Pilates, Pilates, Pilates!

Being a pilates instructor in LA has its perks--the weather is gorgeous and its right on the coast, so it reminds people of getting into their swim gear all year around! Pilates itself is a popular form of exercise with about everyone who lives here. If people haven't done pilates, they want to do it or know someone who does. Trust me, they're envious. Who wouldn't be? To take an hour out of the day to exercise gracefully and precisely as someone instructs you on the best way to move, all while using great machines that both assist and resist your muscles thus creating your most amazing body ever?! Sounds intense right? It is-- but its fun and exciting so you never get bored and always have a blast! You never overwork the muscles in pilates, you only lean them out along the bone (which creates that dancer look everyone desires). Man or woman, dog or cat, everyone and their mother is on the pilates train. Now pilates isn't cheap by any means, it can cost upwards of $150 per session depending on who you train with and where, but the benefits are beyond what anyone could imagine and hope for. It strengthens your core muscles (giving you that hot washboard stomach), helps your posture (kick that scoliosis to the curb!), leans and tones your body (anyone ever see the ballet?), gives you more energy (everyone needs extra of this), increases flexibility (hello legs!) and creates a better mind-body connection (breathe...horrible drivers, toilet seats being left up, and dirty dishes are out of our control so there's no use trying to change it). So my point being, if you don't do pilates or have never heard of it, you in the minor leagues of exercise regimes. Don't be afraid to hop into a pilates class at the gym, try out a session at a studio you feel comfortable with, or at least--get a DVD and start practicing the exercises at home. Not everyone is a pilates pro, but just trying it out will give you a peace of mind and different sense of appreciation towards your body. Plus, the next time you're at a dinner party and the hostess looks fantastic, you can say to her "Do you happen to do pilates?" I guarantee you, the answer will be yes.