Day Seventeen

I made my first trip to the Maximum Pilates studio a couple days ago. It was an experience.

After five weeks of at-home Pilatification, it was time to check-in with Ashleigh and see how I was doing. Here are a few things I learned...

• Keeping my back flat and pressed into the mat is the top priority - even if that means not doing the harder modifications. I interpreted this as permission to be a wimp. YES!

• It is, in fact, possible to move my rib cage. Wonder of wonders. I accomplished this multiple times by exhaling. Of course, I then had to hold my breath to keep my ribs where they'd ended up. But, seeing as how holding my breath while exercising is not the best option, I am working on holding that position while breathing.

• Pilates "machines" are strange and unusual things. Fascinating, in fact.

• Exercising in my pajamas is really only an option at home.

• I mention my knees a lot - did you notice? - and they cause me trouble when I exercise. That's okay. I can have wimpy knees as long as I'm working on the flat back thing and the moving the ribcage thing, and trying to keep my shoulders from becoming too closely acquainted with my earlobes. The knees will get better as everything else does.

So, what did I decide regarding my video and trips to the studio?

I love working out at home, it really is the best option for me, my schedule, my budget, my pajamas. But, going in to the studio for regular check-ups is essential. I found out some things I was doing wrong, got some good advice and encouragement.

All-in-all, an hour well spent.