Tuesday - 10 Min Solution Perfect Body Pilates

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone,

I almost missed my workout today - didn't feel like getting up early, but I also found I couldn't sleep either - so I went with the new 10 Min Solution Perfect Body Pilates w/ Suzanne Bowen. It was perfect for my energy level today (I admit to being freaked out about the economy - I'm not sure a bailout is the answer - but I'm not sure what the answer is - my anxiety is worse b/c DH is a business reporter and is ALWAYS talking about this stuff and the dire predictions - guess there isn't much we can do about it anyway and in the end - no matter what happens, we all suffer - whether it is from the hefty tax bill for the bailout or from our 401Ks plummeting....) Oh well - enough economics/politics from me!

I really liked this Pilates workout - it wasn't the same old/same old. You can see how Suzanne built upon basic Pilates exercises but added her own "tweaks" to them to keep it fresh and interesting. I was a little nervous about this one b/c many have described it as a fusion of Barre work and Pilates and, as you all know, Barre work does not agree w/ my back in the least- but I found this to be very doable. There were elements of ballet in the workout - but not a whole lot and nothing that required that (for me) awkward pelvic tuck as is done in Barre work. I'm trying to recall the segments as best as I can - the ab work, as I recall was all done on the floor, the leg work was the Pilates side series for the first half and then some standing Ballet work for the second half. Arms used light weights and body weight - gee, I fried my arms holding those light (2-3lb) weights in this section. I know I need to do more

for my upper body than I have lately, just having trouble finding the motivation and time to do so. The first half of the arm section is Pilates-style upper body work (controlled core/light weights) the second half is body weight w/ planks, side planks, tricep push-ups, etc. The total body section is fun - a good blend of both Pilates/Standing Yoga/Ballet type work and the final stretch was also good. I liked doing this one as a whole - it is not one I would recommend for a Pilates beginner - for someone new to Pilates (and if you like the 10 Min solution format) I'd say go with the Lara Hudson 10 Min Solution Pilates, then progress to Rapid Results Pilates, then this one.

Tomorrow I plan to hit the TM and Bike for a longer cardio session and then add on either some Pilates or yoga. The Pilates really helps to re-align me after cardio.

Anyway - hope everyone has a good day!Take care,

Donna