The Power of Pilates

Last summer, I lived in bikinis.
This summer, I've been hiding under the largest shirts and jackets I can find.
After months of struggling with what to wear to hide my muffin top (and not the typical mini muffin... I'm talking the ginormous "Otis Spunkenmeyer" muffin tops!),
I was on a mission to get in shape.

Ahh... the days when I could eat anything and my metabolism would just take care of it all are long gone.

After 2 weeks eating only potatoes in Africa (Yeah... I went to Africa and came back fat.  Ironic, I know), eating out a few times a week, and lots of bbqs, I found that I have to wear my "fat" clothes and underwear  =(

My typical work out regimen usually consisted of my Yoga and Yoga/Pilates DVDs and perhaps an occasional trip to my gym downstairs.  It wasn't cutting it.  I needed to step up the game.

For the past 3 weeks, I've been doing Pilates.
-Now, I never really liked pilates because it just seemed way too difficult: Just the word "100" (which is a basic pilates move) made me flinch.
However, I decided to give the Winsor Pilates DVD another chance.  My friend and I did the basic DVD for 20 minutes, and it wasn't as difficult as I'd thought.

So, if you want to shape up and slim down pretty quickly, I suggest finding a pilates regimen that works for you.
-I've only been doing 20-40 min workouts 3x a week for the past 3 weeks and my friends have all been commenting on how I lost a lot of weight, I'm starting to fit back into my normal size clothes, and I don't feel as gross as I did this past summer.

Here are the DVDs that I've been using:

Winsor Pilates:
This is a great set for beginners and intermediate.  She teaches you the basic pilates moves.
I've used the Basics and the 20 minute workout. 
If it's too difficult, there's always a person to watch for an easy version. 
I don't even lift my head up half the time.  But I do see myself getting more flexible and the moves are getting easier the more I do it.

Element Pilates Weight Loss For Beginners
I actually prefer this DVD.
It's not too difficult (and I just stretch if it is too hard) and it goes from one move to the next fairly quickly and easily.
It tones and lengthens with some light cardio mixed in.


So, if you also have put on some weight and aren't happy with your physical body/health, try Pilates and you might be surprised at the changes you'll go through. 
And don't forget to BREATHE  (In through your nose, Out through your mouth)

*~ Have a Beautiful Day! ~*