1 month of pilates 💪🏻

so... this is a bit of a different entry than usual, but i think it's still good to talk about here 🫣

i decided to start pilates last month, mainly because i heard a lot of good around it and i work a pretty strenuous job, so i thought it'd help for my overall health. i didn't even have any equipment, let alone a mat; just some youtube classes and a dream 😭 BUT within this first month i can talk about some things since starting:

🩰 i've slightly improved my flexibility? i've never been a flexible person, still not, but i can tell that i can stretch a little farther than i usually have 🥹

🩰 my balance has improved! i also learned that my right side is a lot stronger than my left side? it was a struggle to maintain balance on my left side but i'm getting better!

🩰 i'm actually forming a 🍑... i had zero ass and now i just have a small one! something is better than nothing, it's still an improvement in my book... my partner said he's noticed it too which hey, i trust him.

all in all, it's only a month so there's little to talk about now, but i'm proud of myself for continuing to stick to it! i've been watching isa welly's classes, and she's slow-paced enough for me to comfortably work out without excessively pushing myself! and i finally got myself a mat and some weights so i can perform it more comfortably and i'm excited to see how things keep going from here! 🥹💪🏻

#Lemon8Diary #lemon8diarychallenge #healthylifestyle2024 #shareyourthoughts #lemon8fitness #pilates #pilateslifestyle #embracevulnerability #diaryentry #fyp

2024/2/2 Edited to

... Read moreAfter my first month of diving into Pilates, I've realized so much about getting started, especially when you're doing it from home. Like many of you, I began with zero equipment, just my phone and YouTube! But getting a proper mat, like the pink yoga mat I finally invested in, truly makes a difference in comfort and stability. It's not just about having something soft; it's about having that grip and support for all those precise movements. Finding the right instructor online can feel overwhelming. I was lucky to stumble upon Isa Welly, whose slow-paced style really suited my beginner level. My advice? Don't be afraid to try a few different channels or instructors until you find someone whose teaching style and pace resonate with you. Everyone learns differently, and what works for one person might not work for another. You might even find yourself looking for specific instructors, like a 'Hannah Robinson Pilates' style, if you know what you prefer! It's all about exploring and finding your perfect match for your home workouts. Another huge factor is creating a dedicated space, even if it's just a small corner. My initial setup involved just clearing some space, but now with my new mat and small weights, having a designated area makes me more consistent. Think about your workout essentials: comfortable clothing, maybe a cute pink ribbed top or a supportive pink sports bra, and definitely some grey headphones if you like to zone out with music or clearly hear your instructor's cues. It really helps set the mood and makes the workout feel more like 'me time.' Consistency, even for short periods, is key. I didn't push myself too hard, especially in the beginning. Even 15-20 minutes a day, or every other day, can build up incredible foundational strength. I've noticed my balance improving significantly, and my flexibility is slowly but surely getting there. It's not about perfection; it's about showing up for yourself. Don't be discouraged if you can't do every pose perfectly right away. We all start somewhere! Finally, listen to your body. Pilates is amazing for building core strength and improving posture, but it's not about pushing through pain. If something feels off, modify it or take a break. There are always progressions and regressions for every exercise. My journey has shown me that Pilates is a marathon, not a sprint, and I'm excited to continue seeing how my body transforms. It's truly become a healthy habit I look forward to!

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