Now that we’ve feasted on turkey, inhaled office holiday sweets, and indulged on Netflix with the family; it’s time for a slim down. The holidays always sneak up on me, and while I enjoy a good Hotty Toddy, a healthy body is what’s on my list for Santa. I partnered with Equinox to check out some of their incredible classes and work with their trainers. I love Equinox and the community of like minded professionals that join their classes keep me empowered an motivated. Plus their Eucalyptus steam room is heavenly after a day in the office.
This season I vowed to add on a new activity to keep my figure in check. I also want to challenge the muscles I don’t usually focus on, like my back and inner thighs. I signed up for Pilates at Equinox to ensure I have an accountability system in place to achieve my goal.
What’s Pilates?
Pilates is a mind-body exercise using a floor mat or a variety of equipment. It evolved from the principles of Joseph Pilates. Hence the name.
The most important concepts of Pilates are that it teaches body awareness, good posture and easy, graceful movement. After a few sessions student will see an improvement in flexibility, agility and economy of motion. In addition, it can even help alleviate back pain. Sign. Me. Up!
Pilates builds strength without excess bulk, capable of creating a sleek, toned body with slender thighs and a flat abdomen. All of these are on my wish list for Santa, which signing up for 6 weeks of classes would ensure I kept it tight and right for the holidays.
Pilates At Equinox
Every Equinox Pilates Studio features a suite of authentic equipment. The studio is intimate and there’s usually 1-2 people training at a time with individual instructors. I like that the sessions are semi-private because it ensures I stay focused. I’m usually a chatty Cathy and easily distracted at the gym.
The cool thing about Pilates is that there are over 500 movement combinations available that keep your body and mind engaged, so you’ll never get bored or hit a plateau. This is what usually happens to me after a few workout routines, so I was up for a challenge.
More importantly, the pilates instructors at Equinox are some of the best in the industry and are certified to train on the equipment. I love that my trainer Natalie answered all of my questions and she’s not only a pilates pro, but also knows about diet and body function. She gave me incredible advice and tips to survive the holidays in the healthiest way possible.
My Results
After 12 private pilates sessions in six weeks with my trainer Natalie, my body felt incredible. I was shocked to see an improvement in my overall strength and balance. And because Pilates helps you focus on proper alignment, my posture has significantly improved. I tell everyone that it feels like I’ve grown an inch taller thanks to my pilates training.
One of the best aspects about my transformation is the balance in my body. For example the, left side of my body is a little weaker, so Natalie created a routine to strengthen those muscles. This way the right side of my bod doesn’t have to work so hard. This is one of the perils dancing ballet for many years and carrying my laptop everywhere in heels. Balancing your body is crucial to alleviate pain and discomfort in the body.
My Pilates transformation gave me defined abs and arms. I found that Pilates is INCREDIBLE for belly blasting because it ensures that the body is contracting the correct muscles. This is the perfect workout after all of those holiday office snack indulgences!
If you’re interested in learning more, Equinox at BCC offers all members a complimentary Pilates session. Use this link and let them know you read about it via Brickelllista. They will give you a complimentary pass to access the gym and amenities, like the eucalyptus steam room!
Make Pilates a part of your holiday slim down and 2019 resolutions. If you do, send me a note on Instagram so I can follow along on your fitness journey.
Interested in kickstarting your resolutions?
+ Learn more about Equinox in Brickell here
+ And check out my fitness inspired Holiday Survival Guide
XO
EV
As one of Miami’s top bloggers, Evelyn Torres has become one of the leading voices in fitness, fashion, and Miami. Brickellista started as a Twitter alias in 2009 and has expanded to become a lifestyle blog capturing a Miami girl’s perspective. Evelyn is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, brand ambassador and on the pulse of the Miami social scene.
Today as founder and Managing Director of BrickellistaFiles.com, Evelyn is not only the face of BrickellistaFiles, but oversees the strategy and direction. She is the driving force behind the brand and has built the go-to site for everything Miami.