A Little Background:In 2006, I was introduced to Pilates by Cynthia Shipely, Romana Certified Level IV Instructor, at Harlem School of the Arts. I had heard a lot about Pilates but never really "tried" it. A good friend of mine who I just happened to be assisting at the school, encouraged me to go with him on Monday nights. I did.....and it totally changed my life and body. Quickly I realized that with all the many years of dance training, weightlifting, cardio etc.....I did not have a strong "powerhouse" or core as most call it. I went EVERY Monday and was sometimes there by myself (yay). I spoke with Cynthia about certification. She strongly recommended True Pilates however, I ended up getting certified through Core Pilates NYC, a Classical Pilates studio in Union Square. The owners were Power Pilates certified. One of the owners/teacher trainers had begun initially with Romana so I guess you could say I am a mixed breed of Power Pilates and Romana's Pilates. So in 2007 I received my mat certification and the following year (2008) my full certification to teach Pilates. I have not looked back since. I have had the pleasure of teaching some wonderful students over the years and still continue to teach them. A lot of them have become friends and mentors.
My ultimate goal is to help change someone's life through Pilates. As one of VERY few women of color in the Pilates world, introducing this wonderful method to communities of color is even more important. Regardless, everyone needs to at least experience it. In the words of Joseph Pilates "Contrology (Pilates) develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit."
Pilates For Real
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2:00pm until 3:00pm
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Come out and support me as I show off my wonderful Pilates (PLUS) moves in the Lululemon window “Commando style.” Take pictures, scream (sorry whisper) my name, tell passer-byers how fantastic I am, be a voyeur without getting arrested, just be there cause you want to support me. Look forward to seeing you there. Your visual support will be much appreciated. Would LOVE if someone would video tape or take pictures for me :) Let me know if you want to help a sistah out ;)
Sonja :)
We are almost 3 months into the year 2013…..most of you have continued on your journey to health and wellness….while others…it’s begun to wane. So what do you do now? You keep going. You start over. You realize that there will be setbacks but it does not have to “set you back.” Think about it….how many people do you know who have had set backs professionally, personally etc. BUT they returned stronger, wiser, better.
Honestly, “setbacks” can work in your stead. This is your time to re-evaluate and figure out what “did” and what “did not” work. Think back when you began to “wane.” What was going on then? Were you experiencing job stress, personal issues, illness etc.? Maybe your job requires you to work long hours or you are just feeling down about some personal issues. How about your support system (s)? Do you have one and was that person(s) actually supportive or more of a hindrance? Not everyone is truly in your corner unfortunately. Was your workout program realistic? Sometimes we can overwhelm ourselves with work outs that are not achievable at this time in our lives. It’s OK. You are NOT nor will you EVER BE the only one who has had a setback.
Maybe you needed this time off. I truly believe our bodies and minds KNOW when we need to “take a chill pill.” Is this that time? If so, take it and don’t let anyone (including yourself) make you feel guilty. BUT get back up again, start again and go back with a new vigor, a fresh insight, a deeper breathe. You can do it! It’s your time, your life, your choice, your body. YOU CAN DO IT J
OMG Women’s Health has a woman w/ 10 lbs dumbbell bells in her hands!!?? She’s gonna bulk up like a bodybuilder! NOT! Damn …now show some women w/muscle yo! NSBH (No Skinny Bitches Here)
Felt pretty BAD ASS today: Squats (a lot) hanging pull ups (meaning I am in a Plank position facing the ceiling…yeah..this shiznit is no joke) reverse lunges w/a kettle bell, push up variation (one hand on floor, one hand on a small step, push up on each side, changing hands), ball slams (oh how LOVE violence lol), plank rows w/dumbbells, plank pulls (??) on the stability ball…proud of myself and really grateful to my friend/co-worker Marcus Tavarez… tomorrow Core, Wednesday Cardio and back on Thursday with MT…my ALL time favorites….Deadlifts. It has begun…..:)
Live & Workout…..FEARLESSLY…….Commando :)
“Commandos are trained to an exceptionally high level, both physically and mentally and expected to perform accordingly. A Commando is mentally tough, quick thinking, innovative and can keep a cool head in difficult and complex situations all over the world”
Continue to eat clean
Lift heavier/Gain more strength/endurance
Work with a personal trainer once per week
Begin to run and be happy about it J
Complete the Civilian Military Combine in September
Write my first fitness article
Become a Certified Personal Trainer (NASM)
Experience a NEW fitness class
Take a yoga class at least once a week
Include Pilates in my workout routine once per week
CHALLENGE MYSELF DAILY WITH SOMETHING NEW J
BE TRUE TO WHO I AM J
JUST BE J
So it’s 2013. Yes it is. You have decided:
“THIS year I am going to get in shape. First thing I am going to do is join a gym. Let’s see there is this cool gym nearby my job and a lot my co-workers go there. Yes, that’s the gym. Once I have my membership, I have a specially designed workout plan for myself. Every day at 6am (at least 6 days a week) I will run a mile or more and afterward I will do some weight training and take a class or two. Now for my diet: No sugar and no carbs. Yes to salads. Ok, I have it all planned out so now I am going to begin all this on January 1, 2013. Go!”
Does this sound anything like you or maybe people you know? Honestly, I am already tired. I think we all have done something similar to this. Generally, for about 2 weeks in you are great. You are feeling wonderful. “Eye of the Tiger” plays every time you walk into the gym. You feel like you are on “fire.” Third week, feeling a little tired, somewhat overwhelmed but still you keep going. You might actually miss a day or two. Fourth week, you are feeling “not so great” but you may have made it to the gym 3 times that week. I do not have to go any further.
Here is my theory about how to stay on track. Most people begin January 1st. During that first week of the New Year, we are all in a “seasonal high.” We feel good after being with family, friends, attending parties etc. We use this “seasonal high” to propel us into “unrealistic eternity.” So here is my suggestion to those who typically fall into this category.
Do not start immediately after December 31st (January 1st or 2nd for most). Instead, give yourself a week to realistically map out what your workout routine will be. Is six days a week realistic for me? Maybe I can begin with two? Perhaps, I need personal trainer to help motivate me. Is there a friend who has similar fitness goals that can be my workout partner and keep me accountable? Maybe classes are best for me right now?
Begin by looking at your current daily schedule. Are some days better than most? How many days can I realistically workout? What are my goals i.e. weight loss, muscle gain, complete a marathon or triathlon. How can this be achieved? Who can help me? What about my diet? Do I know what foods are best for “me?” Am I allergic to anything like gluten, dairy, eggs, tree nuts etc.? Have I spoken to my doctor? Do I have any physical limitations?
All these things need to be taken into account. I guarantee if you allow yourself that week to “plan realistically.” You will less likely be in the group that leaves their gym membership behind in March.
Here’s to a realistic plan for 2013 and fit/healthier bodies J
