This is the overall impression I had of Pilates for many, many years. Every time I happened by the window of a Pilates studio, I would see it filled with extremely thin, angry looking women. Like, thin enough that they looked shivery. The equipment they were splayed out on looked like something out of a torture chamber and they all seemed to have blonde ponytails. At this point, I would walk on by the studio, think “Thank you, no” and proceed to buy myself several tacos at the stand next door. No regrets.
But then something magical happened. I was talked into going to a Reformer class with a girlfriend one night, with the promise of martinis and chicken wings after the class. This is how I roll, even today as I write this to you as a Pilates instructor. I begrudgingly went and was lost for the majority of the class. I think I did about three of the exercises correctly and in time with the rest of the group. I rolled off the Reformer, stood up, and here’s where the magic happened…I swear to you I felt taller and stronger after only one one-hour session. My posture was better and I strutted around like a goddamn gazelle for the rest of the evening, bragging to anyone that would listen that I was SO into Pilates. The martinis only added to my grandeur and bravado.
Flash forward a few years and I decided to get trained as an instructor because I wanted to give that experience to others. I had been a yoga instructor for a while at this point and felt like there was a piece missing for me. That piece was Pilates. The practice teaches us to use the right muscles at the right time, and to not rely on habit. It liberates us from chronic pain because it rewires the muscle groups of the body to fire when needed in the most efficient pattern possible. It is a low impact way to strengthen and lengthen the muscles of the body and actually engage the core, rather than just sharply inhaling a breath and calling it done. Pilates is for all body types and all levels of fitness, and I sincerely believe most people could benefit from getting into the practice.
So come on. Join me on the Reformer. I’ll bring the chicken wings.
About Elizabeth...
A native of Las Vegas, Nevada, Elizabeth Marshall is the founder of Rise Wellness. Dedicated to all aspects of health and wellness, Elizabeth is a yoga instructor, Pilates trainer, and Reiki Master. Rise Wellness is located on the fourth floor of the old Custom House in Portland.