60 Day Challenge - The Male Perspective on Pilates and Yoga

At the beginning of October, my husband Andrew set out on a 60 challenge (self imposed, I must add). The schedule was to be as follows for two months:

Sunday Morning - 10am Pilates Mat with Amy

Tuesday Evening - 5:30pm Pilates Reformer with Amy

Thursday Evening - 7:30pm Vinyasa Yoga with Erica

Friday Morning - 7am Pilates Reformer with Amy

You'll note the Sunday morning mat class is not on the Oxygen class schedule... this is an extra special class offered on our living room floor while our dog Vincent foils Andrew's every exercise attempt by curling up on the mat behind, beside or in front of him. Vincent particularly enjoys pestering during planks and push ups. 

At the beginning of his program, Andrew and I discussed some of the preconceptions he had about exclusively doing Pilates and Yoga and not participating in a traditional weight training program at the same time (preconceptions that most men tend to share). Specifically, we addressed how the muscles would change with Pilates and Yoga - that we would not be building muscle size, per-say, but would instead improve muscle strength, function and flexibility collectively. 

We recorded his measurements (chest, waist, hips) as well as fit test results (push ups, sit ups, chin ups, sit and reach, plank hold), to be compared with measurements and a fit test after 60 days of the program.

After the first week, Andrew reported significant muscle soreness throughout most of the body. Different muscles from usual. He did remark however, that he still felt like he needed to work out -- that because he wasn't doing a typical weight training routine that he somehow was not doing "enough". He knew he was sore and had worked out plenty, but the change in routine was something to get used to. 

Side Arm Press on the Reformer

After the second week, he reported that he was feeling more comfortable with the exercises, particularly on the reformer. For most men, the spring settings are different than for the average woman, as men tend to have more upper body strength. The foot bar is also positioned differently for his height. The first week we spent more time figuring out the correct settings, the second week we were able to ramp up the workouts a bit more. 

After the third week, the muscle soreness was lessening from Reformer and Pilates Mat, but the flexibility challenges of yoga still remained. He reported that he could really feel how much his body needed this type of exercise, even though he still felt that he should be doing "more" (push ups, chin ups, etc). 

As we enter into the fourth week, the classes have very much become a part of his weekly routine. We both take yoga together on Thursday nights with Erica and we not only enjoy the solid workout, the relaxation that we feel at the end, but also the time spent together.

The only workout missed so far was Reformer on November 1st, due to a leg injury sustained moving downed tree branches on the road after a Halloween party (see pictures below). 

Richard Simmons and Gene Simmons

Tree Limb Blocking Rt. 133 in Pepperell, MA

So just about halfway through the 60 day challenge, Andrew already feels that he will keep Pilates and Yoga as part of his workout rotation. He will begin weight training and running again, but he will aim to continue 1 yoga class per week, and one reformer or mat class per week going forward. 

So what's your challenge? The holidays are fast approaching, get a jump on it this year!