Today is day 20 of my Pilates/Yoga challenge at Core Studio in Toronto. By the end of today I will have done 16 different types of yoga and Pilates classes in 20 days. I still have a week to go in this 30 day challenge, but as I’m only doing the “light” option of 21 days in 30 days I think I’m going to make it! I attempted this challenge before and lets just say I didn’t quite make it.

The biggest challenge for me has been learning that it is ok to spend more time on Pilates/Yoga than on my running. As crazy as this sounds this has been a challenge for me. I don’t think if I was training for a full marathon that I would have been able to do this challenge. It would just be to much for me (for my body and for maintaining a good life/balance).

The benefits so far?

I have more shape again in my waist and my legs are looking lengthened.  I also feel healthier.

I have a friend who currently gets up three times a week before 6 a.m. (a.k.a. the middle of the night for me). The reason for this madness? She does a 6 a.m. boot camp three times a week. Absolutely crazy, but very impressive. This friend has now inspired me enough to wonder if I too could workout in the morning? (Please note that in the past I have attempted to get up 30 minutes before my regular wake up time to do a brief 20 minute core workout and I have failed miserable each and every time.)

My requirements for a suitable morning workout:

-I have to go somewhere. If I say to myself I’ll go to the gym downstairs I will fail.

-It has to start at 7 a.m. and finish at 8 a.m.

-I need a facility where I can make myself presentable for work.

-I need to be able to get to work by 8:30 – 8:45 a.m.

Where I went?

I ended up going to Core Studio this week for their 7 a.m. Pilates boot camp. Since I pre-registered I knew I had to go. Surprisingly it was rather difficult to find a place that met all of my needs, especially timing ones.

How it went?

I only ended up having to wake up 45 minutes before my usual time, but it still felt way too early. I had prepared eveerything the night before, so all I had to do was throw on some clothes and go. Being lazy (and not wanting to take public transit) I called a cab to take me to the studio.

The class itself was good, although I think I was a little more irritable than usual when the teacher tried to correct me. I did find myself slightly panicked with time as well and kept checking the clock. Think this is more a personal trait of always needing to be on time…

Final thoughts?

Not entirely convinced that morning pre-work workout are right for me, but will try them once a week for a month to see if it is doable or to be perfectly honest something that I want to attempt.

I finally took the plunge and signed up for an 8 week Pilates boot camp at Core Studio. Parting with $200 last night was a bit sad, but when you break it down $25 per 70 minute class is pretty reasonable for a reformer based Pilates class. The class size is also really small (5 people), so that means extra attention to me and my abs! Trust me they do need some attention… even after an 8 week boot camp.

The two main reasons that I’m doing this:

• I really do love Core Studio and whenever I go to another studio I always leave wishing I was at Core.
• I need a new challenge

The two superficial reasons why I signed up:

• I cannot be allowed to go home directly after work. Why? If I go home after work I end up snacking like crazy and this is not a good thing.
• My mother’s latest comment to me – when she saw me in DC during September this is what she said:

  “Your legs look really muscular from all that running. Too muscular. Once you stop all that marathon running (she isn’t a fan) you can focus on other things like Pilates.”

  Some of you may think “how cruel”, but sadly she is right. I need to do some lengthening and toning exercises that don’t focus on bulking up my muscles. Hopefully this will do the trick. For the record, though, I’m not giving up on running!

Highlight of my first class: the Jumpboard. Super fun and made me feel like a kid again.

If you haven’t been to Core go now. You won’t be disappointed.

As soon as I entered the Shas Yoga and Pilates studio this morning I felt like I was in a smaller version of my beloved Core Studio. Very modern, clean and soothing atmosphere. It turns out the founders of Shas and Core Studio did their Pilates teacher training together.  

The Fusion class I took was taught by the founder of the studio. Like their website promised the class was a playful experience. It truly did combine Pilates and Yoga which was a nice change – sometimes I find fusion classes are still predominantly yoga-based. The Hed Kandi-esque music that played throughout class was also enjoyable for me as it wasn’t your typical yoga music. Perfect beginning to an unusually warm November weekend.

The one downside is that the studio is very small and the capacity of the class I was in was 8. I’m not sure how busy their classes get, but I do know that you have to pre-register for any of the classes at Shas. I emailed five days prior to class and was able to get in with no problem. The upside to their classes being small is that you will get more individualized attention.

The other thing that may potentially be an issue is that there are no real change facilities at the studio or at least I couldn’t see them. The bathroom is located outside of the studio as well.

Would I go back?

Yes as I did like the vibe and style of the studio. Once the Passport to Prana wraps up I would consider taking advantage of their two week unlimited offer ($40). 

To see some studio images check out their Facebook Fan page.

Flickr: shioshvili

Sometimes I get lazy and the location of a studio is initially what draws me in rather than its reputation. It’s what I like to call my “it’s good enough” list.

The Yoga Plus studio that is near me by Yonge and Eg falls into this category. I have taken a number of classes there and only find myself there when:

1. I don’t know where else to go
2. Their schedule kind of appeals to me
3. Its been a while since I last went to yoga
4. All of the above + laziness

The studio is located on the 8^th or 9^th floor of an office building and because of this you sometimes have to use the intercom to be let in. This I find kind of inconvenient, but it is something I can live with. The studio environment also falls into my “it’s good enough list” as it is neither fantastic nor bad. The space itself (until you get into the actual practice areas) just feels kind of crowded and cramped to me (other say cozy). That said the designated areas for their classes are actually quite spacious and at lunchtime their classes are nice and bright which is something I enjoy.

The teachers, though, that I have had there have been generally good and willing to offer suggestions on how I can modify poses to fit my inflexibility! When I first moved to Toronto I got my first introduction to Pilates with one of the teachers there and the class was good. Unfortunately, I don’t think she teaches there anymore.

The studio does seem to always be busy when I go, so I am assuming that they have a lot of regulars. I am wondering if it is because they are in a prime location that is convenient for people or if their regulars truly enjoy their classes. The other reviews that I have read about this studio seem to be positive, so maybe it is just me!

If you have ever tried the studio out let me know your thoughts.