Confession

Why does this feel like a confession?

I am a man, and I do Pilates. Reformer and Mat. And I’ve done it for years. It has been my friend supporting me through (literally) tens of thousands of kilometres of running. It has helped me recover from multiple injuries and has underpinned my return to my one true exercise love (yes, again, running) post knee, shoulder and hip surgery.  Unlike my love of running, I readily admit to my relationship with both Mat and Reformer Pilates as being one of love and hate. You see, I know Pilates has improved my functional strength, balance and co-ordination. I know that my regular practice helps me correct muscular imbalances and maintain a level of awareness of my body that has helped me prevent or rehabilitate the myriad of small ‘niggles’ that I constantly experienced prior to starting Pilates.   But when I’m doing it – and here comes some of the hate – it frustrates me! How can something that sounds so simple i.e., ‘gaining mastery of your core’ be so hard to achieve? How does a move that looks so easy, so effortless (at least when the smiling assassin instructor does it) take every little bit of my strength and wring it from my body, leaving me panting for breath like I’ve just done a 1km hit out (again, running analogy).  For me, Pilates is a challenge, my ‘Achilles heel’.  But just like my physical Achilles heel is essential to my leg, Pilates is essential to my everyday health, strength and function.  

Brisbane Pilates offers new clients Level 1 Reformer Sessions to start you on your Reformer Practice.  For those wanting to focus more on active recovery and flexibility, we offer Reformer Stretch.