Blow Off Some Steam

Today marked day two of my Pilates class. In the last two days, I discovered that much of the work out you do is not in class, but doing normal things when you get out of class. For example, as I was placing a lid on a container at work, my abs tightened. This sounds strange, but normal everyday things were engaging muscles I didn't know that I had pre-Pilates.

A few minutes early, I strolled into class and was far more awake than anyone should be at 6:00 am. Everyone else was mellow and relaxed and my eyes were wide, my movements quick and I was ready to go! I began to regulate my breathing and pushed through the entire class, sore from class on Tuesday.  It was challenging, but I stuck to it and finished the 45 minutes a little more sore than I was when I came to class.

This morning was my first morning of cardio. I used to run, but two sprained ankles later, that is just not a feasible or pleasant workout. I opted for the eliptical and made a deal with myself that if I spent 20 minutes on the eliptical, I would reward myself with 20 minutes in the steam room. Sounds simple enough, right? WRONG. I am sick, my throat is swollen and I am slightly asthmatic, which means that I have a lot of drainage, nausea, chest congestion and shortness of breath. I pushed through with some really awesome music and letting my mind and eyes wander from the timer on the machine.

At the end of the twenty minutes, I wanted to do more. So I did! I did it for about ten more minutes and decided to give it a rest because I didn't want to overwork my sick body. I felt really good and I was ready for my reward. I mosey around the locker room and try to determine what I am or am not supposed to be wearing in the sauna. I remembered a scene from the movie Couples Retreat and I kind of remembered them wearing towels, so I entered the hot, steamy eucalyptus room.

I practiced my new found breathing techniques and eventually became so relaxed that I dozed off. After waking up, I was a little freaked out, but I continued to enjoy my reward. Afterward, I took a really long and amazing shower. My shower is dark because of my shower curtains and faint lighting in my bathroom, so this huge, bright shower was refreshing. After the shower, I spent an inordinate amount of time getting ready-make up, hair and all.

A sausage burrito and some water later, I feel more refreshed, relaxed and motivated. Honestly, I can't wait to go back to the gym! I am kind of thinking of sneaking in some exercise every morning so I can feel like this every day. Also, I'll be doing kickboxing at some point, which will definitely help me blow off a little steam.

with love,

steph