Shout-out to Pilates

I'm still working on the video...hopefully early next week.

Otherwise, I started my Strength and Core Training classes at the Arlington United Methodist Church. They're Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 PM - 7 PM. Check out my web site for more details.

Most of the participants so far have been girls from my Pilates class at Sun and Moon. I've never seen them outside of Pilates, so in the Strength and Core Class, I'm able to see how their bodies function with a different set of challenges. I have to say that the Pilates has really helped them approach new exercises with much more stability, strength, and body-mind awareness than most of my first-time clients.

In last night's class, we were doing alot of balance, and also barre work (i.e. at a ballet barre). Both are quite challenging to the body's neuromuscular system. I could tell that the girls' bodies were stable and that they were able to maintain good posture throughout even though they were getting tired.

So here's a shout-out to Joseph Pilates! It really does help not only tone, but create a strong, stable structure. The best is when you can see the difference in everyday activities. I also have a client that only did yoga before starting a strength training program with me. She takes the Vinyasa, which is more of a power yoga, and that also helped her develop a good base for additional challenges.

So if you're not doing anything but considering an exercise program, think about starting with Pilates and/or yoga. You can start with a more gentle yoga to learn the basics, but do work your way up to a more vigorous yoga, like the Vinyasa.