Introduction:
Hello and welcome back to: Becoming a Skinny Legend with Claire! Last week, I tried Pilates! Pilates has caused some controversy over the years, with some swearing by it, and some denouncing it as nothing more than a fad. It has increased in popularity, with celebrities such as Miley Cyrus adhering to it. According to the Pilates Foundation, pilates was invented by a German man, Joseph Pilates, who wanted a new way to approach fitness and exercise. Pilates was founded on six core principles: breath, concentration, centering, control, precision, and flow. Pilates is often performed on a machine called a reformer, which can add resistance and allow you to do certain exercises. However, there are many pilates exercises that can be practiced with just the floor as well.
Experience
I did pilates at the gym I’m a member at, Equinox. When I first walked in the room, I’ll admit I was quite intimidated. The machines look like torture devices from medieval times, and the instructors were all limber and beautiful. I should preface that I am perhaps the clumsiest person I know, and can barely walk in a straight line on a good day. Pilates focuses on subtle exercises that stress balance, which I lack. The instructors were very kind and forgiving, correcting the mistakes I made. It is difficult to explain the types of exercises because they aren’t conventional. Every exercise focused on small muscle groups, and required balance and precision. Many exercises were performed using resistance bands attached to the machine with springs on them, which increased difficulty.
Criteria
Calories burned: I burned 150 calories during the workout. This is because Pilates is mostly strength based instead of cardio.
Quality of the workout: each exercise looked deceivingly easy, often only moving one body part, but ended up being extremely taxing and difficult. The next day, I could barely walk. People often discount the quality workout of pilates because you’re laying down on a machine, but I found it to be an excellent workout.
Fun: Some of the exercises involved doing weird body movements such as propelling myself up and down on the machine with my legs, which I found to be fun. Overall however, pilates was a moderate level of fun. I did get to chat a lot with the instructor which I enjoyed.
Would I go again?: I would definitely go again. Pilates targeted muscle groups that I didn’t know existed, and I think it’s important to challenge your bodies in new ways. Over time, it is also said to improve balance, which I could definitely benefit from.
Looking Forward:
I had a blast this week, and am looking forward to the next. Join me as we explore horseback riding!
Becoming a Skinny Legend with Claire 