Relaxation Techniques - Pilates

So, I thought I'd try and kill two birds with one stone, and take a pilates class down the street. It's supposed to be soothing and relaxing, as well as challenging enough to help you get in shape! I was all ready to go, almost chickened out just moments before leaving the house, and went! It actually turned out pretty good! Though, it is now the day after, and my muscles are SORE! I am extremely out of shape! Looks like I've really got my work cut out for me, here!

Pilates


Time:
Preparation - 10 minute walk, 5 minute change
Execution - 1 hour

Preparation:
- Very little preparation required.
- Found some stretchy comfortable workout clothes to wear.
- Walked to the location (added fitness!) and got changed.
- Prepared 2 mats on the floor for various positioning purposes.
- Sat down and got ready to proceed.

Things I liked:
- Awesome music! They had a sort of soothing soundtrack playing in the background of our workout, including various songs by Enya, nature fusion, and Asian inspired tracks.
- Easy exercises. Now, when I say easy, I don't mean easy-to-do, I mean, easy-to-figure-out what you're supposed to do. No crazy pretzel shapes required. Just a little bit of balance, and muscle endurance (which I'm definitely going to have to muster up.)
- Friendly instructor, friendly co-workouters. Very positive and encouraging environment, didn't feel judged or pressured to do it right the first time. Very understanding instruction from the lady who was teaching. Made me feel comfortable to be doing something so out-of-my comfort zone.
- Dim lighting! Not only did it hide the certain positions where I had a few more rolls than I'd like to display, it also helped to calm my nerves and senses, putting me in a much more relaxed state of mind. It really was quite enjoyable!

Things I didn't like:
- Cost. Though this course is only once a week, it's still going to cost me up to $10 a class, which can really add up in the long run. I'd love to get in shape, and the cost is worth it, but it's still a drawback.
- Only once a week. This course is only offered once a week, and if I'd like to be active more often, I'm going to have to find motivation to get up on my elliptical once in a while, or enroll in another class or two a week, which would cost even more.
- Sore muscles! Today, the day after exercising, I can barely lift my arms, my armpit muscles could not hurt more! Now, though I attribute this to my inexperience and hope that this is not an ongoing result of Pilates, it is an obstacle I'm going to have to overcome. And it definitely does not add to my relaxation, as I'm flinching every time I move.
- More about fitness than relaxation. Though I found the environment to be very relaxing, it wasn't so much conducive to having a meditative time as it was to just getting you into prime position for some excellent fitness exercise. Afterward, when I collapsed on my couch, though, I found I was very relaxed. But mostly from exhaustion!

Relaxation Effectiveness:
2.5 out of 5

Exercise Effectiveness:
4 out of 5