My muscles feel like Jello.
Oooey goooey jiggly Jello.
For the most part, boot camp has been pretty low key. One of the reasons I signed up for this boot camp in particular was because it was low impact (which me and my still healing body needed), and because the first week was supposed to be fairly easy. The goal is to teach the basics this week, and then ramp up the intensity next week. After 3 days of attending, I can attest to the fact that there wasn’t a moment where I worried I was pushing myself too hard. Yes, there have been a few times when I have felt the burn. A few poses where I have silently begged for the instructor to tell us to go back to neutral and take a breath. But for the most part – those have each been few and far between.
Until today.
With the boot camp, we also received 2 free sessions in a regular class. The goals is likely to give us a taste of what typical classes consist of before we decide whether or not to sign on for a complete Pilate’s membership.
This morning, against my better judgment (and the side of me that wants only to sleep in on Saturdays), I crawled out of bed and threw on my sports bra and yoga pants. I figured I should head down to the studio and check out my first real class.
Let me tell you – I was not prepared.
It was still a class for beginners. One meant to take things at a slower pace and make accommodations for those who aren’t quite “there” yet. But while I have been at the very least towards the middle of the group in boot camp, I quickly lagged behind in this class.
It was a straight hour of consistent movements and muscle engaging. Yes, it was Pilates rather than an hour on the treadmill (so the truth is that I still barely broke a sweat) but… that does not mean it wasn’t the most intense workout I’ve had in a very long time.
And as a result – my legs are still shaking. Four hours later.
I strained, and pushed, and struggled through poses I’m not entirely sure I’m designed for. For the first time all week I felt an ache near my left incision and had to temper what I was doing with consideration of the fact that I just had major abdominal surgery 5 weeks ago. I was forgetting to breathe, and focusing on muscle groups I’m fairly sure I forgot about a long time ago.
But I did it. I still have the shakes, but I did it.
And even though I now feel like I want to spend the rest of the day curled up in bed being as lazy as humanly possible, I’m proud of myself.
And I am fastly falling in love with Pilates.
It feels good to use my muscles again. To push myself beyond what I think I can handle. To pinpoint certain areas and focus all of my attention on engaging.
It even feels good to have the shakes.
But now, I’m taking two days off.
Next boot camp class isn’t until Monday.
And this girl?
She may just need all of that time to get her muscles to stop feeling like Jello.
ADSPACE
