I started Pilates seven years ago when my youngest was two months old. I started with private appointments with a teacher (which is a prerequisite of the Pilates studio), and my son was in his car carrier cheering me on from the side of the reformer. Now I do group classes and love the comradery. I enjoy the workout and the study of the Joseph Pilates methods and beliefs. The age range of people at my studio runs the gamut (17-69+). They have different levels of flexibility, interest, and passion. A few of the men/women have Rheumatoid Arthritis and the process of Pilates seems to really help them manage their pain.
Pilates is another way to keep my workout exciting, fresh, and keeps me from getting bored. It taught me about lengthening my muscles, and focusing 'on the process' of the exercise, instead of just muscling my way through it. That makes the 'mental aspect' of the workout as important as the energy output, and as challenging. It works for me and is always very humbling for me.*
I've also become very engaged with Pure Barre which is an exercise class that works every muscle group, especially core and gluteus maximus exercises. It is very effective by using very small movements that target the muscles that aren't used in biking, running, yoga or many other exercises. I've been sore in muscles I didn't even know I had! Plus, I'm jazzed about a new type of exercise and challenge.
*If you want to try Pilates, get references from friends about a reputable studio or visit the Joseph Pilates website for some direction. Many huge gyms and home video tapes, advertise having Pilates, but my experiences have been that most did not have teachers that were qualified to make sure that the students were informed, and didn't do anything that would later cause injury or pain
Monday 12/05/11- Workout Diary:
Strength Training -at a gym
I am doing 50 reps, only one set
plyometric jump ( jump up on a stable 12" metal step, with one leg, then jump back down) 2 sets
Lunges (40 steps)
Smith machine- 50 squats- 20lb.
Rear kick machine- 25lb.
Leg press-35 lb.
Lunges (50 steps)
Leg extension- 40 lb.; switch to 36lb half way through. Man that stings!
Leg curl-47lb.
Monday 12/05/11- Food Diary:
Breakfast-
1/2 cup Egg Casserole ( see recipe section for recipe)(120 cal.)
8 oz, 0% Greek yogurt (130)
A.M. Snack-
apple (67)
1 portion whey protein shake (125 cal)
Lunch-
4 3/8 Salmon (360 cal.)
Salad- 2 cups raw spinach, 4 asparagus, 1/4 cup red pepper, 6 cherry tomatoes, 1/16 cup edamame (60cal.)
P.M. Snack-
almonds(12)(110cal.)
Grapefruit, peeled ( 40)
Dinner-restaurant
1/4 mixed berries
6oz. Prime rib- (400cal.)
1/4 Caesar salad - didn't like taste (60cal.)
1 large sweet potato, plain with cinnamon (120 cal.)
1/2 piece cheesecake (110 cal.)
TOTAL CALORIES- 1732
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