After my attempt at spinning, I was still on the hunt for an exercise routine that would break up the monotony of the gym. I had heard many good things about Pilates and decided shortly before Christmas that I would ask for Pilates classes from Santa. I found a Pilates studio in Manayunk that offered a combination of private lessons and mat classes as a package called "get to know Pilates". I thought this would be a perfect way see if it was something I would enjoy. I think learning at your own pace and getting personalized attention is the key to enjoying and feeling successful at a new exercise routine. Looking back, I think that is why I did not find spinning enjoyable, I jumped right in and did too much too fast.
The Monday after New Years was my first private lesson. After work, I met the instructor/owner Jen at the studio. Jen practices classical Pilates. For those of you who don't know, Pilates is a body conditioning routine that helps build flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance in the legs, abs arms, hips, and back. It puts emphasis on spinal and pelvic alignment, breathing, and developing a strong core or center, and improving coordination and balance. Classical Pilates focuses on the original teachings of its creator, Joseph Pilates. Joseph Pilates originally developed his method as mat exercises but subsequently added several pieces of apparatus to help people "get the method in their bodies".
This week in my private lesson, we continued to work on the apparatuses in order to get the hang of things. This is my first time working one on one with an instructor and I love the personal attenion. Jen makes sure that I am doing all of the moves correctly and modifys them to my level.
The funny thing is, at the end of the work out you arent sweaty or tired, the way you feel when you leave the gym. However, the next day you are sore even though it seems like you didnt do much. Two lessons down I am loving Pilates and looking forward to the next lesson. I think it definitely going to be something I stick with in the future.I'll keep you posted when I join mat class.
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Happy 2013
Whew.. its been a whirlwind holiday season! The last few weeks in December got so busy I never got a chance to write a Christmas blog. I had a nice Christmas at home in Rochester with my family! Joe and I traveled up the weekend before Christmas for the family Christmas Party that my parents hosted for my extended family. The party rotates to a different house each year, and this year was our turn to host. We had a great time and Santa even stopped by so we could tell him what we really wanted for Christmas! You are never too old to have a little heart to heart with Santa.
The day after the party Joe headed back to NJ to be with his family and I stayed with my family in Rochester. We had a quiet Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with my grandparents. After Christmas I returned to Philadelphia for a wedding. Joe's best friend got married in NJ and Joe was the best man. We had a great time at their wedding. The food and venue were spectacular and the bride looked great!
A couple days later we rang in the new year in Central NJ with a few of Joe's college friends. It was low key and a good end to a long holiday season.
The one thing that bothered me about this holiday season is family members/friends constantly questioning when Joe and I would get engaged/married/have babies. Don't get me wrong, I want all of those things (in that order), but it sort of made me feel like all of my successes are nothing unless I am married and popping out children. If I knew the answers to any of those questions, I would be a mind reader so I am not sure what they are hoping to gain by reminding me that time is passing and I am not getting any younger , if not to make me feel bad? I feel very lucky to be in the place I am in right now.. and I know all of these things will come soon so I am not worried.. but having to continually answer those questions over and over is quite tiring. Did any one else experience this? Ok ending rant..
I am looking forward to all 2013 has in store and I think it is going to be a fantastic year. I have a few New Years resolutions that I am intending on keeping, but we'll see since I am never very good at this:
1. Like everyone says: Go to the gym and hopefully loose the 20+ lbs I've gained since freshman year of college.
2. Pay off credit cards completely each month.
3. Find a suitable hobby.
What are your resolutions?
Happy 2013!
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