Well, after my last two visits at Carbon I have realized that Leah is no longer being gentle. She is still sweet and smiling but she is making me really work. I now have homework; cardio assignments between Pilates sessions.
I am now visiting Carbon twice a week and it seems that I am still sore from the last visit when I arrive for the next. Leah does vary the workout and different muscle groups are used each time so the sore muscles get a break. Leah also informed me that I am officially intermediate level! I feel stronger and I can tell that my endurance is better. Two weeks ago I could not have completed the workout that I accomplished today.
I have not lost any weight but I can see differences in my body. My abdomen feels tighter and my pants fit better, but best of all, I am seeing a hint of waist! I have never been a woman with a waist; I have always been kind of boxy.
Today Leah told me that I have a tricep line. This means that she could see my muscle! That’s a change!
The thing that surprises me the most is that I look forward to my Carbon workouts. I have never been a person who enjoys exercise, elliptical machines are monotonous and boring and I have never felt that weight machines really have any effect. The time at Carbon passes quickly and while I sometimes struggle to complete the exercises I often feel surprised when my session is over. Always relieved, but still surprised.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
I realized that I have been very tense during my workouts over the last few weeks. The fear of injuring my knee led to a lot of tension in my body and resistance to enjoying my workout and getting the maximum benefit. Leah told me that she would not let me be hurt but it has taken time to overcome a fifteen year habit of fear.
Leah has taught me how to actually protect my knees during exercise instead of just trying not to use them. I have not had knee pain from my workouts and this is very significant for me. I usually hurt at least a little for a few days after any kind of workout and my left knee often feels “rusty” like a hinge that needs oil. I feel that I have used my muscles and they are sore after a session but it’s a satisfying soreness, not pain.
In fact I have not had any pain since beginning Pilates at Carbon. I regularly had some stiffness in my lower back and hips in the morning and my back often ached in the evening. I have not felt either sensation for weeks.
Leah has taught me how to actually protect my knees during exercise instead of just trying not to use them. I have not had knee pain from my workouts and this is very significant for me. I usually hurt at least a little for a few days after any kind of workout and my left knee often feels “rusty” like a hinge that needs oil. I feel that I have used my muscles and they are sore after a session but it’s a satisfying soreness, not pain.
In fact I have not had any pain since beginning Pilates at Carbon. I regularly had some stiffness in my lower back and hips in the morning and my back often ached in the evening. I have not felt either sensation for weeks.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Exercise to heal?
My first actual workout appointment was postponed because I messed up my back. My lower back and right hip caused me severe pain. I could not stand up straight or bend over. I couldn't put on my shoes.
I suffered through the weekend and Tuesday I visited my chiropractor. He helped relieve the pain but I was still very stiff and uncomfortable. I took so long for me to bend over that my dog (who is obviously not well trained) could eat half his food from the bowl while I was lowering it to the floor.
A week after my chiropractic appointment I returned to Carbon. Leah was especially gentle with me at the rescheduled appointment which included mostly stretching and some leg exercises. It seems that I am in such poor shape that before I can really workout I must be rehabilitated.
Leah introduced me to a piece of equipment called the Cadillac Reformer. After stretching my legs Leah put stirrups (I hate to use that word ladies, but I can’t think of another) on my feet. I was lying on my back and the stirrups were attached to a frame at my head by long springs. Leah led me through a series of exercises working my legs and lower back. She gave me low resistance springs to protect my knees and back.
At the end of this appointment I bent to pick something up from the floor and was shocked when I moved smoothly and without pain to reach the floor. I even bent again just because I could and it felt good. The stiffness did not return and in the following week I found that my freedom of movement was better than before my back injury.
I suffered through the weekend and Tuesday I visited my chiropractor. He helped relieve the pain but I was still very stiff and uncomfortable. I took so long for me to bend over that my dog (who is obviously not well trained) could eat half his food from the bowl while I was lowering it to the floor.
A week after my chiropractic appointment I returned to Carbon. Leah was especially gentle with me at the rescheduled appointment which included mostly stretching and some leg exercises. It seems that I am in such poor shape that before I can really workout I must be rehabilitated.
Leah introduced me to a piece of equipment called the Cadillac Reformer. After stretching my legs Leah put stirrups (I hate to use that word ladies, but I can’t think of another) on my feet. I was lying on my back and the stirrups were attached to a frame at my head by long springs. Leah led me through a series of exercises working my legs and lower back. She gave me low resistance springs to protect my knees and back.
At the end of this appointment I bent to pick something up from the floor and was shocked when I moved smoothly and without pain to reach the floor. I even bent again just because I could and it felt good. The stiffness did not return and in the following week I found that my freedom of movement was better than before my back injury.
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