Heather:
Five weeks into the 10 week challenge. Joe Pilates said “In 10 sessions you will FEEL a difference, in 20 sessions you will SEE a difference” and we did! Take a look at Susan’s progress:
Weight Loss = 2 pounds!
Bust – Stayed the same (whew!)
Ribcage – Stayed the same
Waist – Lost 1 inch!
HIps – Lost 1.5 inches!
Booty – Lost 1/2 an inch
Thighs – Right leg stayed the same and Left leg we added 1/2 inch of muscle to even the legs out.
Biceps – Lost 1/4 of an inch
Sit and Reach Test – Gained 4 inches of flexibility!
As you can see the Pilates has paid off! I’m proud of Susan and her progress and I can see her developing a deeper understanding of the subleties of Pilates. On how she carries herself, how she moves and by the questions she asks. It is truly a pleasure to work with her! Stay tuned to see what happens the next 5 weeks!
Susan:
Heather took my measurements this week and told me I should be proud of myself. I am. I’m working hard and the fact that I’m seeing results is rewarding and motivating.
I really enjoy my private lessons with Heather. I work harder than I do in a group class and much harder than I would on my own. Heather is ever creative and provides me with new challenges. Sometimes I meet the challenge successfully; sometimes I need to modify the exercise in order to do it. Then there are those instances when regardless of how I adjust the spring or my position, I can’t do it… YET.
I’m not sure what it is about Pilates that has infatuated me. I took ballet lessons growing up and the fluidity of the Pilates movements reminds me of dance. But that’s not it, exactly. I think I like the juxtaposition of strength and gracefulness. I like being able to measure my progress by higher resistance or increased reps. And I like the camaraderie of the group Sunflower class.
Week 5: Private lesson 1: We worked on my position, practicing tucking, arching and neutral position, all while zipping…ever zipping. I was challenged in my inverted push-ups on the chair to tuck, arch and remain neutral. We did some rowing on the reformer, some mat Pilates and Heather punished me with my leg extended sideways on the ball.
Group lesson: We did more tower work, stretching and strengthening our hamstrings, opening our hips and pushing against the bar into teaser.
Private lesson 2: We worked my arms with weights and resistance, my glutes and inner thighs on the reformer and my stomach with front and side crunches on the reformer. I discovered that when I do crunches, counting to ten seems to take much longer than usual.
Just in case you fear all my progress is going to my head, I was humbled this week. I discovered that my muffin top returns when I try to squeeze into smaller jeans. I’ll stick with the comfort of my larger jeans for the time being.
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