I’m a Smith and I’ve fallen in love with Pilates

Most people would say getting a dog is something that makes you more active. However, most people don’t have the freedom to be as active as I was prior to bringing home my new puppy. I was hiking everyday, running in the mornings, at-home workouts in-between. I was totally in the groove of fitness and had a passion for doing as much as I could, while still taking appropriate rest. Insert dog, my allowance for rest now not nearly enough. Long days with a puppy led to napping when he naps, stop-drag-and-pull walking, and spending too much time stuck at home snacking. My at-home workouts were no longer for my convenience as laying a mat down on the floor was basically an invitation for playtime wrestles and kiss attacks. I gained back about 10 pounds within 6 months. The first weight gained since I started losing weight. 


My morning walks were brightened with hope as the vacant building we often strolled past popped up with “Pilatesmith Opening Soon” signs! Pilates wasn’t something I was super aware of until moving to LA. My fittest friends swore by it and I would soon learn that it’s the type of workout that never peaks. I am a sucker for a challenge. 


I‘ve had trouble getting onboard the yoga ship. I see the effects, athletic physique, passionate minds, community and events that come along with it, and I’m impressed. However, it doesn’t seem to be the thing that gets me excited to sweat. I always say try something twice if it’s not an obvious no. I‘ve pushed myself past my comfort zone trying to make yoga fit in my life, but the truth is, it’s not for me. 


I’m fast paced. I talk fast, I walk fast, I don’t like to sit still. I get the appeal of yoga. Help me slow down. Allow me the energy to be a person who can sit still and focus on my breathing. However, this isn’t an area of my life that I have desire to change. I’ve learned to love my drive. I’ve even learned to love my talkative, quirky tone. My energy is my charm. I believe I’m capable of relaxing and do practice that often. When it comes to my workouts though, I like to keep my rhythm with my natural energy. 


I’m the type of person who likes to feel myself getting stronger. I want to see the progress within each exercise. I don’t have to look different within a week, but I need to feel different. Pilates is a workout that pushes strength without a plateau. Reformer-based workouts offer an ample amount of exercises.  Endless goals can be reached and there really are no limits to what workouts can be assembled. I’m never bored, and I’m always satisfied. The more Pilates I practice, the better I get to know my body. I learn how to work specific muscles and breath accordingly to get a better workout each and every time I show up. If you’re tired of repetitive, high-impact workouts, such as running on a treadmill, jumping rope, etc, you may want to give Pilates a shot. 


If you’ve read enough of my blog, you’ve probably caught on by now that control is an aspect of my life that is very important to me. I train at Pilatesmith Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and I can make each workout as easy or as hard as I desire. I can focus on my legs, my arms, my core, my hips, etc. Sometimes when I’m having an emotional or exhausting morning, I create a more meditative workout to fit my mood. There have been only a couple days when I haven’t wanted to show up. Days where I felt obligated to put aside everything and take care of my feelings first. One of these days I did cancel. I validated myself and took a mental health day. While I still believe this is important and recognize the worth of these days, the day I forced myself to go felt more therapeutic. I have NEVER regretted going to Pilates. Pilates is completely customizable and completely in my control. No matter what my mood is entering Pilatesmith’s doors, I ALWAYS walk out feeling stronger. 


Pilatesmith is not a gym, and it’s not a studio. Pilatesmith is a home. They’re my family. The owner, Jessica, has not only become a mentor to me, but she has become a close friend. I vent to her about things in my life that feel stressful, but I also go get free donuts with her on National Donut Day. Who doesn’t want a trainer who eats donuts and still represents body goals?! That’s the kind of fit life I’m talking about! The other trainer I work with, Talia, is like a sister. Play mixed with torture. Unlike a real sister, her torture is always with good intention. She counts VERY slowly and then once she finishes a set, will occasionally surprise you with an extra count of 10 and a smirk on her face to match. She whips me into shape while we share laughs and dance parties. I look forward to not only my workouts, but my play dates with my friends. Anna, Courtney, and Julia at the front desk are some of the sweetest women I’ve ever met. So accommodating and respectful of whatever vibe I bring into the waiting area before my sessions. Michelle and Sophia are some of the other trainers I’ve taken from and interacted with and they both have the type of energy that you just can’t help but smile when you see them. I couldn’t be more grateful that Pilatesmith was my first experience with Pilates. I fell in love and my workouts are what I look forward to most in my week. 


If you live in the LA area, you should DEFINITELY check out Pilatesmith for your workout regimen.