Next on my mission to try new things is a Pilates mat class. Ok, so technically this isn’t totally new for me since I took Pilates back in college but it’s been many many years. Trust me. Anyway, when I decided to rediscover my rock hard abs I was pointed in the direction of The Lift Pilates Studio, located inside the Milwaukee Athletic Club downtown. (Don’t worry- you need not be a member of MAC to take a class here.)
First of all let’s get this question out of the way: What exactly is Pilates? The short answer is that it’s series of exercises developed by Joseph Pilates that focus on the muscles in your “powerhouse”. (Translation: abdominals, pelvic floor, hip joints and lower back). There is also great attention brought to proper breathing and alignment of the spine. Precision and muscle control are very important in the Pilates method as every movement has a purpose. The primary focus is on the quality of movement rather than quantity.
What can you expect if you decide to take a mat class? Well, the days that I’ve attended the class size was very small, which is nice because that means you get a lot of personal attention and adjustments. (The first time I went I was actually the only one that showed up so I got a private class! ) The instructors there are very good at offering modifications to the exercises as needed and give helpful, gentle corrections. I also appreciated that there were straps at the bottom of the mat to hook your feet under sometimes if you needed the extra help. Yes, It will feel like a lot to think about at first when you’re trying to discover the proper alignment, focus on your core and remember to breathe all at the same time, however, please don’t be intimidated! I feel like a broken record when I say things like this but you don’t need to walk into the studio and already be an expert. Why else would you be going to the class in the first place? I by no means have the exercises mastered but when I left the studio last week I felt my abdominal muscles were engaged, my spine was lengthened and my legs felt long and limber. I notice that I want to sit a bit taller in my seat on the drive home and I pay more attention to my posture in general throughout the day. Just think of the possibilities if I keep it up!
If you are interested in an getting an introduction to Pilates there are two mat fundamentals classes coming up. The first is on Saturday, February 6th at 11:30AM and the second is Monday, February 8th at 6:30pm. I’ve also gotten wind of a possible Fit Milwaukee beginner class starting at the end of February. Stay tuned for more information!
Where:
The Lift Pilates
758 N. Broadway
(Inside Milwaukee Athletic Club)
8th Floor
414-324-2219
You can also follow @pilatesmke on Twitter!
If you’d like to get an idea what some of the mat exercises look like before attending a class, I recommend the book The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler. Back when I was originally learning the series I found it a helpful addition to my practice at home. There are detailed descriptions of each exercise as well as modifications for beginners and extras for more advanced levels. There are many copies available right now at various Milwaukee libraries.
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