Pilates

Tonight was a Pilates night. Joseph Pilates initially established the now popular exercises during World War I while interned in England as an "enemy alien." He had been teaching self defense classes at Scotland Yard prior to this time and then while interned, worked with bedridden patients, making them stronger by using springs and pulleys. After World War I Joe returned to Germany where his exercise techniques became popular with the dancing community. He emigrated to the United States in 1926 and settled in New York City, thus beginning the fitness studio and exercise techinques that would be performed by over 10 million Americans today.

Due to holidays, sickness and the inability to get myself to class on time because of running late at work, I haven't been to a Pilates class since December. Ugg. Pilates is 60 minutes of wonderful, yet hard, core work combined with flexibility to improve strength and posture, all in one. It's probably one of the best workouts that you will find that gives you the results that you are looking for, in the least amount of time. I've been taking Pilates since January of 2005. My aunt had taken Pilates for some years prior to that (yes, the same one that runs the 1/2 marathons!!) and gotten my mother and I interested in it. I joined a Pilates class to look better in my wedding dress, and here I am 5 years later still doing it.

I am excited that it will continue to strengthen my post-baby core, as well as provide some good cross training for this 1/2 marathon stuff. Check out the studio's website where I can be found most Wednesday nights:

www.PilatesMotion.com