Niki's 10-20-30 Journey Comes to an End - Finale Thoughts!!

Well my challenge has come to an end and I have a lot to report. Unfortunately due to the chaos of moving with two small children I was only able to make it to 28 classes not the full 30. The type A in me absolutely hates that. However, if I’m going to stick to anything for the long haul, I have to strike a balance between pushing myself but also cutting myself some slack when I really need it. Considering all I’ve had going on this past 10 weeks, I feel like 28 classes is pretty darn good. One thing about pilates is that it really is a journey and I definitely feel like mine is not through yet. That’s why in pilates and yoga they call it a “practice” I know many of you reading this want to know if my body changed and the answer is yes! Prior to pilates I tried for several years after the birth of my first baby to change my body through various other forms of exercise. I ran a half marathon and gained weight! For whatever reason my body was stuck at a certain point and really didn’t change much. After 10 weeks of pilates 2-3x a week and NO OTHER form of exercise at all as well as not changing my diet at all, I am down a pants size. That is a big deal people. My shape has really shifted back to what I feel is a healthy place for me. I am tighter and more trim. Ultimately, I just feel more comfortable in my own skin. I think after you have a baby your body really will never be the same but for the first time in 9 months, I feel like myself again. My husband told me the other day that I picked the absolute worst time to do this challenge (we are finishing up building our house) and when I was talking to Loralee, she said it was actually the best time to do it. I think she was right. Through this challenge, I’ve not only transformed my body, I’ve made new friends, reconnected with old friends and had an hour 2-3x a week without children (and all the mothers out there said “Amen”). I would encourage anyone out there looking to kick start their health to consider this challenge as the catalyst. I know I will be a pilates devotee for life.