The day has finally come.
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| | | | I've always known that exercise is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, but I never enjoyed doing it, as you may remember me writing about earlier this year. I tried Brazilian jiu-jitsu, yoga, running, biking — nothing kept me consistently interested. | | A couple of months ago, I asked my best friend if she wanted to be workout buddies and to keep each other accountable. We agreed that we didn't want to sign up for any old gym — we needed something fun and new that we could look forward to doing together. | | Today, I gush over my new favorite form of physical activity that immediately hooked me: Pilates! | | | | Let's go,
Morgan Mandriota
Newsletter Editor, Healthline | | | | |
| |  | | Written by Morgan Mandriota
July 31, 2024 • 3.5 min read | | | | | | | |
| |  | | | I'm newly obsessed with Pilates | | Pilates is a low impact, adaptable, whole-body exercise program that's designed to help you take on daily life. My favorite instructor (hi, Julia!) says the way we move in class supports us outside of class.️ | | Every movement, done in combination with intentional breathing and specialized equipment like the reformer or ring (which we spotlight later on), prepares our bodies to pick up pets, babies, and heavy boxes, brace for potential falls, and increase mobility. It's functional — and fun!️ | | We found a boutique studio with intimate class sizes (seven people maximum!) so getting started didn't feel as intimidating. We took three beginner's classes before bumping up to the regular, more advanced classes. All of the instructors are super kind and encouraging, give clear instructions, and offer modifications for us if we can't get into moves just yet. And I'm absolutely loving it so far! | | Instead of aimlessly wandering around a gym for hours, I love going to a structured 50-minute class run by a certified professional. I also enjoy working out with my best friend. Having accountability and socializing really helps to keep me committed. And I've gotta say, I've never felt so sore after exercising before. It's hard to walk up and down stairs for days, and it feels amazing.️️ | | Since starting, I feel happier, more aware of my posture (read: slouching), and a bit stronger. Research has also found that Pilates can help:️️ | - relieve back pain
- prevent injuries
- support your joints and muscles
- strengthen your core
- increase energy
- improve flexibility
| | The only downside so far is that I won't shut up about this new obsession. I'm also spending way too much money on new workout clothes and cute grippy socks so I don't slip on the reformer … but those might just be personal problems.️️ | | All this to say, it's possible to find a workout you like! My advice: Keep trying different things, even if you want to throw up before your first class out of nerves like me. Eventually, you just might find something that will stick.️️ | | | | | | | |
| | | | Put a ring on it | | | | | | |  | | Balanced Body Pilates Ring | | The Pilates ring is a prop you can use to add resistance to certain moves. My instructor calls it the "Ring of Death." The first time I ever used it, she had us put it behind our backs and squeeze it with open palms, and this flexible ring didn't budge an OUNCE. The next day, my shoulders and arms were on fire. You can work out with this ring in a million different ways — no Pilates membership or reformer required. | | | Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Store's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Store are owned by RVO Health. | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | *It can not be combined with your health insurance. Healthline and Optum Perks are owned by RVO Health. By using this Optum Perks service, we may receive a tangible benefit. | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | We'll be doing our monthly edition of You Asked, We Answered soon! Here's your reminder to email wellnesswire@healthline.com with any general health and wellness questions that you would like us to look into. (Please note that we may use your name and response in an upcoming newsletter.) | | | | | | |
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