Cross Train

I've mentioned in the past that part of my training regimen includes cross training.  Up until recently I have been doing Pilates and spinning.  I found myself complaining incessantly about my spinning class.  Really it's not the class I don't like it's the music.  The instructor didn't seem to put any thought into the music for the class.  It was almost like she switched her iPod to her "Crappy 90's music" play list and we were off.  There were several times when she would actually say "Don't focus on the song, it'll get faster eventually."  Really?  Don't focus on the blaring music?  I even went so far as to ask a friend that teaches spinning to give me her play list in the hopes that I could pass it along to my wayward instructor.

Over the holidays I met someone new.  Someone that I strongly believe will change my life.  This person is everything I always wanted...in an aerobics instructor.   She encompasses all the qualities I have been trying to achieve my entire life.  She's tall, blond and skinny.  When this woman walks into a Walmart everyone would turn to look at her and say "Hey, there goes a Pilates instructor."  I'm certain they would say this even if they had no idea what Pilates was.  She substituted for my regular Pilates instructor over the holidays and I discovered that she not only taught Pilates, but spinning, step and core classes.

It was a no brainer.  Leave Crappy 90's spinning for one of her classes at the same time. 

The class?  It is called Cutting Edge Core.  I had know idea what it was or what it would entail but I figured I would give it a try.  So I went.  I was so excited that I was actually the first person there.  When an older man came through the doors I introduced myself and asked him what equipment I would need for the class.  He explained to me that we would need a BUSO.  A BUSO is essentially half of a balance ball that you use in Pilates that is placed on a mount.  It looks like the bubble in the middle of the game Trouble and I must admit I thought it would be a lot of fun to jump on.  I would learn otherwise.

As he was helping me pull out a BUSO for the class she came in, the instructor.  She seemed excited to see me and shook my hand to introduce herself to me.  I didn't bother to tell her we had met before.  I figured her classes are full of short, chubby, brunettes that are trying to figure out how to get those genetics to rub off.  She informed us that we were using not one, but two BUSOs in today's class.  Oh boy!

So here is a short description of the class.  I attempted to get on the BUSOs to do the exercise being demonstrated, I fell off.  I tried, I fell off.  This continued for one full hour. 

At the end of the class the instructor came over to ask me how I liked it.  I smiled and told her it was very challenging.  She told me that it never gets easier.  I thought to myself that she never wanted me to come back.  She must have seen the terror in my face and said it does become more doable, but it will always be challenging.  Ok...I'm up for the challenge.

This weekend I did some extra cross training.  My wonderful in-laws gave me admission to a Pilates for runners class at their gym.  So this past Saturday I left Sam with instructions on the baby and headed out.  I won't bore you with all the details of the class but I do want to share some truly awesome stretch/massages that I learned.  We used a foam roller in the class which is a three foot long cylinder that is about eight inches in diameter.  After a run the instructor suggested laying on top of the roller and supporting yourself in a plank position and rolling over the quads and shins.  Then move to your side and massage the outer thigh or IT band. This is the massage I am demonstrating in the photo below (I'm trying hard to smile through it!).  And finally roll over to massage the hamstring.  I must warn you it will hurt like a mother, especially the IT band massage.  You will probably hate me and swear that you will never read my blog again while you are doing the massage.  But when its over you'll love me again.  Trust me. 

P.S. A couple of you have complained that you are following my blog but aren't getting notifications of new posts.  The "Subscribe" button to the right should resolve that issue.  If you want email notifications of new posts you can subscribe to get them by entering your email there.  I aim to please.