Pilates is NOT for Wussies

Joseph Pilates was sickly as a child, but vowed to become healthier. In the 1920s he devised a workout program- both on a machine called the Reformer, and also on a mat. Read more about it here.

I took one Pilates Reformer class years ago. It was fine. Nothing wrong with it, but I didn't feel that it challenged my body in any way. Plus at the $80+ per session price tag, there was no way I was going to do that rather than do some lunges & squats and hit the iron.

So when I had been reading about how all the starlets swear by Pilates (yes, they can afford it) to shape their bodies, I rolled my eyes and thought: WIMPS! Just hit the weight room if you want to see your body change!

To my surprise, there was a Pilates Reformer class (not a mat class) at the Gold's Gym downtown for only $35! They said that there was a 5 person limit, but as it turns out I was the only person. Imagine that... a 1-on-1 Pilates Class with a certified instructor for $35! They practically paid ME to be there!

For those of you who have not seen a reformer, it is a contraption with a cushioned, bed-like platform on rollers that is hooked into the base via springs with varying tension levels. You have to move some body part against this resistance and the possibilities are endless. You can raise your whole body- thus working the legs at EVERY angle. You can move your arms, and because you constantly have to keep good core form, you get a heck of a core workout. The exercises are a bit complicated though, and my chiropractor told me that he loves 1-on-1 Pilates, but gets nervous when people are left unsupervised.

So instructor Lauren had me on the reformer in every position possible, working every body part. There were definitely some exercises that mimicked weight-training moves, but others that could never be replicated in the weight room! My hammies, delts and abs were screaming both during the session and for days afterward. I loved the fact that I was sweating (!) (it takes a lot for me to sweat!) Love it. I am STILL sore from my workout 3 days ago!! Talk about really hitting the muscles deeply! I actually love being sore- it's the way I feel that I accomplished something in the strength training department.

Now, will Pilates be in my future? Definitely, if I can find it at a reasonable price. It's actually worth the trip downtown, especially if I can get such great attention. Bottom line: I have a whole new respect for this workout!