PSP offers free fitness classes Monday to Thursday. I tested them out so you know what to expect.
When it comes to working out, I’m guilty of using every excuse in the book. It’s not how I like to spend my limited free time or money. Plus, being unfamiliar with how to use gym equipment is enough to keep me out of the building where somebody might actually see me try. The horror.
I’m not alone. According to Statistics Canada, the most recent survey shows that only half of Canadian adults (18 to 79) meet the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week.
But there’s no denying it is an important part of keeping myself healthy. That’s why I took advantage of Noon Fitness. I started the week with Pilates on Monday with Ashlyn Karosas, Fitness & Sport Instructor.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is a series of movements that focus on precision and control to target your core, but which also benefit your arms and legs. This low-impact exercise is demanding and great for building strength, but you won’t necessarily work up a sweat.
What to bring
- Socks
- Water
- Yoga mat (these are provided if you don’t have your own, and cleaned after every use)
5 Benefits of Pilates
- Great for recovery and injury prevention.
- Builds support, mobility and stability in joints and muscles, and targets areas that might be missed in other strength training workouts.
- Relieves tension in shoulders, back and legs.
- Boosts your body’s ability to burn fat.
- Promotes mindfulness and body awareness.
My experience
- I’d never tried it before and had zero clue what to expect. Would there be equipment to figure out how to use? Would I hold up the class? Turns out, no. These classes are done entirely on yoga mats (provided, so you don’t need to bring your own), using only your body. In fact, there were a lot of similarities to yoga poses.
- Be prepared to concentrate! It’s as much about focus and determination as it is strength.
- The movements are simple and small—but they do a lot. Technique matters, and Ashlyn offered plenty of reminders and corrections throughout the class (and some encouragement, too!)
- Not high exertion, but hard work. I had to break pose several times to rest because of the burn in my muscles, but I was able to do a lot considering it was my first attempt. Though I didn’t work up a sweat, afterward I felt like I’d really put my muscles to work in my core and legs, even though we were stationary.
- Next day soreness level: Minor soreness going up and down stairs, but otherwise no loss of range of motion.
My biggest takeaway? Pilates was harder than I expected! A great workout, and one I will definitely do more of.
Noon Fitness schedule
12:00 – 12:45 p.m.
- Monday – pilates/core
- Tuesday – indoor cycling
- Wednesday – yoga
- Thursday – circuit training
Register at the Buell Gym front desk to try it yourself!
By: Emily Nakeff, Editor
