Pilates is the Answer

Finally, we have reached my last blog post. Also for a change, my book Hot Body Year-Round by Cassey Ho is perhaps going to solve your problem: Not being able to work out due to motivation, money, and time. 

Obviously, the best solution I recommend is Pilates. Specifically, POP Pilates because it's the fusion of traditional Pilates and intense core-based mat exercises (16). This fusion means that there will be a larger set of moves to use because they are designed to make you work the hardest. In effect, you will see results. I'm not claiming instant results. Keep in mind that you have to work for your results. Rather than having results as a motivating push, use progress on how much you become stronger as motivation itself.

But if that isn't enough, there's a game plan. The book I'm using has routine plans to tackle the challenges of each season (16). "Each routine comprises a series of moves, combined for maximum results" (16). For those that like to plan things out (Type As), this can be very effective because it motivates you to get the results you desire. If you looked at my first post, I explained on having a theme when working out.

Based on what season you're in, you pick moves from that season according to the calendar.

It's a shame that people think it costly to pay for health(fitness). But the only thing required is just a yoga mat and your body (19). The minimal need for POP Pilates is because the body and all of its muscles are the only tool you're using to train it (19-20). That means you don't have to rely on a machine to target a certain muscle because you'll learn on how to use all muscles. Then, you can just instantly think on how to move your body a certain way for a muscle. (Or google it because they probably thought of it already).

Now time seems to be the ultimate factor because you can't just change someone's schedule. But POP Pilates moves can be mixed and matched for a workout routine that customized for you (19). For you are the one in total control over the workout. Whether it be the amount of reps, minutes, or intensity. Up to that point, it's up to you to figure out where to find time in your schedule for your health. Like finding ten minutes for the "No-Time Quickie Workout!" ( 221).

"SINGLE-LEGGED T-SQUAT X 12 EACH LEG
  WORKS: GLUTEUS, QUADS
  A: Hold your hands together and come into a narrow squat, butt back with knees behind the toes. Keeping your chest open and back tall, lift and point your right leg up and balance on your left leg.
  B: Straighten the left leg, then bend into a single-legged squat" (213). 

"HIP TWISTING BUTT-UPP X 12
 WORKS: OBLIQUES, SHOULDERS
 A: Get into Plank position on your elbows and toes. Your butt should be in line with the rest of your body-do not let the hips sink!
 B: Twist your right hip to touch the mat, twist your left hip to touch the mat, then flatten your back and raise your butt into the sky, and return to Plank" (154).

"PUSH-UP TO SIDE PLANK X 12
 WORKS: CHEST, ARMS, SHOULDERS
 A: Get into a push-up position on your toes and palms, or on your knees and palms if you're a beginner. Inhale, press your chest down to the mat as low as you can, then exhale pressing back up.
 B:Place your left hand below the center of your chest, open your right arm, and come into a Side Plank with your feet stacked. Then return to start, do the push up and alternate your Side Plank" (168).

"EAGLE CRUNCH X 15
 WORKS: ALL ABS
 A: Begin with your back on the mat, arms in Eagle pose, elbows twisted, and hands clasped. Bring your legs into Eagle pose as well, with knees crossed and ankles twisted.
 B: Go into double crunch. Make sure you lift your upper back off the mat and bring your elbows into your knees as your tailbone lifts" (48).

"STAR ABS X 15
 WORKS: ABS
 A: Lie like a star with your back on the mat and your arms outstretched long behind, you legs in front of you. Lift yourself into Pilates Stance, meaning head, neck, and shoulders lifted off the mat, abs engaged, eyes forward.
 B: In one sweeping motion, sit your whole body up onto your tailbone and hug your knees. Beginners you can simply crunch and hug your knees while still lying on your back. Then return to start and don't rest your head on the mat" (97).

As you can see, this workout routine took only ten minutes. But there is so much more ways you can do this. But if you don't want to think about, then you can follow Ho's Monthly Workout Calendar on her website www.Blogilates.com and watch her many YouTube videos (19). It's like having an enthusiastic trainer but for free. Also if you noticed, a mat wasn't even necessary (I recommend it though). With this, I hope you start your journey of POP Pilates.

What stops you from being active? If so, how do you plan to become active? If you're already active, what keeps you being active and how?

Ho, Cassey. Cassey Ho's Hot Body Year-Round: The POP Pilates Plan to Get Slim, Eat Clean, and Live Happy Through Every Season. First ed. New York: Harmony, 2015. Print.