What's it all about?
Not so long ago I wrote a piece about new exercise crazes, so I thought that it was about time that I tried another for myself. I tend to give these phases a tiny go, but usually get bored and give up. I'm not the most consistent of people, as I'm sure you'll have guessed by now. I did really like Zumba when I used to do that, but then got pregnant and it went by the wayside. Let's not forget my recent dabble in a running club! I would like to try running again, but definitely not in a big group situation!
Piloxing then. It's billed as being a class which combines Pilates with boxing, two things which have opposing characteristics to begin with. The official description of Piloxing, as taken from www.piloxing.com is "A NON-STOP, CARDIO FUSION OF STANDING PILATES, BOXING AND DANCE THAT WILL PUSH YOU PAST YOUR LIMITS FOR A SLEEK, SEXY, POWERFUL™ YOU! " I almost gave up at "cardio fusion", but interest got the better of me.
In layman's terms, piloxing is a mixture of Pilates' strengthening and toning moves, with some boxercise (remember when that was THE class to go to?) to boost cardio. It's done in intervals, starting with a stretch and warm up, then a set of Pilates moves, followed by a set of boxercise, with these two styles being repeated. For the "cool down" we took to the floor to do some mat works, mainly crunches. It was enjoyable, a lot more so than expected, and I will go back next week. I need to work on my balance, and on my coordination to a certain extent, but other than that I did quite well for a beginner.
How will you benefit from Piloxing?
Ultimately, my number one goal is to lose weight, but I have been thinking more and more about toning my arms and legs. Piloxing will certainly help with this, as the Pilates side of the class very much focuses on body sculpting and toning. The beauty of Piloxing is that there is plenty of scope for a cardio workout too, which will improve my fitness levels and burn that dreaded fat.
You could also use Piloxing as a social activity- especially if you're a bit sad like me and find that exercising is the only "hobby" you seem to do. The class tonight wasn't overly busy; there were about 10 other women there of different ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. I went on my own, which was liberating actually (more on this in a second), but I felt welcomed by the other women and by the instructor.
If you're into classes, but want something that will give you a feminine figure rather than anything too bulky, then I would imagine that this is perfect for you. I'm going to continue to do this just once a week as I'd rather use something like Piloxing for toning, rather than doing weights or circuits (personal preference, that's all). I'll combine it with what I already to, which is the gym, swimming and the odd powerwalk.
Other news
I was congratulating myself on going to Piloxing on my own, as at one point in life I wouldn't even have considered this, and I started thinking about my attitude to exercise. The odd walk being exempt, I do seem to enjoy exercising on my own more than with other people. I think it's because I am losing weight for me, and nobody else, so why do I need the comfort of other people to go to the gym, or go swimming with? It keeps the focus on myself and how I am doing, rather than how I'm doing compared to other people. The only pressure I feel going on my own is from myself, and I can take things at my pace, and do things in my own way. It's also the only hour or so of my day that I get to myself, so it's quite good for my mental health as it gives me time to think everything through and reflect on things. I know I mentioned this earlier in my blogging life, but six weeks on and I haven't taken an anti-depressant since starting my new regime. I feel much happier and healthier and I think that it's a good thing that I've done this on my own. Please don't get me wrong, I love the support that I have from all of you, but there's a difference between supporting me, and holding my hand while I actually do the exercise. I need to be able to go out an do things for myself, without relying too heavily on others. I am talking about the literal, physical act of doing the exercise and doing the diet here. The moral support is something I know that I couldn't do without.
Ok, so I am feeling the ache from Piloxing already. I probably won't be able to move in the morning!
Ali xxx
Not so long ago I wrote a piece about new exercise crazes, so I thought that it was about time that I tried another for myself. I tend to give these phases a tiny go, but usually get bored and give up. I'm not the most consistent of people, as I'm sure you'll have guessed by now. I did really like Zumba when I used to do that, but then got pregnant and it went by the wayside. Let's not forget my recent dabble in a running club! I would like to try running again, but definitely not in a big group situation!
Piloxing then. It's billed as being a class which combines Pilates with boxing, two things which have opposing characteristics to begin with. The official description of Piloxing, as taken from www.piloxing.com is "A NON-STOP, CARDIO FUSION OF STANDING PILATES, BOXING AND DANCE THAT WILL PUSH YOU PAST YOUR LIMITS FOR A SLEEK, SEXY, POWERFUL™ YOU! " I almost gave up at "cardio fusion", but interest got the better of me.
In layman's terms, piloxing is a mixture of Pilates' strengthening and toning moves, with some boxercise (remember when that was THE class to go to?) to boost cardio. It's done in intervals, starting with a stretch and warm up, then a set of Pilates moves, followed by a set of boxercise, with these two styles being repeated. For the "cool down" we took to the floor to do some mat works, mainly crunches. It was enjoyable, a lot more so than expected, and I will go back next week. I need to work on my balance, and on my coordination to a certain extent, but other than that I did quite well for a beginner.
How will you benefit from Piloxing?
Ultimately, my number one goal is to lose weight, but I have been thinking more and more about toning my arms and legs. Piloxing will certainly help with this, as the Pilates side of the class very much focuses on body sculpting and toning. The beauty of Piloxing is that there is plenty of scope for a cardio workout too, which will improve my fitness levels and burn that dreaded fat.
You could also use Piloxing as a social activity- especially if you're a bit sad like me and find that exercising is the only "hobby" you seem to do. The class tonight wasn't overly busy; there were about 10 other women there of different ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. I went on my own, which was liberating actually (more on this in a second), but I felt welcomed by the other women and by the instructor.
If you're into classes, but want something that will give you a feminine figure rather than anything too bulky, then I would imagine that this is perfect for you. I'm going to continue to do this just once a week as I'd rather use something like Piloxing for toning, rather than doing weights or circuits (personal preference, that's all). I'll combine it with what I already to, which is the gym, swimming and the odd powerwalk.
Other news
I was congratulating myself on going to Piloxing on my own, as at one point in life I wouldn't even have considered this, and I started thinking about my attitude to exercise. The odd walk being exempt, I do seem to enjoy exercising on my own more than with other people. I think it's because I am losing weight for me, and nobody else, so why do I need the comfort of other people to go to the gym, or go swimming with? It keeps the focus on myself and how I am doing, rather than how I'm doing compared to other people. The only pressure I feel going on my own is from myself, and I can take things at my pace, and do things in my own way. It's also the only hour or so of my day that I get to myself, so it's quite good for my mental health as it gives me time to think everything through and reflect on things. I know I mentioned this earlier in my blogging life, but six weeks on and I haven't taken an anti-depressant since starting my new regime. I feel much happier and healthier and I think that it's a good thing that I've done this on my own. Please don't get me wrong, I love the support that I have from all of you, but there's a difference between supporting me, and holding my hand while I actually do the exercise. I need to be able to go out an do things for myself, without relying too heavily on others. I am talking about the literal, physical act of doing the exercise and doing the diet here. The moral support is something I know that I couldn't do without.
Ok, so I am feeling the ache from Piloxing already. I probably won't be able to move in the morning!
Ali xxx
