With the new year quickly approaching, I've been personally looking for ways to improve myself, my health and my body. I looked to someone who is serious about her fitness for inspiration, and decided on the one and only, Thalia. The "No Me Acuerdo" singer has been sharing her healthy lifestyle on Instagram for years, giving her fans updates on the type of food she eats and the latest workout she's trying. She has inspired her followers to take better care of themselves and their bodies, and she's living proof that it's all worth it.
More from MamásLatinas: All the times Thalía inspired us to hit the gym
For as far back as I can remember, Thalia has been known for her petite and toned body and especially her tiny waist. I knew that if there was anyone who could help me get focused and reach my goals, it was her! One workout that she constantly raves about is Pilates, and since I've personally been curious about it for years, I decided to try it out for myself.
The actress has been practicing Pilates for many years and shares her workout videos on social media. I've taken group Pilates classes at my gym before but never at an actual studio while using the Reformer machine, which is the equipment developed by Pilates creator Joseph Pilates. So when I signed up for a class at the STL studio in the Tribeca area of New York City, I was in for quite a challenging surprise. One thing I learned through the experience is that now I understand why Thalia is in her 40s and a mother of two and looks just as gorgeous and fit as she did when she first started her career.
Thalia is an expert at Pilates and it shows!
The singer has been advocating for the workout for years. She often shares videos of herself practicing on her Reformer at home and looks like a total pro. "Pilates is great for stretching and toning the body! It complements my exercise routine by helping me strengthen hard to work muscles," she captioned a clip in 2017. And she's definitely not wrong. I personally felt muscles in my lower abdomen area that I had never felt before during the workout, and my latissimus dorsi muscles (commonly known as "lats") were sore for days after the class.
SLT is not considered classic Pilates, rather a Pilates-style workout, but it is just as effective.
On their website, the workout is described as if "cardio, strength training and Pilates had a baby." Unlike weight lifting classes, this class is all about slow and controlled movements that help develop more defined muscle development and increased stamina. The slow-paced, fat burning movements target slow-twitch muscle fibers and that leads to long, lean muscle development. The moves are done with the help of the Megaformer, and the springs and weight of the carriage help to improve overall muscular strength. If you're new, head there early for a demo on how to use the machines so that you're in the know once the class starts.
Director of Training and Development Lanae Rhodes shared how SLT is different than a classic Pilates workout.
According to Lanae, the SLT classes consist of 50 minutes of slow movements, fast transitions and constant core-engagement accompanied by music that will get you moving. "SLT is a challenging, high intensity, low-impact workout that is unlike any other workout out there," she shared exclusively with MamásLatinas. "It's the perfect combination of cardio, strength training and the most challenging elements of Pilates. We give you the full-body reSuLTs you’ve always wanted through an efficient, fun, no-bulls–t experience led by highly trained instructors."
I can attest to that and say it's totally true.
If you think Pilates is easy, think again!
It was honestly so much more challenging than I expected. I thought it would be a good way to stretch and switch up my usual routine of running and using moderate weights for my workouts. But it was a lot more intense than that! Not even five minutes into the class, and I feared that I was about to start breaking into a sweat because I was already feeling the heat. I was lucky to have the Dove Dry Antiperspirant Deodorant Spray ($7, Walgreens) on hand and that helped me get through the class.
During the plank moves and lunges, I felt my arms, thighs and core immidiately engaged and activated. The controlled and slow movements on the Reformer lengthen your entire body, which eventually leads to a stronger and toner physique. I can definitely see why celebrities like Thalia and many supermodels swear by the workout.
Just one SLT class left me feeling accomplished and in better shape.
I normally go to the gym and stick to cardio and weights, so my flexibility is not as great as it should be. I learned that in order to have the lean and toned body of my dreams, I have to do excersices that target various muscles at a time. Overall, I left the class feeling challenged, stronger and leaner than when I walked in. I would definitely consider taking the class again now that I know what I'm getting myself into. My instructor was patient and walked me through each move and made sure I had good form during the class. Next time I go, I will definitely sign up for a one-on-one or a beginners' class, that way I learn how to use the Reformer properly to avoid injuries. I recommend the same for all those, like myself, who are first-timers in the Pilates world.
Pilates is said to be a great exercise for expecting moms and new moms.
Since it's a non-impact workout, Pilates can be performed with modifications during pregnancy by women who have experienced the exercise before they got pregnant. It can help alleviate back pain, flexibility and posture, which will come in handy during labor. It's important to not perform excercises on your back once you're in your second trimester, so that calls for modifying some of the moves. Most places do offer prenatal classes, but since every woman is different, be sure to consult your doctor or midwife beforehand.
