Today I took my first Pilates class. Alexandra, the instructor, is a totally toned woman with abs that are washboard flat. I, on the other hand, have realized that my abdominal muscles are someplace between a marshmallow and putty. Something that needs to be changed immediately!
Now, I knew I have been driving on a very long business trip (4 months – 14,000 miles!) so my exercise routine went out the window, but I had no idea that it had actually gone out of the country. Yipes! I have a lot of catching up to do.
On the other hand, I’ve been having a problem with chronic low back pain because of all the driving. I’ve been treating the muscles, but it doesn’t seem to be going away. As I spoke to Alexandra after the session she explained that as my abs got weaker, my back muscles (primarily the quadratus lumborum) was seriously overworked just to keep me up. It totally makes sense. After the session I realized that as I moved around, my back wasn’t hurting as much as before the class. I’m going back on Friday, and maybe I’ll even try a few “planks” (serious core exercise) tomorrow — and maybe even one or two this evening.
I’m determined to get back into shape and I can see that this is an excellent way to do it. I suggest it to anyone who is serious about toning their muscles and becoming strong again. Alexandra doesn’t have a website, but I’m happy to say that she has agreed to write an article for my Pain Free Living eNewsletter. I’m looking forward to receiving it and I’ll share pieces of it here on the blog as soon as I can.
Have a great day,
Julie