We are now well into January and like most people, New Year resolutions have been set (hopefully still kept)... eat better, sleep longer, exercise more, etc. Interestingly, I find with my clients and probably Pilates devotees they never stopped exercising and eating well. Of course over the Christmas break that might be another story but for the most part good habits have already been established which made me think why are we a different breed than the gym rat that starts up again come January?
Well, I think I know the answer. First I believe strongly Pilates is an amazing and challenging work-out that hits pretty much every muscle of the body. But also and maybe the key is the programing, (using the Pilates equipment) which is designed to be kind to your body and to put your body in it's proper place to work effectively. So in a class there are moments of deep breathing, lengthening and stretching mixed in with the "work". This makes for an hour of feel good mind and body connection.
I'm a runner and also spent years dancing so I do understand how to work my body hard. Pushing the body isn't a bad thing if done properly. So I'm not putting down other exercise regimes, I think people who exercise in general are all-around happier, healthier and better off for doing it. I will say though, why not spend your precious time doing something that not only gives you great abs and a rounded behind and you enjoy doing, yes Pilates.
Whatever you decide to do this year, find what you like, get out there and yes... just do it. You only have one body, make it count all year long.
Let's toast to that...