Welcome back to Trying New Things! I am so grateful to be on the fifth edition of my monthly Forsyth Woman column. It has been a joy trying new activities every month, sharing my experience and hopefully inspiring readers to find ways to exercise that work for them. This month, we tried mat Pilates. As promised, after last month’s pickleball article, I wanted to provide an activity that does not require equipment or other people. Mat Pilates is just that – a solo activity that can be completed at home with just a video as guidance.
What Is It?
Pilates was developed all the way back during World War I by German-born Joseph Pilates. Pilates focuses on mobility, core strength and flexibility. When Joseph Pilates was first experimenting with exercises, he actually attached springs to hospital beds to help rehabilitate bedridden patients. His hospital bed and spring discovery turned into what we now call a “reformer” machine. For providing accessibility to more Forsyth Woman readers, I stuck with Mat Pilates this time around. A reformer machine has a sliding platform and straps to conduct the exercises, but the classes and machine itself can get pretty expensive.
Beginner Friendly?
From the research I did into Pilates as an activity and Mr. Pilates himself, Pilates is meant to be adaptable and assist in rehabilitation. I would absolutely say that Mat Pilates is beginner friendly, especially considering that all you need to do it at home is a little space. I took several Mat Pilates classes, and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that there were some people in the classes I took that were really good. For example, we did some exercises where we did large circles with our legs while in a side plank (think like pedaling a bike). I had to drop down on my forearm while others in the class remained on their hands. It took immense core strength, focus and mobility all at one time. The exercises were adaptable to any level, but if I wanted to get really great at Pilates, it absolutely would take time, effort and practice.
Did I Feel Like I Was Working Out?
I absolutely found Pilates challenging. Not because my heart rate was high or I was sweating but because of the actual movements. More specifically, Pilates showed me that I seriously lack hip mobility; my hips were popping the entire class! That is the purpose of Pilates – intentional exercise movements that target specific pain points. If you have a spare 15 minutes (hint: check out my other article in this month’s FW edition), lie down and try some Pilates exercises. For those who struggle with consistent injuries, especially our runner friends, Pilates might really help improve your exercise routine! If Pilates isn’t quite right, next month, we’ll meet in the middle with a social wellness activity with no equipment required.
