, in which you stand on the Reformer, raise one foot off the ground, and bring your knee to your chest. Even with my trainer, Taylor Phillips, guiding me through each of the exercises, I felt uncoordinated.

Given the choice, my first class would have been my last. But I was warned that it would take several sessions before I would feel comfortable doing the exercises. Plus, I promised Howard Sichel, chiropractor and founder of New York City’s Power Pilates, that I would complete at least two months’ worth of classes, and I’m a woman of my word.

The next three or four sessions brought more of the same awkwardness. “This is my grandmother’s workout, not mine,” I thought. I began to dread going.

And then I went to session six. I can’t pinpoint exactly when or why, but something “clicked” in my body, and I started enjoying myself. I also started to use my core rather than the other stronger muscle groups—one of the fundamental principles of Pilates. And I noticed small changes in my body— more flexibility, more definition in my abdominals, better posture.

It wasn’t a fluke. By the seventh session, I felt fully present, and I thoroughly enjoyed the class. I now look forward to going and feel rejuvenated and more centered when I leave. I notice that I sit straighter and stand taller. And I focus more on being present in the moment—something that only Pilates has been able to teach me.

If you want to learn more about Pilates, here are some links:
Pilates with Christina Gallo [marthastewart.com]
The History of Pilates [pilates.com]
Find a Pilates instructor [pilatesmethodalliance.org]

Comments

[ChrisM]

May I suggest another link?
If you think a collection of articles on Pilates might be of interest or use to you, and want to find out more, feel free to visit www.learnaboutpilates.com .

I don't sell anything, the site is just a collection of articles that I've collated, all used with permission. (You can click on the Articles1, 2, 3 & 4 links on the top right for a list of more.)