Pilates

Five Reasons to do Pilates

May 16, 2014 by Michelle 21 Comments

How is it Friday again already!? I feel like we’re just streaking through this month!

Well today I am once again linking up with the Courtney, Mar and Cynthia, the DC Trifecta for their Friday Five link-up. This week’s the ladies are asking everyone to share their “Five Reasons to….”

Now that I’ve returned to my weekly Pilates classes I cannot believe I ever stepped away from it! In my opinion there are many reasons to do Pilates – especially if you’re a runner…but here are a few:

1) Builds Core Strength — Pilates focuses on strengthening your core muscles which is critical not only for runners, but really to perform any function.

2) Aids Muscular Balance — The repetitive motion of running (or many other sports, like golf for example) can create muscle imbalances. Pilates’ whole-body approach works to correct any imbalances and helps you to re-align your body.

3) Can be Adapted for Almost Everyone — With a wide range of exercises and modifications, Pilates offers something for everyone. I can attest to the fact that I did Pilates all through my pregnancy with my youngest son – right up to a week before delivery! I’ve had both seniors and 20-somethings in the same class with me. I’ve also had friends who were injured who used Pilates as part of their PT.

4) Improves Posture — Pilates both strengthens and lengthens your spine, and with its focus on core strength and proper alignment, you will see an improvement in your posture.

5) Offers Mind-Body Awareness — My Pilates instructor is always emphasizing the importance of the total attention necessary to activate various muscle groups as you move through the various exercises. Pilates founder Joseph Pilates spoke of “the complete coordination of body, mind, and spirit.” Through Pilates key principles of centering, concentration, control, breath, and flow, Pilates believed that the mind and body work together to help the practitioner get the most out of each exercise.

Honestly, I could go on and on about the benefits of doing Pilates! I really love that it truly offers a full-body workout – building core strength while helping to develop long lean muscles, strength, balance, flexibility and an increased range of motion – what’s not to love?!

As always, please be sure to stop by and check-out the great ladies of the DC Trifecta and the others joining the link-up this week!

Filed Under: Friday Five, Pilates

Enjoying a step-back week

March 30, 2011 by Michelle 4 Comments

This week is a step back week for me and I’m feeling like it’s come at a good time.

After logging 22 miles last week (the most for me in a long time), plus cross-training, I was feeling a little beat by the end of the weekend. The good news is that the left leg continues to cooperate, and so short easy runs this week are a welcome change of pace. It’s also giving me a chance to really focus and put into practice some of things I learned in Sunday’s workshop.

Another Aha for me from Sunday, is that I need to put more effort into strengthening my core. So in addition to my weekly Pilates class I’ve been trying to add more core work with planks, side lateral raises and the “hundreds.”

What do you do to work your core?

Filed Under: core work, Pilates, step-back, training

I’ll take another week like that!

February 14, 2011 by Michelle 9 Comments

Last week was a good one!

There were no snow days, which meant schedules were fairly normal for the first time since the begining of January.

I got all of my planned workouts in except for an easy 3 miler which I opted to skip in favor of yoga to keep my ITB happy. On Friday, I treated myself to a Thai Massage which was heavenly and really helped to relieve some of the pressure/tightness I’ve been feeling in my hips and lower back.

Saturday night we went to a fun event to raise money for a new school playground and I walked away a silent auction winner for a pair of Vibrams! Cannot wait to get them – more on that to come.

And finally on Sunday, I got to run outside again for the first time in 3 weeks!! Without our weekly snow storm I figured the roads would be clear enough to venture out. And despite having to dance around black ice and being a bit tired (did I mention we went out Saturday night…did I mention there was a lot of wine involved?) I was psyched to say goodbye to my new BFF and get my 7 miles outside!!

On the decks for this week:
Today: Yoga. I was tweeting with Sage Roundtree and she forwarded a couple of her podcasts to try. I also just got Rodney Yee’s Yoga for Beginners DVD.

Tuesday: 4 miles

Wednesday: My weekly TRX/Pilates class

Thursday: Tempo run or speedwork — with less than 2 weeks to go until the Hyannis 10k I’ve been trying to figure out which workout is more beneficial.

Friday: It’s suppose to warm up around here (read 40’s) so I’ll probably run again with some yoga as well.

Saturday: my weekly Pilates Reformer group

Sunday: my first attempt at 8 miles!

How was your week? What have you got planned this week?

Happy Running!

Filed Under: Hyannis 10k, Pilates, Thai Massage, training, TRX, Vibrams, Yoga

Thursday Thoughts (aka 3 things)

January 6, 2011 by Michelle 6 Comments

Two runs down and one more for this week — the ITB continues to cooperate! My plan is to stick to 3 runs/week for another week or two and see how my left leg responds.

Started my TRX/Pilates combo classes last night! It was a fantastic way to get abs, triceps, biceps, quads and hamstrings all in one intense hour – the next six weeks should be challenging!

I am on a purging quest! One of the things I love about the start of the new year is this feeling of working from a clean slate. So I am on a mission to tame the clutter — there’s just too much stuff! Over the next couple of months I’m going to systematically work my way through my house and purge so that by Spring my goal is to only have things in my house that my family really needs, uses and loves. I’m off to the attic to get started. Wish me luck!

Filed Under: 3 things, clutter clean out, Pilates, training, TRX