West Town Pilates: Classic Reformer Class Review

West Town Pilates is located at Chicago and Milwaukee and according to ClassPass is in the Goose Island neighborhood, which means it's not exactly close to me but it's not too far either.  There is a Divvy station a block away so that's always a plus!

The studio was actually recommended to me by a couple that I met at Sana Vita studio so I was eager to see if any classes fit into my schedule.  Luckily there was a 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning!

As you can tell by the pic from the website the studio is nice and airy with a bunch of windows. 

I felt like the emphasis of the class was definitely on abs (we did the Pilates 100!) as well as legs and hips.  Which of course as a runner/triathlete I really really need!  We also use the boxes on top of the reformer to help work on our balance as well. 

I enjoyed the workout and will definitely be adding this studio to my must book list.  The studio also has 2 showers and a full range of bath products.  It makes the 7 a.m. class perfect for me because I can shower at the studio and then Divvy to work and still arrive early! 

The more I take these reformer classes the more I really want my own reformer!  (As though I have the space!)  I feel like these classes are adding strength training to my regime without making me overly sore.  It's a nice complement.  

Big Sur marathon training starts 12/22 and I hope I will be able to fit Pilates classes into my routine!!!

What about you?  Do you take extra time for Pilates?  Or what other cross training do you utilize? 

Sometimes it's just tough to run alone!

I have to admit, I'm really really terrible about running alone, at least mentally.  Every few months I have a great run on my own but normally I just find reasons to dislike it, ALOT. 

Like in the summer it's always the heat and in the winter it's always the cold.  During the summer I just tell myself to run to the next water fountain and then I can have a little break. 

Water fountains are off in the winter :( So I usually make myself run a mile and then I take a break.  If there are any runners that pass me during my "break" I always get concerned glances.  I know they are thinking who just stands there resting in 25 degree weather??! 

Summertime park benches are REALLY inviting but I usually at least settle for stretching a bit, so as not to seem extremely lazy. 

But if I'm running with friends all the miles are so so easy!!  I always finish running with such a great high.  I LOVE RUNNING AND I LOVE MY FRIENDS!!!

So why is running alone so gosh darn hard for me?? 

I honestly really don't know.  Even the happiest days makes it hard for me to keep positive thoughts in my brain.  And the competitive part of me always wants to run faster than the Garmin is telling me I am but without a friends pace to match it's just really hard to push myself.   And sometimes I don't even really think that I could push harder. 

So yeah today I was coming home from running errands and I realized even thought it was 24 degrees out that the sun was shining and it would be REALLY REALLY nice to go for a run.  So then of course I procrastinated.  I mean Hulu had a new episode of Selfie AND Jane the Virgin??!! 

And this guy wanted some attention.  Turns out he had an overgrown toe nail and it was a struggle just to get him to let me hold him in order to cut it off!

But yeah just after 5 p.m. I headed out to run.  Decided to run South and thought maybe I would see some Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park Zoo.  If they were up yet I didn't notice them, I stayed on the outer Lakefront Path. 

I got my 4 miles done.  But it was WORK. 

How about you?  Do you find it tough to run alone or do you prefer it?

Sometime's there's just no energy left!

Yesterday was one of those days where by the time I was finished work I had NO energy.  I debated bailing on my Computrainer class or not, but in the end I still went.  And I'm still debating if that was the right idea or not!

Let's back up a little bit with how my day started…..

Today is Day 20 of my lil Pilates/Yoga challenge.  Normally on Wednesdays after work I swim a bit before my 7:30 Computrainer session.  That meant I HAD to do either Pilates or Yoga in the morning.

That's where I started to play around with Class Pass and was trying to find the perfect morning class. Except there was no perfect morning class!  There was a 5:45 a.m. class at a studio I've been to but…hello!  5:45!  And there was a 7 a.m. class at an unknown studio that wasn't near any FFC so that meant I wasn't sure about the whole shower situation.

So, like duh, I finally remembered oh yeah I belong to FFC lemme look there.  Well, there IS a 6 a.m. yoga class at the East Lakeview location (I've taken it before, and didn't really love it).  So I started thinking about the 5:45 a.m. one again….and then I just decided to go to the FFC one and if I missed it I'd figure out something different in the evening.

And I went.  And I LOVED it.  I even decided to go swimming after the class.  So, that left me with just Computrainer that evening.

During the day work I dragged a lil bit, I mean I always do mid-day right?  Since I had a lil leeway I decided to try and hit Banana Republic on the way to the gym to see if they had any of the Sloan Pants in my size that I really really need.

I went to two Banana Republics and neither had any of them on sale :(  By the time I actually got to the gym (via Divvy) I was cold and tired and cranky.  And I just wanted to go home and go to bed.

But I was already at the gym, so I might as well go right?  The endorphins would kick in and I'd love life again, right?????

Well I did go to my Computrainer session, but endorphins didn't kick in and I didn't LOVE life.  I ate a breakfast bar right before I started (I was a lil hungry) and I set up my bike and then the Coach gave us our workout.  

After a warmup we had 6 x 5 minute segments where we were supposed to have our cadence at 60 rpm.  Except I don't have a cadence sensor!  So I had NO idea what my rpms were.  The coach said you should use the clock and your foot should be at the same spot every second…yeah that worked….NOT!!

And if anyone hasn't used a Computrainer before, if you have already plugged in your max threshold when you do one of these workouts you don't switch gears because the Computrainer applies pressure to your tire to get you to output a certain wattage.  Sometimes I wish the Computrainer would let me know if I am working hard enough or not!

We had 2 minute recoveries and we were to pedal with one leg for 30 seconds x2.  This was HARD!  I had no idea how hard it would be!

So yeah, I kinda left that training session more grumpy and way more tired and hungry then I walked in.  I'm not even sure if the whole effort was worth it.  My overall mileage was so low!  I did 13 miles in 70 minutes?!  But we were supposed to have low cadence….so….??

I dunno, do you ever regret doing a workout?  Is it sometimes better just to take the day off??

Day 10 Part 2: Eb and Flow Yoga - Embrace Flow

I've been wanting to check out Eb & Flow Yoga mainly because the class names seem so inviting!  I signed up for Embrace Flow (Gentle to Moderate Pace).  I ALWAYS need Gentle to Moderate pace!  

Actually this class was more challenging than I thought it would be!  

Since I was running around I decided to just rent a mat for $1 at the studio.  I did bring my own yoga towel though.  The studio is located in Bucktown (and I don't really ever venture that far West), but it was easy to find and only a block away from a Divvy Station (score!!)

Before class began the instructor introduced herself to me and asked me if I had any injuries.  I thought that was great.  The room was rather long, and we were on the 3rd floor right on the street.  This is actually the first class where I noticed being able to hear street noise!  

I actually thought that this class would be more floor based but nope we were standing for most of it.  Lots of warrior poses, etc.  So the class was more of a challenge than I expected but not outside of my comfort zone.  

Overall I liked the studio.  I wish it was closer to me though!!  I'll definitely keep an eye out on the schedule and see if I can add some more classes.  They also have a new member deal of $21 for 21 days.  If this studio was in my neighborhood I'd definitely sign up for that!!  

I do have to say though that for a Sunday and end of weekend, I think I'll look for a more restorative class.  I think that I just prefer to restore my mind on a Sunday rather than embrace a physical challenge.  

It's cool that I'm learning a lot about myself and my practice!  

What about you?  When do you like to do yoga?  Do you have different days for different types of yoga classes?

DAY 10: Core Chicago Pilates

Core Chicago Pilates is located on Racine right off of Wrightwood (and near a Divvy station!) and you probably never even noticed it was there.

It's quite small, but it's two floors and I have to say that for the small size nothing felt cluttered.  I arrived about 15 minutes before my 1 o'clock class and the noon class (probably a mat class but not sure) was just finishing up their stretches.  

The instructor (owner?) immediately started to get to know me and I explained how I was a triathlete and that I can't run right now because of a bad ankle.  She also was a triathlete and she seemed to have a lot of general knowledge about triathletes and then just biomechanics in general.  

The class was just me and another girl (also using Class Pass) and we went upstairs to use the Reformers.  I think there was a 3rd Reformer as well so I am guessing the max students would ever be three for the class.  I got the impression that the other girl had been coming for a while since she and the instructor had an easy rapport. 

Immediately the instructor zeroed into my bad ankle and kept giving me corrections to try and help me get it stronger.  And I have to say this is the first time this has happened to me and I didn't leave thinking that I was a total mess and maybe I shouldn't run at all. I actually felt like this was something I could actually work on correcting.   I know I have terrible biomechanics but I do have faith that I can get stronger!

We focused a lot on our hips, which is nice because if I've been taking 2-3 Reformer classes ever week lately, I feel like maybe 1 class out of ever 2 weeks focuses on hips.  And I know that my hips need a lot of help.  None of the moves seemed too challenging and I was secretly smiling to myself when the instructor added springs on some of my moves.

This is only Day 10 but I'm already starting to feel stronger!!

As soon as I got home I searched the Core Chicago Pilates schedule, but sadly the only time I can make the beginners Reformer class is on Sundays.  That's not a terrible thing but I was hoping there would be more options!!

I highly recommend this place!!!

What's your favorite body part to work on the Reformer?  (My LEAST favorite ABS!!)

Full Psycle Chicago review!!!

What a wonderful Sunday!!!!

I started my day kind of lazy because I spent the night before at my friend Sarah's wine and cheese party.  A LOT of cheese and cookies were consumed!  I didn't have any wine but I still ended up leaving right around midnight.

I was still feeling sleepy around 10 a.m. and had to drag myself to Full Psycle for my first class there.  I walked in a few minutes before 10:30 and the whole atmosphere was quiet chaotic.  I had to wait in line before I could even sign in.

There were 2 girls working the front desk and neither seemed to care that it was my first time.  I actually asked to sign the waiver and then they gave me my cycle shoes.  BTW, I LOVE that these spin studios provide shoes, it's always a pain to carry them around!

I looked around trying to find at least a coat rack and saw none so I actually took two of the free lockers to fit my massive backpack and winter coat.  Like I said no one at the front desk had given me any direction.

The lobby was cute enough but if you walked passed the Full Psycle room back to the water fountain you could see that studio wasn't quite finished.  I think there were bathrooms but I didn't notice any showers.

I was told that I was bike 20 so I walked into the rather dark room and had to ask another girl where to find the bike numbers.  But once I found my bike it was easy enough to adjust.  The instructor told us all to get a pair of weights, a towel and make sure we had water.

There are two screens that display the power info for all the bikes and because of this I noticed the time.  The class was supposed to start at 10:30 but we actually started at 10:37.  Now I've been to a lot of classes in the past month using Class Pass and this was the first time I noticed a class actually starting late.

Eventually we did start and the instructor explained our power readings, etc. very well.  I noticed right away I was falling to the bottom of the list though :(

Basically each bike was on the board and depending on how much power was generated the rankings moved.  At various points we had "races" or sprints and during that interval the power rankings only reflected the power generated during the race.  We also did a 3 minute threshold test.  The avg power number we got during this 3 minute time was used for a scale to show how hard we were working.  So like 60 percent was green but 95 percent was red.  The instructor would tell you what zone you wanted to be in.  I found this very helpful to figure out how much I was working.  Sometimes in spin class I space out or get lazy and I know I'm not working as hard as I should.

Halfway through the class I actually started dripping sweat!!  And even though my rankings weren't that high I did manage to be pretty high during the individual races.  And by the end I had slowly moved up the over all rankings.

Another motivating tactic was to split the room into groups.  We would have a race and get one power number as a group and then almost immediately have to do the same interval again and this time we'd try to beat that number.  It really made you push extra hard because only the team number was shown so you weren't really sure if you were going fast enough or not.

I liked how Full Pyscle used these little tricks to make the class more exciting then the typical spin interval class.

After the class you immediately got an email telling you all your information.

I'm excited to use these numbers as a baseline and hoping I can get these numbers to approve.  I know my threshold during the 3 minute test was 97 so it looks like I was able to maintain that threshold for the entire ride.  How exactly does Full Psycle power compare to the computrainer power?  That I'm not sure.  But I think that if I can manage to get my power numbers up then I will see big improvements in my biking!  

I left the class feeling pumped and energized and I can't wait to go back again!!!!

Have you tried Full Psycle?  What's your favorite spin class?  

Day 9: FFC Heated Vinyasa Flow

Because of ClassPass today was actually my first yoga class that I took at FFC (my actual gym).  I decided to take Heated Vinyasa Flow since it started at 10:15 which was right after my normal Saturday Computrainer Session.

The first thing I noticed was that there were a TON of yoga mats already set up in the class.  The only other FFC Yoga classes I have taken had like 5 people max.  To my surprise most of these yoga mats were filled with people!

I quickly went ahead and got two blocks and later the teacher told us to get blocks but then quickly realized there weren't enough.  I was glad I had gotten mine because I knew I needed them.

So the way the studio is heated is it's pumped full of steam.  It was REALLY humid in there.

I'm learning that I like warm yoga (and by warm I mean 85ish degrees) but anything approaching 100 degrees is a bit much for me.  I'm not sure how hot the room was but I definitely felt dizzy at times.

The teacher didn't use music which I didn't mind, but I have to say there was something grating about her voice.  She just wasn't very soothing.   I feel bad saying that though and don't really want to hold it against her.  But, I didn't fall in love with the class and not sure I'll make it a permanent part of my Saturday routine.

During Computrainer though I was very excited to ride the Ironman Muncie course!!!  I had heard the course was flat but I didn't quite believe it til I saw how EASY the course was!

Don't be fooled by the course profile on the Computrainer!!  Despite it looking like there would be a steady climb there really wasn't at all, I think most of that is like at .5 incline.  I biked 30 miles in under 2 hours.  

Since I had found out on Wednesday that my threshold was 137, I was told to keep my wattage at around 75%.  So that would be around 103.  Well, I ended up average over 120 for most of it.  Towards the end when I got really hungry I started slowing down but I still ended up with and average of 120.  

I plan to ride for at least 2 hours on Saturdays so I have to really start thinking about my bike nutrition.  I started taking Saltstick Electrolyte Tabs but I really haven't noticed much of a difference.  At right around 90 minutes I could feel my blood sugar dropping and I was REALLY REALLY grumpy. 

I hopped off the bike and looked through my bag and luckily found a granola bar from Trader Joe's.  I took that and also refilled my water and drank a bunch.  I managed to finish out the last 30 minutes.  Lemme say I was glad that I had planned to go to Yoga after.  Although in hindsight I sorta wish I had stuck around to ride the full course.  This was definitely the fastest I'd been on the Computrainer in a while!  

I'm really glad that now I have a goal in terms of the power wattage and I know what to shoot for.  I think riding the Muncie course was a good confidence booster for me.  Can't wait for the next Computrainer class! 

What's your favorite long bike fuel?  

Day 8: Yoga 6, Y60 Classic (L1, Hot)

I was VERY excited when I found out that I'd be able to leave work early!  So I looked on ClassPass and saw that there was a Y60 Classic class at Yoga Six (my fave yoga studio!) for 4:30 pm.!!!

The instructor was the same one that I had for Y60 Restore and she gave me a hug when she saw me.  It's always nice when an instructor remembers you!!!

I really enjoyed the Y60 Classic class A LOT.  The room was hot but not overly hot, I'm guessing it was around 85 degrees?  And the instructor was always really quick to point out moments where we could use blocks (because I always need to be using the blocks!!)

We went through the moves that now seem like second nature to me like chatarunga, tree pose, pyramid, etc. etc.  I like that while I still need work on these moves (especially the balance ones!!) I don't always feel lost in class.  I'm starting to feel like a real yogini!!!

Anyways, this class was a real confidence booster for my practice and I will surely take it again!

Afterwards, I decided to go to Barre Code and take their Burn class.   It's basically the regular barre class but in a really hot room.  I decided if I'm going to take barre I went it in a hot room because then I'll at least sweat and feel like I'm working hard!

I'm not really in love with barre and to be honest, I'm not sure how many or if any more classes I'll actually take.  I know that a lot of people LOVE barre classes, so tell me your story?  When did you start taking barre?  How long did it take to see improvements?  How do you not give up when it's really starting to burn?????

Day 7: Pilates Classic at Pilates Pro Works

This was my second visit to Pilates Pro Works.   The first time I went to their signature class Pilates Pro.  When I walked  in for that particular class I was told by the girl at the Front Desk that it was like Pilates on Steroids.  Needless to say I did NOT like that class.

 But, when I was looking at the Class Pass Schedule for Thursday morning I noticed that they had a Pilates Classic class listed so I had to check out the class description.

Their signature FitFormer really isn't that different from a different reformer from what little knowledge I have of regular reformers.

There were only 3 of us in the early morning class, but the room is HUGE.  Thankfully we all grabbed Fitformers near each other.  I hate it when there is a big room and someone walks in and randomly goes to the OTHER side of the room.  I just divides the instructors attention unnecessarily.

Now this workout was definitely harder than my normal Pilates Reformer Class but I also wasn't in love with it.  

For one thing when we were working our thighs I had to put my head and shoulders between the shoulder pads while still being able to lift my leg which was attached to strap and pulley.  So basically any time I lifted my leg the pulley and strap that was attached behind me was rubbing up against ME.  And the instructor had NO idea how to correct my form so I could fit on the reformer and do this move.  That was really frustrating!  

It also felt like this class was meant to feel a BURN rather than actually doing functional fitness.  Maybe I'm wrong but I like the Pilates Reformer classes that feel more like physical therapy.  I don't normally sweat in pilates and I'm not doing it for the caloric burn but rather to learn how to function from the core.  

So would I go back to Pilates Pro Works?  Maybe.  Since I'm doing this 30 day Pilates/Yoga challenge, if they had the Pilates Classic again and I didn't have any other options for my schedule I'd go. But I'm not specifically going to look for it and I wouldn't be sad if I never take another class there? 

What about you?  Why do you like Pilates?  Do you want to feel a burn?

Day 6: Trio Group Equipment Centered on North

Centered on North is one of my fave Pilates Reformer Class Studios in Chicago!  I've had 3 classes so far and each instructor has been really good!

It's a pretty easy Divvy ride for me too as it's a short walk from the Sedgwick Divvy Station.  I arrived a few minutes before 6:30 just as the earlier class was ending.

It was me and 2 other ladies who were obviously regulars of the studio.  There was an easy casual conversation that was carried throughout the workout.

The class is called Trio Group Equipment so that means there is a max of 3 students in the class.  This seems like a perfect number as it allows everyone to get a little bit of attention.

We didn't do anything too crazy on the reformer and honestly Pilates is starting to feel a bit routine, which I think is good!  I know that my body definitely needs to learn muscle memory in order to make sure my biomechanics are solid.

I think every class I realize how stiff/(weak?) my calf muscles are!  Anyone know any good calf exercises??  When we did the calf stretch/push on the reformer it always feels ouchie!  

I highly recommend Centered on North for anyone that is looking for the classic pilates reformer class!  I'll definitely be using my max 3 classes per month through ClassPass!

Class ended right before 7:30 so I headed to FFC to shower, but when I got there I realized I had some time to do weights.

I've actually never been to the FFC Gold Coast branch before and I always feel discombobulated when walking into a new branch.  But I was able to find most of the equipment I needed.  I started with some ball slams.  I was reading Strength Training for Triathletes and it seems like every swim strength move was ball slams!  I'm not in love with ball slams but I'm making a point to try to do them every time I'm inside a gym.

I also did a lot of single leg exercises.  I really really need to get my ankle working again so I can run and the biggest way to do that is with strength and balance!

When you do Pilates is that your only workout of the day? Or do you pair it with cardio? strength?  yoga?  Let me know!!!

Day 5: Gratitude Yoga Sculpt

This one was TOTALLY my fault for not really reading the class description well….

I had looked at the website for Gratitude Yoga I was excited to see that mats, etc would be provided.  Since this was a last minute decision to sign up for a yoga class after work it meant I wouldn't haven't to pay $1-$2 to rent a mat.  So I reserved the class and headed there after work.

At first I had trouble finding the place because there was a DANCE STUDIO where Gratitude Yoga was supposed to be….Oh turns out the yoga place is actually sharing a space with the Dance Studio. A Dance Studio with VERY LOUD music.

I checked in and filled out the normal waiver and was told I could grab a seat in the lobby.  That was kind of disappointing because I'm realizing now my favorite thing about yoga is the 10-15 minutes before class begins where I get to relax and let my mind go in the room while waiting for the teacher to arrive.

Did I mention that this studio was LOUD???  So, I waited in the lobby til about 2 minutes before the class was to begin and the instructor/owner showed us where the studio was except we still had to wait for the kid dance class to finish.

Once we were inside the first thing I noticed was how COLD the studio was!  Most yoga classes I've noticed even if they aren't advertised as being HOT still are pretty warm.  This studio was freezing and I was trying to figure out if I should wear my bulky hoodie or not (I didn't).

The studio did provide mats, towels, weights, etc.  I grabbed 2 lb weights as I've learned that those suckers can really feel HEAVY.

Anyways, the class was a mix of yoga, weights, and CARDIO!  The last thing I really want to do in a yoga class is burpees!  Now I'm still new to yoga, so I don't really get why Yoga Sculpt seems to be so trendy.  I just find it to be jarring to be in the middle of the different moves and then switch to burpees.

This class was hard (reminded me more of a barre class) and just wasn't what I really wanted.  Oh, and at first I thought the loud music blaring in class was from the dance studio but about 10 minutes into the class I realized it was OUR music.  I think I'd rather have NO music then loud rock music for yoga….

Despite the fact that I signed up for a class that really wasn't for me, I can't say I'd definitely sign up for class at Gratitude Yoga again.  I just didn't like the environment of the studio and I didn't find it calming at all.  I'm also not sure what I'd choose in a Yoga Sculpt vs. Barre Class option.  I'm not really a huge fan of either, but I get the feeling that Barre is more effect? (I could totally be wrong though!)

Let me know, am I crazy to compare Yoga Sculpt to Barre Classes?  Have you ever gone to some sort of Yoga Fusion class that you enjoyed?

Day 4: Sana Vita Studio Pilates Equipment

After checking out the website for Sana Vita Studio I decided to try their Monday night Pilates Equipment Class.  It's over in River West so a singular bus ride from work and a singular bus ride home.  Easy Peasy!

I got to the studio about 20 minutes early and on the way I realized I hadn't even changed clothes from work!  I figured it'd be easy enough to change at the studio.  They did have a single bathroom which I used to change.

After I filled out the usual waiver paperwork I sat down at a bench by the door.  As I looked around I really noticed how cluttered this studio was.  I mean it's a small space for sure, but we don't necessarily need a large space for pilates….except there were 4 students in the class and only 3 reformers?!

So a couple got to use the reformers and then me and a veteran student were stuck with the contraption where you lie on your back and push straight up into the air.

This isn't the exact machine but the closest I could find on google.

So my head would be underneath that bar closest to the wall and then we pushed the bar straight up.   I didn't really like this AT ALL.  

The instructor then instructed all four of us but obviously since we were on two different contraptions we had two different sets of instructions.  It got a bit frantic.  

After the leg stuff, we switched to core work.  At some point during this core work I think I strained the left side of my back.  I'm not sure which move or how but I know that especially with core work I need A LOT of corrections and we were just told do The Hundred.  I was DYING during this and I've never been asked to do this one before!  

Next we took our Pilates chairs into this random empty room.  It was here that I attempted to do the chair "pull-up" and I think I almost died.  I had NO trust in myself and just kept jumping instead of pulling!  

I was thankful when the class ended after that move!  But the class also ended so abruptly!  We didn't even do a cool down or a stretch or anything?   And then the instructor was like "you'll sign up for class next Monday too right???"  

Only if there are no other Pilates classes that will fit into my schedule unfortunately.  

Day 3: Yoga Six Restore

And I'm baaaaaack at Yoga Six again!!  I had a kickball game at 4:30 and I was excited to see that Yoga Six offered a class called Restore at 6!  Since kickball is just a few blocks away it was PERFECT!

This was exactly less of a physical challenge than the Stretch Yoga class from the day before but the instructor warned that it'd probably be more of a MENTAL challenge.

This class definitely helped me turn off my brain mentally because I seriously think I fell asleep about 45 minutes after I got home (and I got home before 8 p.m.!)

The class had great soothing music and the lights were dimmed, it just really gave us a relaxing setting and felt like a great way to unwind from the weekend.

I highly recommend the class and I'm hoping to be able to take it again!

Day 2: Yoga Six Stretch Class

I decided to go to Yoga Six Lincoln Park mainly because it's right next to the Regal Cinemas and I REALLY wanted to see a movie on Saturday!  I checked their schedule and Y60 Deep Stretch All Levels seemed like a good bet.  

I never stretch.  I know I'm supposed to in theory but I never do.  After a hard run the last thing I want to do is stretch.  And if I go to the gym to lift weights I'm too impatient and ADD to stretch before lifting.  Probably the only time I stretch is when they make you at the end of Spin Class (and I never feel like I need it!)

So I sort of timidly went to Yoga Six after my 105F Bikram experience the day before.  The girl at the desk was super friendly and totally eased all my worries.  I explained I was new to practicing yoga and that I was a triathlete and trying to protect my body while also rehabbing my injured ankle.  

The facilities are super nice, I'm always a sucker for a good locker room.  I didn't take a shower but it looked like it'd be super awesome.  Although I didn't see towels?  

The floor in the 2 yoga studios are cushioned and sort of bouncy but not really.  It wasn't a hard wood floor, it definitely had some give.  Their website says the flooring is made of Tatami.  Whatever it is I really like it.  

When I walked in the studio I saw that the instructor had already set an area for me and the one other girl with bolster, blocks, blanket and yoga strap.  Now THIS is my kind of yoga.  Gimme a pillow and blanket and lets lay back!  

This class was exactly what I needed and afterwards I felt really energized.  Some of the poses we held to the point of almost discomfort but none of the poses were particularly challenging.  A lot of opening up the hips/quads/hamstrings/back etc.  

Since there were only 2 of us in the class the instructor was able to make corrections on our form which I ALWAYS need.  My bio-mechanics are HOPELESS!!

I really enjoyed this class and definitely want to look into fitting this into my triathlon training schedule in the future!  

At the end of the class the instructor said that it was his first time teaching Y60Stretch but I didn't notice.  He seemed to know what he was doing and the whole class was paced nicely.  Also he always mentioned modifications (that I always need), and it made me realize that I can't take any class that DOESN'T offer modifications.

Will I be back?  DEFINITELY!!!

Yoga/Pilates Challenge!!!!

I never ever do yoga OR pilates so of course I'm challenging myself to 30 days of yoga/pilates at least one class per day!  * there will be a little break for Thanksgiving because I won't have access to any yoga/pilates classes.

Day 1:

My bright idea was to go to 105F BIKRAM Lincoln Park.  I've heard a TON of great things about Hot Yoga so silly me thought I could just waltz in and then I'd sweat some and feel all ya-ya yoga.  Looking at the website now after taking the class I obviously hadn't even noticed how little they were wearing in the pictures online because I walked in a tank top and long pants!

About 10 minutes into the class I was rolling up the pants and considering taking them off all together!!

So yeah the instructor was super nice and she made sure to pay special attention to me.  I definitely got the vibe that the class was full of regulars especially since one guy showed up wearing this:

He was to the right of me so any time a pose turned towards the right I got quite an interesting view….

Like, here's an example of one of the poses….

Which btw, I can't do sitting down much less standing up! 

All the poses in the sequence can be found here.  There are 26 poses total and 2 breathing exercises.  Honestly, I find the breathing exercises hard!  The breathing is slow and deliberate and I just can't exhale for that long!  

I was okay for the first few poses but once we hit Triangle Pose I was starting to feel DIZZY.  Somehow I couldn't handle the standing upright parts, I just wanted to put my head upside down to feel LESS dizzy!  

I'm really bad about panic attacks and I felt like I was on the verge of one for at least 20 minutes.  The number one rule I knew in Hot Yoga was NOT to leave the room.  Towards the end I saw my water supply slowly dwindling and I had no watch or clock in the room so I wasn't exactly sure how much time was left!

This was my best pose: 

Would I try 105F Bikram again? 

Probably not.  Unless I decide to do it again on day 30 of my pilates/yoga challenge.  I might try a beginners class but the location closest to me doesn't have a beginners class and the other locations aren't close to my apartment.  Also classes are 90 minutes so it's a big commitment.  

When you go to 105F Bikram Yoga your clothes and if you use a yoga towel WILL be soaked.  My yoga towel took at least 3 days to dry out!  I wanted to use it on day 2 but realized that wouldn't be an option!  

I also feel like the poses were all really advanced for my practice right now.  I mean we didn't do downward dog once, and I thought that pose was pretty basic?  I think I'd have to do the beginners class in order to really judge if I could add 105F Bikram to my practice or not.

Computrainer Threshold Test

I love, love, love numbers!  It gives me something to kind of understand when it comes to athletics. I NEVER run or swim or bike without a Garmin!  That's why I jumped at getting the Garmin 910XT.

I actually can't even believe I spent an entire first triathlon season with NO swim numbers to analyze. *

*I don't really understand most of the swimming data my Garmin captures but it's good to have anyways.

Apparently in Computrainer class we're supposed to be aiming for a certain power wattage.  This number is based on our max threshold.  I've been on a number of Computrainer ride but I'd never had my max threshold actually tested.

Lucky for me the Trimonsters had a threshold test during our normal Wednesday 7:30 p.m. class at FFC Lincoln Park.  We had to warm up for 15 minutes, then the test began, we pedaled as fast as we could for 20 minutes and then recovered for a few minutes before finishing out the 30 minute test.  Then we cooled down for 10 minutes.  The number that mattered was watts and the Coach recorded that number at the 20 minute point.  The last 10 minutes of the test we were supposed to try to match that number as best we could.

I'm terrible when it comes to biking.  I don't think I ever really full out sprint on my bike in the way I can easily do on the run.  Sometimes I just feel like my legs CAN'T spin ANY faster.

We hit the half way point of the test and I was at 117 avg watts which I think is really pathetic.  I mean it was definitely the lowest of everyone there.  The Coach said to try to add a few points this in the second half but warned that some people may have started out too fast so if that was the case then the goal was not to lose any points and just keep it the same.

Well for the last half I pushed as hard as I could and I actually started sweating (I never drip sweat on the bike or in spin class but can drip in yoga it's weird!) and I pushed the wattage to 144!   Oh, and did I mention I forgot my cycle shoes?  Oops!

Anyways, what does this mean exactly?  I'm still trying to figure that out, but apparently my max wattage right now is 137.  So for a long Saturday morning ride I'm supposed to aim for about 70-75% of that.  So 96-103 watts.  I think the last long Saturday morning computrainer ride I did I was hovering around 85 watts, so yeah I was slacking A LOT.

I'm excited to go to computrainer tonight and aim for 75%+.  I'll let you know tomorrow how I did!

We're registered for IMOO!!!

We're going to be Ironmen!!!!!

After a debate that raged via text, fb messaging, in person chats, etc. Jamie and I FINALLY took the plunge!!!

Registration was at noon and we heard it'd be difficult to get in. We started refreshing our Active.com screens at around 11:55 a.m.   Funny thing is I think it took the race at least 2 weeks to sell out.  Part of the reason I think we decided to register was we didn't really think we'd be able to.

I didn't even want to register for IMOO!  I still don't!   The hills on the bike are a killer!!!  Has anyone read Unlikely Finisher 140.6??  LOVED the book but it didn't leave me wanting to sign up for the Ironman Wisconsin course!!  Or really ANY Ironman at all!!  

But the alternate plan was to do 2 Half Iron distance races in 2015.  So basically dedicate a butt load of training to two long distance courses and then wait until 2016 to attempt a first (only?) Ironman.   That meant two more years of commitment and honestly I didn't want to give that long of my time and dedication.  In 2016 will I still be signing up for races?  I hope so!  But that sounds like a good year to concentrate on PRing a 10K or even a sprint triathlon.  

I'm beyond scared of even starting this Ironman journey.  I had a terrible, terrible race at Steelhead 70.3 this past year.  If the 70.3 had the same cut off rules as the full 140.6 then I would have been pulled out during the swim.  And if they had maybe let me get away with being so slow on the swim, I think I might not have made the bike cut off either.  Heck, I finished within the cut off time of the ENTIRE race and they didn't even have a medal for me!  

Two months later and my dog was totally thrilled to be dressed as a Steelhead 70.3 finisher!!!

We're registered and there is no backing out now because the registration fee alone cost the same as one month's rent.  I'll be training through FFC's Trimonster and I couldn't be more excited!  Jamie is going to do her cycling classes through Chicago Endurance Sports.

The next few months the focus will be on maintenance and SWIMMING!!  I really want to focus on pilates/yoga/strength work.  I need to focus on my strength and not just my cardio (major mistake in the 2014 season for me).  

Anyone have any Ironman training tips for us????