Recently, I made the decision that I needed to try a new workout for my body. I love running and spinning, but I needed to find a workout that would make me feel good without being extremely intense. I’ve tried yoga and hot yoga, which are both fabulous exercises but they don’t really “do it for me”.
Between the complicated stomach issues, trying to eat clean/light, sitting all day long and feeling overwhelmed with everything going on in my day-to-day life I knew I needed to find an outlet. Obviously, I still love getting a good run in and participating in cardio activities as well as weight training, but Pilates has allowed me to connect my mind with my body. The concept sounds very cliché for those who have only heard this phrase in articles…I can assure you I rolled my eyes the first time I heard it.
The first few times I did mat Pilates I was trying to focus on my form and the breathing that goes along with certain movements. As I became more familiar with the different movements, I could focus more on my breathing. I recently started practicing Pilates on a reformer, which provides more stabilization with resistance. I’ve learned that the areas of the body that Pilates really helps to strengthen are the deep transverse abdominal muscles, pelvic floor muscles and diaphragm.
So that crazy mind, body connection concept has really helped to make me more aware of my breathing and posture as well as strengthening my obliques and abdominal muscles. I truly have noticed a difference in my body, whether I’m sitting at my desk or out for a run ..
It’s your turn to try something new! Even though many people love the comfort of knowing you can go to the gym and do the same gym routine or maybe change it up and go from the elliptical to the stairmaster or the treadmill, your body needs a break from those machines and change is GOOD – you see results when you step out of your comfort zone!