My Pilates Journey with So Young Pilates
By Sara Nesheiwat
What first brought you to So Young Pilates?
The reason I decided to start Pilates was because I was already on a health journey with food for the past year, but had yet to incorporate physical exercise into the journey. Through a well maintained diet I had lost a significant amount of weight in 9 months but I felt I wanted to see a bigger change in my body. I knew that I had to incorporate some sort of structured exercise regimen with an instructor. I am not someone who knows what to do without being shown and without the routine being explained and I wanted to be pushed. I asked around the hospital I worked in and was shocked at how many nurses are in Pilates and the passion they had when telling me to also join. This ultimately led me to So Young Pilates - a studio down the street from me that I would pass by regularly. The convenience of the location and positive feedback from fellow Pilates students and the easy sign up let me know that I made the correct choice.
How did you feel after your first class?
My very first Pilates class was January 3rd - I was asked to arrive a little early so that So Young could explain the class and the proper use of the reformers before the other students started filling in. For someone who has never done Pilates, the reformers essentials class was easy to understand and follow. It definitely took some adjustment to hear instructions out loud and then tell my body to perform what is being said! After the class I felt soreness in areas I had no idea about! But I was relieved that it only lasted 24 hours and I felt amazing two days later. After that weekend of classes I knew Pilates was for me and literally bought my next package!
What’s changed for you (physically or mentally) since starting Pilates?
The physical changes I have seen since starting will always blow my mind. The areas I went in wanting to work on were my arms (toning them) and waist line (I wanted to slim the sides to create a more narrow hour class) and to slime and tone my legs. From regular weekly classes since January 3rd I have seen massive changes in all of these areas.
Mentally I can't imagine not going to Pilates during the week. As a full time oncology nurse in the hospital my weeks are extremely stressful and by Friday I find that I am craving a Pilates class to relieve the tension in my body and mind.
What advice would you give to someone nervous to start?
For anyone nervous to start - you just have to do it. I was the most nervous! To mentally get yourself to try something new, especially as an adult is nerve wrecking and can be unsettling. I was amazed how everyone in class is in their own lane, their own bubble, focused on their own goals and health journey. You go in and you focus on yourself, just like everyone else. The students in class are incredibly kind and encouraging. The environment is always so warm.
Joining So Young Pilates was the best thing I could have done for my body and mind. When I think of my long term health journey and goals I see Pilates remaining a huge part of it.
