The mother of a friend of mine commented on her redemption upon hearing I passionately attend Pilate’s classes as part of my weekly routine, and its spurred me to write on the misconceptions surrounding the time I spent rolling around on some comfi mattes with some old ladies.
I’ve been attending Lizel Bekker’s Pilate’s studio at the Paul Roos Gymnasium gym’s loft since for the past year. Just over a year in fact. I ended there by the usual tag-along to Conrad Stoltz‘ counsel, which in turn gets it credibility from Libby Burrel. And if Libby says jump, I’ll ask how high. She took American Triathlon to one of the most powerful players on the world triathlon scene. She’s coached Stoltz through all his high’s, and is in my books as good as they get. So, with this as my reference, and not much else, I called up Lizel and asked for a go at this Pilate’s thing.
I went for a solo hour to grasp some basics, like the neutral position, breathing in through ones nose and out through your mouth, posture, and some foundational moves. But the first big thing is mastering the breathing, as everything builds on correct breathing.
It hurts when as a full time athlete, a middle aged house wife manages some exercise I cant. Nothing against middle aged house wives of course, in fact, I’ve grown properly fond of the few I see occasionally at the Pilate’s studio. But I soon realised being able to push a big gear on a bike had little or no relevance to a small specific leg exercise done with the correct posture.
I was tight, still am in fact, and need some props to aid in an exercise or two even now, but I’ve progressed well over the last year. I no longer compete with the old ladies, but with Schalk, a laugh of a guy twice my age. If it wasnt for him, my classes would be half as dull and I’d happily give in half way through the hundred, but then I can see in the mirrors Schalk’s determination, and I’m forced to hand in.
My core, and this is where the rubber meets the tar, radically improved. My lower back is much stronger, and my general flexibility is beyond where its ever been. After missing a class or two, I can feel the weakening on some of the usual routine and even while running. For the first time after starting Pilate’s could I consciously try position my pelvic floor while running. I could hold a much better posture while plodding some trail with muscles deep in my stomach that had never been there.
I’ve been blown by the entire experience, and will shameless recommend time on the matt’s to anyone. I hope you’ll have the same positive class atmosphere as I’ve had as well, with the most fantastic instructor. Lizel is accommodating to all, and never makes us out to feel inferior. Which we are. I’ve heard of instructors being totally overboard, and missing the point. Irrespective of levels, the four or so people per class is helped along through the same excercise. One might need a flat pillow, one a cloth, and one hands held in on the forehead, and the most advanced, behind the head, all to do the same roll-up, but at varying degrees of difficulty. Lizel has a way of helping the most of us at our level.
I know very little about Joseph Pilates, the founder. Perhaps I’ll do some investigation for a post tomorrow. But from my personal experience, I cant deny the benefits of core strength, better breathing, and flexibility. I believe Pilate’s can go a long way in injury prevention, and correct bad posture picked up from repetitive sports movements such as running and cycling. And then there’s the efficiency in stride from less lateral movement. Either way, Pilate’s is significant.
