Time to Switch Gears!

I have spent the last two months attending the Body Arts and Science International School of Pilates. It sounds easy and I thought it would be a breeze, but after the first week of class I felt like I was back in college taking pre-med. The first day I sat done to study I spilled coffee all over my books. It was a struggle. I spent weeks flipping through flash cards, memorizing every muscles and bone in the body and how they functioned. And I can’t forget over 600 exercises and the breathing patterns of the exercise. Luckily, I hadn’t forgotten how to study and aced my mid-term. I am scheduled to graduate in January, but with the Tram open I am having a hard time studying. Somehow I just can’t quit skiing.

I started doing pilates because a friend of mine convinced me it would be the best possible thing for my body. I was a little nervous. In my mind, pilates was for old ladies. I couldn’t believe that pilates would be better than pumping iron in the gym. Yet I had know idea how abused my body was from skiing and how pilates could help rehabilitate and strengthen at the same time. My body was out of balance and I had the “skiers posture.” Not good. Basically all of my aches and pains were caused by poor posture due the muscular imbalances developed from skiing. When I first started, I could barely handle the beginner workout. I had swallow my pride and fight every day to reach the intermediate level. Over time, my body felt better; stronger, more flexible, and happier. This was when I decided I should dive head first into the pool of pilates and get certified.

I am half way through school and have never felt better, but now it is time to ski. I was planning on blowing off the first competition in Revelstoke to take my final exam, but my heart and love for skiing is not going to let that happen. Pilates has been the best thing I have ever done for my body, but my passion is skiing. So I have decided to go to Revelstoke, post-poning my graduation until after ski season. It’s time to rip!