Pilates Tease

I wander into my friends pilates class and roll out my purple mat.  I have tried pilates twice before.  Well, wait…does the “Buns of Steel” video in my freshman dorm room count as pilates?  OK, I have attend one official pilates class.  The following week, I could not sneeze or laugh without pain.  However, I now hear all these wonderful things about pilates and everyone seems to be doing it and I think sneezing still exists so I figured I would try it again.  After all, my friend is the teacher.  How hard can it be?

I am strong, I say, I am strong.  I can run to the top of the mountain, compete in triathlons, teach back to back spin classes, carry a small child in each arm, perform 100 sit ups with a medicine ball, swim, do chin ups, push ups, and maybe one pull up, but apparently I cannot make little circles with my leg while I lie on my purple mat.  My friend gracefully talks her class through each move.  My leg shakes and quivers while my lungs beat out Lamaze breathing.  “Now let us reverse our circles and remember to keep your foot flexed,” my friend smiles at us.  My foot protests and my leg dips to the floor.  Dang it.  I try again.  And again.  One more time.

After class, I feel like Jello.  The red kind, which clearly feels more relaxed than green.  I did not run or ride a bike, but I feel joyfully worked.  Relaxed, yet energized.  Nothing hurts and my joints feel happy.  Hmmmm pilates!  I think I like it.

Apparently, pilates is of great benefit to runners. 

Increases core strength and correcting postural imbalances

Increases balance in the muscles of the back and hips

Reduces the risk of injury

Assists with breath control

~ by drea on November 20, 2008.