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Posted by: Melissa W. // April 23 2010
I’m no stranger to exercise. Somewhere along the way though,
I’ve become adept at a technique that I call “Ab Usage Aversion” (AUA).
I rock
climb, practice power yoga and lift weights, and have been active for over 20
years. But I avoid Pilates classes like the plague. When I do attend a mat
class, I always end up with a sore lower back and screaming hip flexors.
Many of us think we’re saving money by working around the problem ourselves. But in reality, a half-assed approach only slows us down. There comes a time, after you’ve analyzed the costs and benefits, to just buck up and hire an expert.
This week I sought out a certified Pilates instructor for an assessment. My goals were clear:
- Identify what I’m doing wrong in Pilates mat classes
- Help me correct my form
- Develop a plan to strengthen my core muscles so that I can avoid future back pain
My first hour with the expert was very telling. She had identified three key areas that needed to be addressed including:
- Misalignments in my body that prevented proper movement
- Incorrect breathing technique
- Improper form while performing key Pilates movements
Once my trainer figured out what I was doing wrong, and more importantly why I was doing it wrong, she designed movement modifications. These modifications will assist me until I correct my misalignments, as well as prevent pain as I work on strengthening my core.
Sometimes you need the outside perspective of a professional to observe your individual mechanics and help correct improper form. Seventy bucks helped me gain enough actionable material to prevent further injury as well as keep me moving toward my goals.
A word of caution: Realistically, one session will not automatically correct anyone’s bad habits. Awareness translates into a mind/body connection over time through practice. Planning a few sessions with a trainer is a more practical approach.
When you’re ready to hire a personal trainer, here are some guidelines to help you spend your cash wisely:
- Define your goals. This will help you choose the most appropriate trainer for the task, as well as assist in benchmarking progress.
- Check the trainers’ credentials, references, and training history. Don’t cheap out. Paying a seasoned professional will get you to your goals faster and more safely.
- Cross-training is a plus. An instructor with a broad knowledgebase will have more solutions available in their fitness toolbox.
How did I know that my $70 was well spent? The next day my ab muscles hurt like hell, but I didn’t feel any pain coming from my hip flexors and low back. I had found my abs again, and I gladly welcomed them back to my musculoskeletal family!
