Exercise is such a vital part of battling any age-related stagnation, isn't it? Pilates looked like a low-impact, high-yield way to keep limber and fit. Half a million YouTube followers thought Sabrina knew what she was talking about. And she had this dazzling, crest-white smile — so I Subscribed.
I set up my mat in the living room, facing my TV screen and clicked on her first video — the one for beginners. Sabrina opened with a pep talk. It was a heartfelt close-up of her speaking about dedication and perseverance. I was super motivated. The camera then panned around to reveal her spacious California studio.
As the camera zoomed back in towards Sabrina (who waved at me), I got a much clearer picture of what I was in store for.
Sabrina had bundled her blond hair in a tight braid and wore a lavender spandex top. Then strategically, I presumed, the camera zoomed out to reveal her tactical grey-coloured leggings... and her strikingly obvious camel toe.
"What the fuck?" I thought to myself. "How am I supposed to concentrate on fitness while facing that? Relax, Paul. Get a grip. Stop being such a shallow sexist and focus."
But things got even more distracting.
With a boisterous and energetic call to her assistants (whom Sabrina introduced), out from the wings bounced Molly, Anastasia and Roberto. Again, my jaw dropped. "Are you kidding me?" All three hard-bod (twenty-somethings) had been squeezed into form-fitting Lycra and looked like they had been exercising since birth.
And so... the lesson began.
Three pairs of toes — I'm kidding, I meant women — stretching in a plethora of creative poses. And Roberto, a dark-haired, blue-eyed Adonis who had probably played quarterback in college.
OK... I won't bore you with any more details. As I read what I've written, I realize that I'm starting to sound like some sort of over-sexed perv. I'll summarize my thoughts.
I don't know who invented spandex, but they must have known the potential sexual energy that fabric possessed — for both sexes. I'm also fairly certain that women who wear those tights are aware of the attention those leggings exude. At least the ones who strut around in them at my supermarket do. And I'll conclude with this. As I've gradually progressed from lesson to lesson, I'm extremely grateful to Roberto. He has become my mentor, helping me focus on my fitness goals as I navigate this Pilates adventure.
And truthfully? I'm barely distracted now when he demonstrates his flexibility while performing a stunning "Plow Pose" in his skin-tight Lycra. 😶
I often see women in my town walking around wearing tight spandex leggings. Is that a thing in your neck of the woods, too?
Are you into a fitness routine, or do you prefer — NEAT — non-exercise activity thermogenesis?
What's a "Plow Pose" you ask? Google it. 😂
... i have no idea what this position is called... Anyone?
...i haven't taken this lesson yet...
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18 comments
Only when i visit a mall , next to a gym , but i do not think the woman having coffee in spandex ever workout, good bodies , but hair to neat
. I do yoga, tai chi , bit of weights started only a few years ago but now habit. A sound track , to go with your workout , the visuals maybe distracting 
Perfect.
Thankfully, my phone has that NEW 'Scratch 'n Sniff' feature, so those pheremones came in — loud and clear. 🤗
Trying to picture you in spandex at the moment Hun..lol. I do not do Pilates nor wear Lycra but I do wear yoga pants without doing yoga..lol. xoxo
Actually, my body weight has remained stable for my whole life. I still comfortably fit into my size 33 Lee Button-up jeans. Lol... 😂
I have a set of comfortable (yet body-hugging) exercise shorts that might turn your head around. 😲😂
@Paulxx001 You had me at tight shorts Hun..lol.
Splitting hairs maybe, but this looks more like yoga than Pilates (I’ve taken both). 😊
Although Yoga and Pilates share similar movements and poses, such as cat/cow, plank, cobra (also known as swan in Pilates), and chaturanga (a Pilates push-up), Pilates and Yoga are completely different practices — as you would know. Yoga focuses on flexibility, while Pilates' objective is strength and flexibility.
To answer your observation...
More solitary yoga enthusiasts are willing to show off than Pilates peeps. The solo pics in this post might be Yoga poses, but also used in Pilates.
I could not find a labelled Pilates pose without ten other people cluttering it up. 😲😂
@Paulxx001 Hmmm…I have never had a Pilates teacher have the class do a Chataranga or Cobra. In my experience Pilates has a strong emphasis on various kinds of core strength work and the exercises are more like calisthenics (leg lifts etc).
Yoga varies according to the particular discipline of the class, but often one is flowing from one pose to the next so that it’s more like a dance.
@smartasswoman
True about that dance analogy; it flows. Also true about core strength: that's why I chose this type of exercise plan.
I'm at the genesis stage of my whole Pilates experience, and we've hardly scraped the surface with any complex moves or poses. I'll keep you posted when/if I get to see a Cobra. 😂
@smartasswoman
In Pilates, the Cobra is called the Swan: two vastly different animals. 😂
If I ever tried to do Pilates, my right leg would end up hopelessly stuck in some ridiculous position for the rest of my life! 😄
But yes, it’s true: exercise is important, as it helps us stay healthy and fit, both physically and mentally.
I do about an hour of exercise every day in my little home gym. In my case, having one isn’t a luxury: it’s a necessity.
I do moderate-paced stationary biking, crunches on a bench, resistance bands, and 2.5 kg dumbbells. It helps me stay reasonably fit for my age, and, most importantly, I like the way I look, which boosts my self-esteem (which tends to be a little low sometimes).
You have a dedicated and impressive workout routine that many would not have the stamina to keep up with. And your point about self-esteem is important as well.🤗
@Paulxx001
Hi Paul,
Besides, in my case, exercising isn’t optional: by medical prescription, I need to stay fit and avoid being overweight, because my weak leg wouldn’t be able to handle it. Otherwise, I would’ve ended up in a wheelchair years ago…
@AuraAviatik6
Wow. I understand how tenuous and unpredictable maintaining good health can be.
Go for it. 👍💕
My neck of woods in the woods, so unfortunately no. Prior to Pandemic and later near death experience had become an intense work out fanatic.My work outs started pathetically slow when started. However they grew to about 3 plus hours and fairly intense.
Wow... It sounds like you certainly were in great shape. 👍
@Paulxx001 a 10 year period roughly where was. Of course took almost 3 first of those 10 to loose weight and get use to. Also when weather permitted started walking at first about 100 or 150 yards advancing to 8 miles. What spared same thing brought here an attempted relationship gone wrong. Then 6 months prior to Pandemic out of country in Kurdistan where slipped on wet rocks, agitating injuries from car wreck 20 years prior. Just as getting kinks worked out the Pandemi c. Followed by near death situation that still trying to recover. Mostly breathing, energy level related. My introvert side taken over and barely sti c k head out of house. Rarely speak to people. Problem with having lots of friends, as that over last 5 years a b out 30 friends deceased
@bignicktx
That's quite the tangled up set of misadventures. I hope things take a turn in positive directions for you.
It's so sad when friends leave us. I know what you mean. 🌹😐
It's incredible 😍😍😍
It certainly is. 👍
Gym every other day. I am in leggings and a t shirt. Just for the gym. Nothing hot. The little 20 somethings will wear a size 6 but decide a size 0 looks better. It is the camel toe open. The men there are quite respectful. Surprisingly. But for one old goat staring at the little hot body on the hamstring machine. On your tummy, rear up. He didn’t get the memo from management to not stare.😏
Every day?
I respect your dedication.
I'm pretty much the same... without the leggings. 🤗
My couch is pressed against the wall. I have so much space.
Come on down. 😂💕
@Paulxx001 every other day. Down 60lbs so far I’m on a mission. It’s brutal 😩
@positively4you
Wow. Indredible — huge hugs. 🤗💕
@hippiechick1967 it is slowww. One day at a time. I was feeling that weight physically so just had to do it. I can now get up without grunting 😀
Yes...my part of world has public spandex flaunters. Not me! the world is not ready to see me in spandex!
I won't be wearing those leotards at my food mart either. I don't want to be gawked at... and objectified. Or wait a minute, perhaps I do?
But not there — I'll try Walmart first. 😶
@Paulxx001 Let me know when. I'd make a special trip just to see that!
A long time ago…. Umm … 15 years… I was able to hold poses like that! I need to try harder
Wow. Good for you.
I know that I was able to pull off some impressive stuff as well.
I don't think I can return to that level: muscle memory will only take you so far. 😂
I'm a rookie at this whole Pilates thing but since I took interest in this popular form of exercise I've begun to realize just how fit and firm one can get. Listen, I don't think I'm going to have abs of steel, but already I'm noticing a difference.
When I feel up to it, and I won't embarrass myself, I'd like to join a "live" group and experience all the grunts, groans and sweat... with other like-minded "Pilotites."
I made that word up. There is no name for a Pilotes practitioner.
... Did U know?
Click on any of my pics — they'll FILL your screen...