Denice’s Personal Story: So I really did not want to go  to Pilates the day of session 3.  I was tired…more like EXHAUSTED!!!!  But, for the good of my body (and to stick something out) I reluctantly went.  This turned out to be a good decision on my part. 

When we arrived at the Body Center in Claremont, Elana and I were greeted by the ever-so-charming and happy face of Jeff Fairley, owner and director of the “Physical Therapy and Pilates Training” facility. Jeff makes you feel so important and welcome;  he is always so encouraging and makes you feel like you can do anything.  We love Jeff!  We were a tad bit early today so we took a breather and relaxed on the comfy couch in the back of the center and waited for our fabulous instructor, Stephanie, to arrive. 

And of course she was there,  ready to work us at 5 p.m. SHARP. Today was unique as Elana and I were the only two in the class!  It was kind of cool because I did not feel bad stopping and asking Stephanie to clarify questions on technique or position.  She was great at explaining how important the position of your pelvic area and lower back are in Pilates. 

Here is some terminology (EverythingAboutPilates.com) that Stephanie throws around that I am finally getting a grasp on:

Neutral Spine:  where your hip bones and pubic bone are held in the same plane. It is neither too flexed nor too extended in the lumbar spine.

Imprinted Spine: A term generated in the Stott Pilates method of Pilates. A place where the lumbar spine is slightly more flexed giving the feeling of your lower back being closer to the mat.

Table Top: When lying on your back, a place where your legs are elevated and bent at a 90 degree angle both at the hip and at the knees. Legs squeeze gently together to engage inner thighs.

C-Curve: Where the spine is flexed into letter “C” position. Enables the feeling of strong navel to spine and prepares you to roll through the spine smoothly.

Now that I know and understand these terms and their importance in Pilates, I am able to concentrate on the specific muscle groups needed to perform the actual exercises.  I think my favorite would have to be leg circles.  I feel like I get the BEST stretch on these.  My least favorite thing to hear come out of Stephanie’s mouth is “Let’s do 100s.”  When I hear this, I know the “Good Shakes” are to follow.

Check back next week to see how I am doing!!!

Elana Personal Story: I was completely in tune with my body on “Day 3.” In fact, I actually busted a sweat. In pushing myself to really stretch, twist, and follow instructions, I began to notice how flexible I’m becoming. Who knows? Maybe after awhile, I will be able to do the splits! (Then again, I couldn’t do splits at 8 years old even when I took gymnastics…so I need to at least maintain some sort of realistic expectations)

That said, I take back the fact that Pilates doesn’t make you sweat. Maybe I should rephrase my initial thoughts to: “Pilates can cause you to sweat but not nearly as much as cardio.” There – that’s much more accurate. I’ve just redeemed a relatively false statement.

As Denice mentioned, we had private lessons from Stephanie at the Body Center. Even though she enjoys it a bit more when her class fills up to capacity, we were fortunate enough to receive direct, one-on-one attention from her, a certified Pilates instructor. I only know this because I asked her; I was curious to know which type of atmosphere is more conducive to her enthusiastic type of teaching. She still looked like she enjoyed our efforts, saying “Great job you guys!”

The next day I didn’t feel a thing really, except for a bizarre sort of pain under my armpit. Everywhere else was fine. Tonight is session 4, and I am going to have a little chit-chat with Jeff prior to our Pilates course at the Body Center in Claremont. I look forward to interviewing him! Not only is it a pleasure to learn even more about this intricate type of exercise, but Jeff is such a pleasure to work with, so I know his answers will be real and forthright.

xoxox, Denice and Elana