As a freshman here at Holy Cross, I came into the school year with not really any set plan of how exactly I was going to stay in shape. I’ve never been a “gym girly”-weightlifting isn’t really my thing and I get self conscious using machines in front of others. I’ve always preferred running outside as exercise, so before arriving on campus, I thought a lot about potential running spots in Worcester, but I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would there be good trails near the school? Would there be places to run on campus? I’m sure many other people have had the same worries before move-in. One of the workout options I can recommend from my time so far here is the last thing I thought I would be interested in: Pilates classes.
I never really knew what Pilates was until one of my friends, fellow HerCampus freshman Liv Gannett, convinced me to attend a class with her and our friend Bridget a couple of weeks ago. I had always pictured Pilates as being far out of my runner girly reach, and intimidating. However, I went anyway, taking my first walk into the Jo nervously and botching the swipe-in process in the most freshman way possible. Liv, Bridget and I walked into the studio, grabbing comfy yoga mats from the equipment closet and setting up in the back of the studio. Peaceful music was piping into the clean, quiet room as our friendly instructor greeted us and began the class.
Pilates took me completely by surprise: It was challenging, constant movement, yet relaxing and intentional. As much as I love running, it is a sport that is extremely taxing on your knees and muscles, and very centered around a “go-go-go” mindset. Pilates, on the other hand, was deliberate in every movement: engaging every muscle and breath in a low-impact way. I also was pleasantly surprised by how I felt about my body during and after the class. I have always stereotyped Pilates and other workout classes such as yoga as having a not very body-inclusive/positive vibe. To any Holy Cross girlies reading this who are hesitant about trying any of the free workout classes, that cannot be farther from the truth. I left Pilates feeling so empowered and proud of my body not for what it looked like, but for what it could do. I would absolutely recommend the Pilates classes to anyone looking for a new, fun form of exercise that is low-impact and easy to fit into your schedule. Classes are usually on Tuesday and Thursday late afternoons/evenings, and signups are on myHC. Thanks for reading and hopefully you’ll give putting in the work at Pilates a try! :)