stretch with shannon

I started practicing Pilates my freshman year of college. Over two years later, I’m still hooked. So, why? What’s the big  deal? I used to play a handful of sports as a kid, but I burnt out early. I go through phases where I run a few days a week and at my pinnacle I was training for a half-marathon (which never happened). I know it’s only been two years and some change, but I want to make Pilates a permanent part of my life. 

All you need...

I teach eight classes a week and many times I dash straight from Pilates to class to meetings, etc. Usually I don’t have time to shower (or even change).  Luckily Pilates raises my heart rate but I don’t sweat, I just glisten, a little. This means the people that sit next to me in class aren’t grossed out. 

Also Pilates hardly requires any equipment. In mat classes participants only use a mat. This summer I did it on a beach towel in my reshall room. It makes it easy to do at school, at home, in a hotel room, and anywhere else where there’s enough room to lie down on the floor. 

This is a BOSU, which stands for BOth Sides Up.

I also teach a reformer class on reformer machines, designed to enhance a Pilates workout. I like to use the reformer, but I still feel the same quality workout without it. Sometimes I teach on core boards or BOSUs to intensify the course.  These classes are my favorites! I usually begin these classes by saying, “If it’s too much for you, all of these exercises can also be done on the floor.” BOSU classes actually make me sore the next morning, which most other don’t anymore. 

My Pilates classes also have some pretty sweet jams. Instructors take turns making mixes of fun, recent music to play during out classes. Unlike aerobics music, our soundtrack is much more laid back. We listen to lots of Jack Johnson, John Mayer, and Goo Goo Dolls. No crazy thumping base, no re-mixed pop. 

So if you are looking for a workout that requires little to no equipment, little to no sweat, fun music and lots of options, you should give Pilates a shot!