Character is, for the most part,simply habit become fixed. C. H. Parkhurst
Update: 30 minutes combined cardio + toning: Pilates Workout for Dummies DVD.
I guess I’m one of those people who feels like I know how good my workout was by how sweaty my shirt is. So Pilates and I, especially when you consider my less-than-stellar sense of balance, are not exactly bosom buddies. The DVD introduction was long, by my standards, and I skipped part of it. “Just get to the exercises, lady!” The exercises look simple. They are simple. Just don’t equate simple with easy.
The point of Pilates is to build a strong core, as explained on the Balanced Body website.:
Building on the principles of Joseph Pilates, Pilates exercises develop a strong “core,” or center of the body. The core consists of the deep abdominal muscles along with the muscles closest to the spine. Control of the core is achieved by integrating the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle.
I do not have a strong core. This truth became clear to me about halfway through the “Basic” section of the DVD (which, you remember, is for dummies). I finished up, and my legs were sore for the rest of the day. By night, I could feel all the muscles in my back talking, and they were not saying good things to me.
So, I call that a successful workout, even though my shirt wasn’t sweaty, the music was slow, and there was a long introduction. It is a good change from my normal choice of fitness activity: upbeat, quick movements, more emphasis on energy than accuracy. Pilates requires concentration and control and produces a more intense effect than I would have predicted.
Resources: Read more about the history of Pilates, how to get started at home with Pilates, or watch a video that introduces some basic Pilates stretches or another video that focuses on Pilates for abs.
If you still need some healthy eating ideas, check out About.com’s list of Top 10 Low Fat Recipes for Spring and get inspired. I’m not a fan of just substituting low or non-fat versions of things to make a recipe “healthier,” so I will skip the two dessert options (Key Lime Bars and Creme Brulee). But the Spring Salmon Salad sounds great, and I want to try the Pea and Mint Soup. With full-fat sour cream, though, or none at all, thank you very much.
Tip: To make changes toward healthier eating, start with small changes in what you keep at home. Don’t buy another bag of chips or box of Little Debbies, or even some processed, organic concoction. The healthiest eating is simple food in its most unaltered form: a fresh apple, orange, banana, or kiwi for a snack; lightly steamed carrots or broccoli tossed in sea salt and a pat of good butter for a dinner side. Make a few changes on your next grocery trip, and get some fresh, good stuff instead of that boxed, processed “non-food” you’ve been eating. You can do it!
Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. Proverbs 3:7-8