Align Pilates® Minneapolis

This morning, I took my first Pilates reformer class.

As this was only my second experience with Pilates (the first being a mat class I took a million and a half months ago), it certainly does not come naturally to me. And at 7:00 am, it comes even less naturally. Ergo, I struggled with certain details, like figuring out where to put my feet, hands and limbs so I didn’t go flying off of the equipment and become the first woman ever to suffer a Pilates-induced concussion.

Luckily, I love a class that can laugh…both with me and at me.

When I walked into Julie Odderman’s class, I immediately admitted that I did not, by any stretch of the imagination, know what I was doing. Julie replied, “That’s really very okay.” She wasn’t lying. Throughout class, she was equally attentive to her four students, was quick to adjust and help correct our postures and, in my case, point us in the right direction. Literally. And all this with a smile and an optimistic joke. Her good humor and support kept the class enjoyable and lighthearted. And I indeed felt really very okay.

Thus, I managed to get through my first class without any significant bodily damage and I feel great. I’m already looking forward to the next session.

But the best part? When it came time for pushups, Julie went easy and allotted only three to me.

I think this is the start of a beautiful reformer relationship.

The healthiest picks for your weekend pleasures and indulgences.



Bits and Bites

Matisse and Jack’s Bake at Home Snacks

• What: Customizable bite-size snacks made from the comfort of your own kitchen.
• Why: Home is where all muffin tops are accepted.
• Where: Find recipes online at M&J.

Got to Have It

Hardtail Roll Down Short

• What: A solution to your warm weather workout wardrobe woes.
• Why: We wear short shorts.
• Where: Available online at Londo Mondo

Around Town

Minneapolis Recycle Run

• What: A local 5krun and a great opportunity to recycle those old running shoes. Proceeds go toward watershed clean up efforts.
• Why: Run [for the] forest run.
• When: Sunday, April 19th
• Where: Registration takes place at the Lake Harriet Bandshell, 4135 Lake Harriet Parkway.

I Think I Can

Lance Armstrong Nike Commercial

• What: Watch one of the world’s most motivational men do what he does best.
• Why: Cutie patootie.
• Where: Online at You Tube.

As with any type of education, you’ll tend to get the most out of a Pilates class when you feel you have a good connection with the instructor. Feeling confident and comfortable with his or her communication and guidance not only allows you to perform your practice safely, but it also ensures you get the most out of your experience. After all, Pilates classes are not a one size fits all.

This article is great if Pilates has peeked your interest, but you are not quite sure where or how to start taking a class. It offers 8 key steps for choosing an instructor that meshes with your goals. However, may we suggest that your make a small edit? Print out the article, grab a red pen, and above step 1 write: Go to Align Pilates.

Patti Stanger, the so-called Millionaire Matchmaker, is a bit annoying but does make a good point. Looking for women? Hot women? They do yoga and pilates.

Join now.

Although it’s -20 below right now and the closest anybody is getting to lush fields of green and warm sunshine is through their TV set, let’s talk golf.

Pilates for Golf can help your golf game on and off the course. Pilates promotes control, discipline of smaller movements, better alignment, good posture and flexibility which are all very important to your golf game.

And hell, if it helps people like Tiger Woods and Rocco Mediate it may be worth a try.

Start on your training now and you’ll be better and stronger for your game this spring. Once your clubs thaw.