I have always loved Pilates, I remember working out to my Winsor Pilates DVD’s in the early 2000’s and loving the way I felt after! I hate to admit it, but once I became a mom, I stopped working out. I don’t know why… maybe it was the exhaustion from lack of sleep, lack of time, or my priorities had just changed.
My kids are older now, and I am running out of excuses. I have joined the gym at work, my boss keeps me accountable, we go to classes together which is great! That was my first step in the right direction of becoming more healthy this year.
Then my good friend Annette, opened her new studio, SAW Pilates, in my hometown, Loveland, minutes from my house. All my girlfriends were raving about the the mat classes there, they began looking stronger and more fit, so I was seeing first hand, the classes really do work! I really wanted to try it, but I was scared, I was worried I was too out of shape. That’s when Annette reached out to me to try the reformer classes and to help her promote the new studio location.
I have been following Annette on social media, seeing her use the reformer machines in her posts, with her extremely strong and fit body. I am not going to lie… I was terrified. But, I couldn’t let my friend down, so I went to the introductory class on how to use the machines. This was going to be the real deal… on reformer the machines.
In the hour intro session, Annette coached us through the basic sequences on the reformer. We did each move only a few times with the emphasis on quality, not quantity, with attention to your form. I was told to scoop my abdominals, tuck my tailbone, schooled on my posture, and in the end I was introduced to the “dessert” of Pilates… the leg straps… we did a few simple leg swirls that immediately helped open up my very, very tight hips. It felt like HEAVEN.
It was challenging, both in terms of working my muscles and also forcing myself to pay particular attention to how every inch of my body was aligned, but I also felt extremely safe. The machines kind of nudge and keep you into certain positions, and help you along or create resistance. Having an instructor there to watch my every, single move no doubt helped, too.
Annette has a funny, captivating, quirky personality. In no way did I ever feel judged by her. If there was something I couldn’t do she would help me modify and coach me through.
When I left, I felt taller, stronger, I was even walking differently — head higher, shoulders back, and much more aware of how engaged and strong I could be in my core. In the days following, I’ve was catching myself slumping over at my desk and forcing myself to contract my abdominals and straighten my spine.
This type of low impact exercise really speaks to me — it’s challenging, while also encouraging gracefulness and helps me be more aware of my body. After 5 classes I feel so much stronger. I started out planking using the box and now I don’t need to use it! I am getting stronger with each class. More importantly, the classes help me breath and relax, they calm my mind helping relieve stress and my never ending anxiety.
I plan on taking classes from each instructor. I have heard they are all amazing. I have taken a few classes from Charlotte, I love her just as much as I love Annette. I can’t wait to try Tia, Tammy, and the other ladies as well.
Right now there is a SAW Pilates 30 class challenge going on that you don’t want to miss!
What is it? When is it?
- Unlimited Pilates Mat & Reformer classes from Feb. 12- April 23
The goal is to take at least 30 classes over this 10 week period. (2 1/2 months)
* That equals 3 classes per week.
You can do more! We are talking UNLIMITED PILATES people!
Tell Me More? Why 10 weeks? Why 30 classes?
Joseph Pilates said, “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body”.
What does this mean though?
It doesn’t mean 30 sessions over 4 months, it means being consistent.
So let’s break down this 10/20/30 session quote.
- With 10 sessions with 3 per week, means that in just over 3 weeks you will feel better & feeling is where it all begins. We feel results before we see them.
- Then 20 sessions with 3 per week, means that in just over 6 weeks you will likely see a difference and look better. That’s a month and a half of sincere commitment.
- Then we’ve got 30 sessions with 3 per week. That’s 10 weeks. 10 weeks is 2 & a half months. This is a serious commitment- mental, physical and financial.
Disclaimer: I was given my first 5 classes to try Pilates free. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for reading.
