Body-riffic
I was just three years old when I went to my first dance class and I was hooked, it wasn’t until I was in my mid 20s that I finally relented and hung up my dancing shoes for good (after a brief flirtation as a cheerleader). Not only did I enjoy the rhythm and movement but I have also loved having a body/mind connection. I’ve always enjoyed pushing myself to the limits physically whether that was in dance, running or boot-camp style fitness classes.
Having a child changed things somewhat – I don’t have the time for the 1.5 hour Astanga classes that I used to love, nor do I go running. I prefer to run with someone and at the moment there isn’t that running partner living near enough who can just go when I need to. So instead I have to schedule my fitness around my husband and child which means finding classes at times that suit my daycare options. My body vices of late have been RPM and Pilates. The latter I credit with firming and toning my body much better than I ever thought possible. Dare I say it, but stomach feels stronger than it did pre-baby.
Pilates was created a long time ago by Joseph Pilates and was primarily used as a rehabilitation by dancers or athletes. Today, it is incredibly popular and there are many variations being practised. It’s a fantastic form of exercise for everyone – it’s a body conditioning routine that will strengthen, build flexibility and create long lean muscles in the legs, abs, arms and back. It’s especially good for developing and maintaining a strong ‘core’ – the centre of our body and what Pilates called The Powerhouse.
Breathing is also an incredibly important part of the exercise – movement works best when done on either an inhale or exhale. It’s a mental exercise – concentration and focus is required. It’s a good time to really connect with your body, breathe and move the muscles. Being forced to take an hour out of my day to do this has become something of a godsend (although it’s quite challenging when you’re sleep deprived thanks to an ill child!).
Pilates is more expensive than simply lifting weights at the gym but there are some more affordable options. I’ve been doing Peak Pilates Group Reformer classes which when bought with a concession card are $31 each. Auckland’s Grey Lynn’s Re:Ab offers a weekly membership and all you can do classes including boot camp cardio and a few others. Takapuna’s Suna Pilates offers $49 a week for all you can do – something I might check out.
The equipment can look a bit like a medieval torture chamber but working against your own weight with springs and pulleys feels far more intuitive than pumping iron – for me that is anyway.
Tamsin xoxo
