How Hard Do I Have to Work to Get Results from Pilates?

How Hard Do I Have to Work to Get Results from Pilates?

Go Hard or Go Home right?

I’ll be honest, I used to think that pushing myself to the extreme and working out every day was the only way to get results. But I’ve had a change of heart this last year or so.

Yes, I love to get sweaty and yes I love to feel the burn, but I don’t need to feel like I’m about to faint and I’m running on empty! Life is busy enough and I need some energy for the rest of the day, so I’d rather be kinder to myself.

And that’s what I love about Pilates, it’s a smart way of working your body efficiently and effectively, without leaving you burnt out or riddled with aches and pains (well not the bad kind anyway!). I know that when I’m working my body in this way, my mind is connected as well as my core and not only am I working towards being stronger, leaner and fitter, but I’m also continuing to train my body how to move correctly and bringing some calm to every day life. It’s literally like therapy!

So, how do you get results without overdoing it? Consistency. Pure and simple dedication to yourself and your body is the way to get results and to make it a way of life. Yes, you want to work hard enough so that you come away feeling like you’re making positive changes, but not only can you do that in a shorter space of time if you’re doing the RIGHT Kind of movement and doing it correctly, but you can also do it without biting yourself out!

I want to come away feeling exhilarated not exhausted, and that’s the feeling we become addicted to, which keeps us consistent.

October is Mental Health Awareness Month

October is Mental Health Awareness Month

October is Mental Health Awareness Month. Because of this, I wanted to share my story and struggles. As a society we need to talk about mental health more. Every year, 1 out of 5 adults experience mental health issues. Sharing personal mental health experiences such as mine could potentially help people know they are not alone.
My experiences were better than they might have been because of physical activity and physical achievement. This early path led directly to what I do today as a Pilates instructor.

Since the age of 7 I have dealt with Dyslexia and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). Growing up with a learning disability is hard but to be honest, I am who I am today because of the obstacles I have had to overcome. School was never easy for me. Learning to read and comprehension were my biggest challenges. I developed a stutter due to the anxiety of the other children making fun of me. I hated school, and it was a daily struggle. Many children who suffer from ADHD grow up with low self esteem and struggle with depression throughout their adulthood. However, I was extremely lucky to not fall into this statistic. My parents knew it was important all children experience success in order to develop a healthy self esteem; even if that success was not in the classroom. They helped me find that success in figure skating. Everything I wasn’t in the classroom, I was on the ice. I was a completely different child on the ice. Skating helped me to grow up without medications. Most children suffering from ADHD are labeled as “naughty or difficult” kids in the classroom. Because I skated every weekday for 3-4 hours before school I was too tired to misbehave. It was most likely the exercise that helped give me some mental clarity.

In retrospect I am thankful for my struggles as a child. Though many children are not as lucky. 2 out of 3 children diagnosed with ADHD struggle in their adulthood with self esteem related issues. That is a huge number. My savior was skating. Skating provided a path outside of the classroom that lead me to career as a professional figure skater. Every child has a gift and deserves to experience success whether it be in the classroom, theatrical stage, athletic field, or in my case, the ice rink.

That physical activity has continued to help past my childhood and into adulthood. Looking to rehab skating injuries, I got into Pilates and fell in love with it. I became a Pilates instructor and have seen the health benefits of exercise in the lives of my clients. Getting an exercise program you love is easier than ever these days with lots of online options to do from home, on your schedule. Give yourself a boost and make it a goal to improve during Mental Awareness Month and for the rest of the year!

What & When to Eat Pre-Pilates Class

Hi, I’m Jo-emma. A nutritional therapist and health retreat host working with both private clients and within large organisations promoting health and wellness. A keen advocator of plant based nutrition and eco awareness. I will be sharing tasty ideas and beneficial tips to compliment your pilates lifestyle
www.larvinlife.com
instagram larvinlife

As pilates has so much emphasis on your abdominal muscles you certainly won’t want to be going into class with a full tummy. Your core will be fully engaged so a light snack an hour before or two hours for a larger meal before class is ideal. The idea is to be energised not lethargic. We are all different so try different snacks and meals until you find what’s just right for you.
Here are some ideas for a nice light, tasty and nourishing meal;

• A smoothie – A calming green one with some healthy fats such as an Avocado, Apple juice, Green leaves, Banana, Spirulina and almond butter
• Yoghurt and berries – I love the brand “Coconut Collaborative”, a coconut based, dairy free yoghurt which has the added benefits of gut friendly bacteria.
• Lettuce wrap – with some hummus, shredded carrot and raisins, drizzled with some olive oil and lemon
• Soup – sprinkle with some flaked almonds or toasted pine nuts instead of croutons
• Lentil rice cakes – buttered with avocado, lemon juice, sliced cucumber or tomato

What & When to Eat Pre-Pilates Class

Hi, I’m Jo-emma. A nutritional therapist and health retreat host working with both private clients and within large organisations promoting health and wellness. A keen advocator of plant based nutrition and eco awareness. I will be sharing tasty ideas and beneficial tips to compliment your pilates lifestyle
www.larvinlife.com
instagram larvinlife

As pilates has so much emphasis on your abdominal muscles you certainly won’t want to be going into class with a full tummy. Your core will be fully engaged so a light snack an hour before or two hours for a larger meal before class is ideal. The idea is to be energised not lethargic. We are all different so try different snacks and meals until you find what’s just right for you.
Here are some ideas for a nice light, tasty and nourishing meal;

• A smoothie – A calming green one with some healthy fats such as an Avocado, Apple juice, Green leaves, Banana, Spirulina and almond butter
• Yoghurt and berries – I love the brand “Coconut Collaborative”, a coconut based, dairy free yoghurt which has the added benefits of gut friendly bacteria.
• Lettuce wrap – with some hummus, shredded carrot and raisins, drizzled with some olive oil and lemon
• Soup – sprinkle with some flaked almonds or toasted pine nuts instead of croutons
• Lentil rice cakes – buttered with avocado, lemon juice, sliced cucumber or tomato