Do you like eggplant?
For me, this veggie is what kickstarted my love of Pilates. And I don't even really like eggplant all that much.
It was the year 2010. Anthony and I had bought a cute post-war in Enoggera and decided gardening would be fun. Some veggie planters in the backyard were thriving but the eggplant bush was too big. So I decided to pull it out. EEEKKK! Felt something in my back go and I could barely walk for two days. I was in such pain.
A trip to the physio and I was told I had weak glutes (likely from sitting), a weak core (ditto) and perhaps I should try Pilates.
What's Pilates, I said, is it like yoga?
And from there, I started mat Pilates weekly. I felt myself getting stronger every week. Somehow this exercise created by a German guy around 100 years ago was helping my back feel better. After a few years, I moved to doing group reformer classes (because those machines looked so cool) and then eventually in 2016 moved to equipment classes when I was pregnant with my first.
Pilates is the one form of exercise I have stuck with for over a decade. Because to me it makes sense! It's about functional movement.
Some functional reasons I do Pilates every week -
#1 - Strong arms to carry groceries
Even if you get groceries delivered to your door, there's still something you need to carry on a daily basis. Pilates will help you have strong arms and back to carry items.
#2 - Shoulder range of motion to hold a hairdryer
Have you ever thought about putting your arms above your head to hold a hairdryer and hairbrush? Not everyone can hold their hands above their head. I need to blowdry these curls so good range of movement in my shoulder joints is essential for this activity.
Don't blow dry your hair? What about putting items on a high shelf? If you need to reach up, you want to have good movement in the shoulder/upper back.
#3 - Strong core to pick up my girls
No one wants to throw their back picking up kids. Or dogs. Or putting items in the dishwasher. You need a strong core. Full stop.
#4 - Strong back for gardening
Well this was how I got into Pilates, my weak muscles and my love of gardening. Even if you don't like gardening, a strong back is essential for a happy life. No one likes back pain.
#5 - Being able to sit in the car without back pain
This annoyed me so much when I pulled my back. Our trips to the coast were awful as I squirmed in my seat the whole way trying to get into a comfy position. Pilates stopped that back pain in the car. Winning! Road trips here we come.
#6 - Shapely shoulders/arms for dresses
Ok, there is some vanity here. I want nice arms. No further justification needed.
#7 - Mind-body connection
This is a big one for me. Our monkey mind is always busy; jumping around from one thought to the next. I want to slow down... focus on my breath... and feel the movement. Trade secret here - sometimes I give clients extra weights, a Pilates ring or band and get them to use opposite sides of the body. All of a sudden, their talking stops, they have to focus on the movement. And concentrate. I love this feeling in my own body when I can calm the noise in my mind and focus on the exercise.
So let me help you get strong. Whatever it is you need Pilates for, I can help. Book a session today.
PS And I still don't eat eggplant.
Love this!