CuseFIT is a series of posts created to highlight fitness classes and group offerings in and around Syracuse, NY. It is designed to give you my impressions and tips as a first timer at various classes.Miss part one- three? Part 1, Part 2, Part 3.
Part 4 of Cusefit found me in a class I’ve never in my life taken! Pilates. My sister-in-law swears by them so I figured it was high time I found out what all the fuss was about!
For this class I found myself at the United Methodist Church in Skaneateles with the very talented Lisa Wellington.
Lisa is also one of my P90X coaches so after her kicking my butt for weeks on end I was excited to see the softer side of her teaching. Lisa is a certified personal trainer, certified Pilates instructor, P90X coach and has been instructing for 3 and a half years.
So what is Pilates?
Pilates is a full body integration, learning to co-ordinate breath and movement with Physicality and release of muscle groups.Aside from the wonderful physical effects to has on the body, Pilates also enhances the mind and spirit. Many high level and recreational athletes use Pilates to enhance their performance, decrease the risk of injuries and provide much-needed cross training of muscle groups.
Pilates is also a great was to improve your core and flexibility two area I need some work on. It was also helps with balance making it a perfect workout for all ages.
I set up my mat and weights as I arrived finding a comfortable spot in the center of the room. I chatted with a few of the regulars who let me know they LOVE this class.
So let’s talk what I wore! Shall we? I’m in love with these printed Bare to Run Knicker from Athleta. I also wore my favorite purple gap t-shirt. Reads= this outfit was brought to you by the Gap! I toped it off with a Puma black zip up that I removed once class started. It was the perfect outfit for this class.
We started with hand weights and an upper body toning session. Lisa changes the class to meet her clients needs and many were asking for some additional toning. I really liked the arm session. We did upper body work both standing and on the mat.
Once the arm toning sessions was over the light were dimmed and the traditional mat Pilates work began. This was my first time so I honestly had no idea what to expect. I wasn’t sure if it was more like barefoot or yoga. In all honesty it was neither, it was Pilates. The movements are slow and concentrate more on breath and movements. I really enjoyed the pace. It was in perfect contrast with my body pounding plyo work.
Lisa began by giving us each a drop of essential oil on our hands. I’m not sure exactly what the oil was but I’m pretty sure it was lavender. The lady next to me said she liked the peppermint oil from the week prior better I enjoy classes that use essential oils. I used to be such a skeptic about them. And even had some in my collection for months I never used. But after seeing some other instructors using them I really do enjoy their almost instant mood changing qualities.
The music was relaxing and the essential oils were the perfect for a relaxing workout.
The best thing about the class was if a move was difficult you didn’t have much time to worry about it before moving on to the next thing. Lisa coached and was cueing throughout the movements which made the time go by really quickly. My core was getting a workout! Yet at no point was I at the point of not being able to keep up.
I left the class feeling refreshed, awake and full of energy which was great because I walked in tired! I was told that the Pilates moves and the focus of breath help activate the nervous system and increases blood flow in the body. All of which lead to the feeling of rejuvenation!
This class was 45 minutes long. And I feel like it could have lasted hours more and I would have been even more happy. I enjoyed the slow down of Pilates and the various movements that forced my legs to stretch out and my core to engage. I would suggest this class to anyone looking to change-up their regular workout schedules. Or really anyone looking to try something new! I’m really surprised I didn’t find Pilates classes earlier they are a great way to center and relax the body. I enjoyed Lisa a lot as an instructor she kept the energy up, kept it fun, and challenging which is sometimes hard to do in a mat setting.
My takeaways:
Lisa’s Pilates & Strength, Skaneateles, NY:
8 week sessions that runs on Tuesday Nights from 5:45-6:30. The cost is $45 for 8 weeks or there is a drop in rate of $8
Lisa offers private and small group Pilates sessions. She is also a personal trainer and offers services at your home or her private fitness studio.
What to Bring
Weights
A mat
A bottle of water
And a smile
What to Wear
I wore capris and a t-shirt it was a good fit for me. Wear clothing that allows you to be comfortable through a variety of body movements.
What to expect
Be prepared for a rewarding workout.
Extremely knowledgable and fun instructor.
It’s a great class of people.
Want to learn more about Lisa’s Pilates & Strength? Check out her facebook page, for personal training information, green smoothie recipes and other health and fitness related information.
Pilates for first timers, what to know what to bring
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Question of the Day: Do you go to Pilates Classes?