#fitforlife: pilates at mind the mat
Just as I’m finding myself short on time to write this little piece for Stylebook, it reminds me how crazy my life has been and how difficult it is to fit in much needed fundamentals that are so good for the body and soul. The idea of enrolling in a Pilates class seemed to be an ideal zen solution to calming my mind during a very stressful time in my life (and who knew, I now had shingles).
However, the only time I could squeeze in my fitness class assignment for Stylebook was the day before moving into my new condo! Driving down Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray, I easily found my destination at Mind the Mat, with street parking located directly in front of their entrance. Ahh, my stress was already easing as I entered the fitness studio to find my Pilates Mat 1 class.
The receptionist was very informative and welcoming, and the actual studio was large, bright, and clean. Within minutes, Emily Terrell, the instructor arrived with the most cheerful disposition. As this was my first Pilates class ever, I really had no idea what to expect … didn’t even know what one wears on their feet. “Bare feet” turned out to be the rule, so again, I could tell this was going to be a perfectly appropriate class for me. Emily giggled at her own jokes as she happily coached each student through the steps of strengthening and stretching their bodies, using deep abdominal and spinal muscles. Emily made sure to provide individual attention to make beginners like myself feel completely at ease. I left feeling like the stress of the day had rolled right off my shoulders and stayed behind on my sweaty yoga mat!
But now it’s after midnight on Sunday (almost 3 weeks after taking the my class), and I’m up against the final deadline to write about this experience. I’m feeling stressed once again, realizing I’ve been away more than I’ve been at home since taking that class, and now I must unpack and repack for a buying trip before catching an 8AM train. Perhaps 2015 will be the year where I find more balance in my life and can manage my time more efficiently so I can take advantage of tuning out stress with a regularly scheduled fitness class like Pilates, Barre or Yoga, which are all offered at Mind the Mat. It’s going to be an amazing year, and I’m determined to fit in more fitness.
Cheers to the New Year and decompressing!
- About the boutique
Using the soothing color palette of a coconut by the sea—whites, neutrals and splashes of turquoise—Coco Blanca has created a trademark look. Her lifestyle boutique offers expert solutions for home design and women’s fashion—blending a clean, fresh, sophisticated, feel-good style.
210 South Union Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
703.535.8002
