Today I had an opportunity to do a Pilaties class. It was the first class that I've done since school got out. There are so many things that I appreciate about Pilaties and the studies/education of the teachings of Joseph Pilates, but having not been in class for so long, I think it brings all of the basic values of Pilaties front and center to me.
During many of the exercises of leg and foot work, and even core ab work, the student lengthens their leg muscles by pointing their toes with all their strength and ability. This strongly uses all the muscles in the leg. If done with precision and attention to detail, it is an extraordinary amount of work, different than the gross muscles used in running, biking, or weight training. It actually took me by surprise during class and I mentioned it to everyone. They are used to me asking questions (so as to fully understand how to do Pilaties well, and to get the most out of it), so it was not unusual for me to speak out about the specialness of this exercise form in terms of using muscles in a a-typical way, for my benefit.
I just feel very greatful to A) have an opportunity to go to a class, and B) remind everyone that often times any exercise form, at its' most basic level (like when you first learned) has so much value, and should be revered.
Workout 7/20/10: Tuesday
Elliptical- 44 minutes, 4.44 miles
Pilaties class- level 3- 55 minutes
Strength train- legs/biceps (gym)
Leg extention- 20lb
biceps row- 10lb (in plie')
glutes-55 lb
hammer curl- 10lb with lunge
leg press- 50 lb
preacher curl- E-Z bar with 40 lb
Seated leg curl- 50 lb
low cable row- 10 lb
Food Diary 7/20/10: Tuesday
Breakfast-
1 cup non-fat vanilla yogurt (80 cal)
1 cup organic egg whites, 1 cup organic spinach, 1 brocolli pieces (140 cal)
whole wheat toast, 1 tbls no-sugar added jam (100 cal)
A.M. Snack-
peach(57 cal)
Lunch-
1/2 cup crab delights ( polluck)(80 cal)
salad- 2 cups organic spinach, 5 asparagus, 1/4 cup green beans, 1 red sweet pepper (81 cal)
P.M. Snack-
1 whole grain tortilla, 2 tbls organic almond butter, apple, sliced ( 277 cal)
Dinner-
4 oz. salmon (240 cal)
small spinach salad, 4 asparagus, brocolli, 4 cherry tomatos (176 cal)
Dessert-
apple (57 cal)
homemade popcorn- small (69 cal)
TOTAL CALORIES-1350
