I’ve been working hard for two whole weeks (2 privates plus a group Pilates class per week) and I STILL can’t fit into size 6 clothing. Even with vanity sizing! I say this in jest and yet there’s part of me that’s looking for instant results; I want instant gratification for my hard work. This is another benefit of agreeing to this experiment– I’m committed to 10 weeks. We’ve only just begun.
Week 2 session 1: I met Heather after work and we worked out in the large gym. I didn’t particularly feel like working out. Heather started me on the treadmill with a slope of 15 for 5 minutes. We did some TRX, then Heather had me row for 30 seconds at a comfortable pace, then faster for 30 seconds, alternating for 5 minutes total. It was fun. We then moved into the Pilates studio and Heather had me sit down on a chair using one leg only. It seems simple, but I felt it the next day. I also used the arm machine (I’m sure there’s a more appropriate name but I don’t know it). I admitted afterward that I could have managed higher resistance. My energy level was considerably better after my workout.
Session 2. Rain and traffic conspired to make me 20 minutes late to class. I didn’t even consider not attending. I warmed up with a teaser then we experimented with yoga Pilates–something different. I’m not particularly flexible so stretching is always helpful for me. I headed to the rowing machine and treadmill after class to try to make up for my lost class time.
Session 3: In this session I learned small movements are harder. We focused on abs, glutes and arms. The glute work was really hard (small movement) and I couldn’t wait for it to end. Heather added a resistance band to make my glutes work harder. I don’t think it was necessary. She took pictures of me. I look like I’m having fun. In actuality I’m hoping that the quicker she can take a photo she likes, the quicker I can stop the exercise. The problem with a private lesson is that you have the instructor’s undivided attention. The nice thing about a private is….the very same. I can’t slack off. I’m working hard the entire time. We did a stomach series of 4 different exercises, then an arm series. Starting out with a 3 lb weight, the first arm series seems pretty easy. I manage the second series too, but need to drop to a 2 lb weight for the third. Heather won’t let me lower/rest my arms until all three series are complete. Driving home my arms hung on the steering wheel. I’m worn out and sleep well at night.
Thanks Heather for making me work hard! I look forward to whatever you have planned for me next session.
