I’ve been searching for the right fitness routine that I could do now in my current state but would continue to challenge me as I got stronger. After three tries, I might have found the one.
Searching for The Right Exercise
The first studio I tried offers hour long classes that are a combination of yoga, pilates and ballet. I knew it was not the one for me when I could barely stand after one class. I also didn’t like the actual studio; it seemed like a plain box and had carpet on the floor we worked (and sweated) on a lot. Yuck!
Next, I decided to break out the exercise DVDs. The 30 Day Shred
I’ve always liked walking but doing that without other exercise led to physical therapy last year and I definitely don’t want to go through that cycle again.
Since my doctor specifically recommended pilates or yoga, I decided to take another look at these. There are gyms that offer these as group fitness classes but the quality would not be the same as a studio specializing in either discipline. There are three of each type of studio within a few miles of my home so I didn’t have to look too hard.
Trying Pilates
Late last year I bought a Groupon for Club Pilates so I could try out a few sessions without too much of a financial investment. $35 bought me five sessions at a studio two miles from my home.
I finally got up the courage to trade in the Groupon voucher for classes and start scheduling them. My first class was mid-day on a Sunday and although it was nearly full with 11 students, I still had enough individual instruction to get through it and actually enjoy the experience. I decided to sign up for classes at 6 am this week to see if it was the one.
The early class was even a better experience with only three students and the most wonderful instructor. She was so encouraging and supportive!
It’s not surprising that I’m sore a day or two after each class, but it’s not overly so. I can still do daily movements without screams of pain.
Bring on the Reformer
I thought I would like the mat portion of the class best, but I really like the reformer machine which is shown above in the picture. It lets me do exercises that wouldn’t be possible without the help of the pulleys.
In my limited experience, every class has been different even though they’re all at the Reformer I level. For now, I’m going to take two Pilates classes a week and walk four days a week and re-evaluate in a couple of months.
Have you ever tried pilates?
I hope it works out and you can stick with it long term. Getting past that initial rush and burst of motivation is the key to long term success.
You are so right. I’ve already scheduled classes through the end of April so having it on my calendar is half the battle. Showing up and doing the work is the other!