Hi everyone! It’s been a month since I started Pilates Boot Camp AKA the 4-week program for newbies at my Pilates studio, and you probably remember that in the beginning I wasn’t really feeling it that much. Because I’m a runner, I enjoy repetitive workouts that don’t involve much thought. Ain’t nobody got time for that. But all those years of me running without thinking has led to some imbalances in my body, specifically when it comes to my hips and core. My abs are weak and my hips are willing to take over for it – which definitely didn’t help in January when I got injured. So when I started Pilates and realized just how weak my abs were and how much extra work my hips were doing, I was really frustrated! And it didn’t help that learning how to put all the parts of each exercise together was really difficult for my uncoordinated body. Thinking while working out is hard! I almost didn’t go back after the first week, but a little conversation I had with one of my teachers left me feeling like I couldn’t give up just yet.
Fast forward to 3 weeks after that (AKA last Friday): I had taken 12 classes and was ready to graduate from boot camp. And unlike the first week, I was finally feeling excited about Pilates! I’d seen improvement in my ability to put all the steps together at the same time (feet, thighs, kegel, and breathing) to complete some of the most basic exercises used in regular Pilates classes, and was finally getting the hang of the most difficult moves – although my stupid hips still take over half the time! I still felt that Pilates was hard, but in a different way. Now I was finally getting into my abs and feeling it more! And after Friday’s class ended, it was time to see if Pilates had many any difference in my ribs, waist, and hips. And guess what?
Yes, that seriously happened! Despite the fact that it took me a while to learn how to do things correctly and feel the ab burn, I lost a total of 4.75 inches in 4 weeks! SOLD! They’d been saying that we’d lose 3-6 inches in Boot Camp and I didn’t believe them…until it actually happened! I’m so glad I stuck with it and got to see my awesome results!
So what’s next? Well, for now I plan on taking 2-3 classes a week to keep it up as cross training for my next half marathon. I’m hoping that over time I’ll get stronger and continue to see ab strength, improved running, and inches lost. I took my first reformer class already and it kicked my ass! My abs were sore for days. And the good news is that the teacher actually told me I did well after class (she knew it was my first one). There are going to be some tough workouts for sure but I’m so excited to have found something I enjoy doing that will also help my running. I also love the studio and all my fabulous and helpful teachers! I think I’ve finally found something that replaces my old home at Barre3 in Philly 🙂
Have you ever tried Pilates? What is your favorite form of cross training for running?
Mom in the Mtns 
It’s so funny that you posted this. Not pilates, but I am a yoga instructor that has been on a bit of a hiatus. Now that Boston is over and I am going to start training for another race, I know I want to find a place in my schedule for it again. I had less injuries and was much more flexible – much of what you will get from taking pilates! Maybe your post will inspire me to stop saying I’m going to get on my mat more and actually DO it! I was just in the middle of writing a post about changes I want to make. I think all the signs are telling me to get back on my mat! LOL!
Awesome! I really hope you get back to it! I think the thought of doing something like yoga or Pilates is harder than actually doing it – I dread making time for it, having the energy for it, and getting to class. But once I’m there I remember why I like doing it so much! Good luck with getting back to yoga!
This is so awesome! I’m glad you stuck with it and are seeing results. I’m actually about to start a 5 week Pilates mat class series that’s being offered at my office–only $10 per class. I’m hoping it will be a good kick in the pants.
Thanks! That class sounds awesome – $10 a class is a pretty good deal! It’s super hard (especially if your hips are the ones doing all the work and you have to re-train your abs like me) but it definitely works!
That’s so wonderful dear! I’m so glad you found an awesome crosstraining that works for you! Keep it up!!!!
Thanks! I still kind of miss yoga – it’s more stretchy and more relaxing. But my abs need this kind of workout right now!
Omg awesome!!! Get it girl!
Haha thanks!
That’s amazing! Congrats on making it through bootcamp. Strengthening your core is going to help your running so much. And finding cross-training that you actually enjoy is great.
Thanks! I’m hoping it will help a ton. I need all the help I can get!