Working that core…
So I had my second Pilates class this evening, and I have to admit that I’m really enjoying it. It’s totally different to all the training I’ve done before, from the hard full contact Muaythai to running, gym and even Kung Fu.
The evening class is a bit fuller and it’s a bit harder to keep up as the instructor goes quite quickly, but it just feels like I’ve been doing it for ages, and I love the grace and conditioning it’s teaching me – limbs and muscles are being worked in such a cool way, totally controlled and precise… no wonder Pilates is so popular with control freaks like me!
The breathing takes some getting used to, and you generally exhale on the movement rather than inhale – plus you exhale through your mouth, but I’m getting there. I am also starting to be more aware of my ‘core’ and my posture in general, which is great.
It’s pretty basic mat Pilates, no equipment or anything, but it’s a start and I’m looking forward to Monday’s class. My flu has subsided enough for me to go to gym tomorrow, sinuses still a bit stuffed, but breathing fine and if I take it easy I should be fine. Ooh, and I’ll get my personalised training programme from my session with a trainer as well, yay.
To round off my brownie points for the week, I have actually managed to avoid bread and other bad carbs for the whole week!
Instead I have been eating rice cakes (unsalted and unpolished of course) as well as home-made vegetable soup made from scratch (and loaded with whole coriander, chili, garlic and fresh herbs), salad and fruit. And lots of water. Ok, and *possibly* a tad too much coffee, and a bit of chocolate and red wine.
Still, not too bad – and today I didn’t feel too bad in front of the studio mirror. So ja, feeling quite good tonight. 
