Getting a full body blast at Pilates Evolution in Cherry Creek North. Photo: Pilates Evolution
By Lesley Kennedy
“Oh, I’m just naturally thin — I actually have to eat burgers and drink shakes to keep weight on” seems to be a common celebrity refrain, along with “How do I look this great? Oh, I do a lot of Pilates.”
For a long time now, I have read these sorts of statements from super skinny stars such as Jessica Alba, Nicole Richie and Megan Fox as I roll my eyes, polish off another pint of Ben & Jerry’s and chalk the whole Pilates craze up to a bunch of celebrity weight loss BS.
But, secretly, I’ve been curious about this whole Pilates deal. As a basic workout kind of gal (there’s a reason I’ve stuck with boot camp for so long), I must admit I envisioned the program as something sample-sized stars sipping their Starbucks Venti lattes in designer yoga pants did to excuse the fact that their legs are skinnier than my arms. But, I also started hearing from friends that Pilates totally changed their figures. I believe the term “rock hard abs” was even used.
So, faced with my own weight-loss plateau — not to mention swimsuit season looming ahead, when Pilates Evolution in Cherry Creek North challenged me to try three months of classes, I couldn’t say no.
Getting started
At Pilates Evolution, classes are small – exercisers use one of 10 Proformer machines in the loft-like space – so there’s lots of personal attention from the trainers and no chance to cheat. The Proformer, designed by Los Angeles-based Sebastien Lagree of SPX Fitness, is like a supercharged traditional Pilates Reformer. The cable system and springs let you change up the resistance, the non-stop movements give you a cardio blast and strength training? Oh, you can’t miss that. Legs, core, biceps, core, triceps, did I mention core? In just 40 minutes a session, you get a total body blast that leaves you completely energized, if not a bit wobbly.
My apologies to all those actresses and singers I’ve rolled my eyes at. Pilates is no joke.
Now, I’m not exactly a workout novice. In fact, I’ve been in boot camp shape for months, so, even though I was thoroughly warned about how sore I would be after my first session at Pilates Evolution, I wasn’t too worried. But, working out on that machine – in bare winter-worn feet, no less – now, that had me concerned. And waking up at 6 a.m. three days a week to make a 7 a.m. class? I would classify that as terrifying.
Core power at Pilates Evolution. Photo: Pilates Evolution
The first workout had me huffing and puffing. Wait … was that a grunt I just let out? Oh, Lord. What have I gotten myself into? I have trouble enough keeping my balance as I simply walk down the street, but add in lunges and skater strides — on a moving platform — and my legs were shaking and burning, using muscles I never knew I had.
And those core exercises? Hello, obliques. My name is Lesley. It’s nice to meet you.
Leaving class that first day, I just tried not to fall down the stairs as I headed to my car.
Classes two and three were with different instructors – all with their own styles, all equally hard. At times I felt dizzy, lightheaded and weak. I think I almost puked twice. But I also felt empowered, alert and strong. And the words trainer Shannon Sidwell shared would soon stick in my mind as a mantra at each before-sunrise workout: “With every kick, think: Bikini Butt. Bikini Butt.”
Bikini Butt. Bikini Butt.
Getting into the groove
As the first four weeks of my 12-week challenge marched on, I found myself actually looking forward to the early morning workouts. Sure, I was rising in the pitch dark (thanks Daylight Savings Time), but on my way back home I knew I had done something great for myself – and it wasn’t even 8 a.m. yet.
I’m still a little slow in class, but I’m managing to make the lightening fast transitions between exercises more quickly (hey, those straps are hard to master). Plus, all those silly exercise names – Giant Wheelbarrow, Teaser, Sexy Back, Mermaid — I can even remember what some of them are now. And when I hear “Get ready for Scrambled Eggs” I know it’s time for seriously intense leg lifts – not an escape to Village Inn for breakfast.
Bikini butt. Bikini Butt.
And then a funny thing happened. Despite the 6 a.m. shriek of the alarm clock, I found myself more energized than I had been in years. Between kids and work, I’d manage to find time most Pilates days to sneak in a second cardio workout. And I was still doing my beloved boot camp three days a week, too.
All that effort even made me want to eat better. True, weekends still tend to be a free-for-all (two words: Park. Burger.) — while I can do the same workout as Jessica Alba, I’m afraid I’ll never be able to follow her diet. But I’m working on it.
So, at the end of week four of the great Pilates challenge of 2010, I faced my nemesis, The Scale, and shocker of all shockers – I had lost six pounds. Maybe these celebrities are onto something after all – and that swimsuit shape isn’t that far behind.
Bikini Butt. Bikini Butt.
Coming next month: Pilates Challenge, month two
Wanna try it? Pilates Evolution, 221 Detroit St. (upstairs at Djuna), click here for pricing and class information. Want 10 percent off? Of course you do! Click here for information on a special deal for Denveralamode.com readers.
Related posts: