February Fabletics + Pilates update

Sports bra: Fabletics "Dash Seamless Bra II" (current colors here) | Tank: Fabletics "Demi" tank | Sweater: Modcloth "Airport Greeting" cardigan

We're basically in the last week of February, and I normally try and do these Fabletics/Pilates updates posts closer to the start of the month! Usually, I order my outfit on the 1st of the month and shipping is so fast, I almost always have it in my hands within that first week of the month. February took a bit longer to get here. The package didn't arrive until Valentine's Day! Better late than never! I certainly didn't want to skip a month because these posts are really helpful and rewarding for me to put together in terms of my certification. Ok! Let's get started!

Leggings: Fabletics "Salar" legging in Blueprint Floral | Grip Socks: Toesox "Ballerina" style (from Spring collection available Feb 22) (shop other Toesox here)

First, let's talk about my picks for the month. I could not decide on one outfit alone, and I ended up ordering two full outfits. Whoops! The prints were just really good this time around - even better than usual, so I could not resist this dark floral or this abstract pastel. You'll see the second pair of leggings later in this post, but for now, let's talk about this outfit. The leggings are the same "Salar" style that I have in several colors already. I take these in a small and in the shorter length. I've been really happy with them. The fit is really good for me and I do really love the fabric. I need to start sizing down on their open/ asymmetric-backed tops because they have been consistently just a little too big on me. It wasn't oversized enough for me to exchange it, but you'll see in the photo below, I have to tuck when I'm doing any kind of inversions or it will expose my belly! I'm guessing I won't wear it too much for actual workouts, but it will work well for teaching.

As far as the actual certification, I am starting the 18th week! It's funny because I get asked all the time if I'm done yet. Nope, not quite. There are 39 weeks total in the program, so I'm expecting to finish sometime in July. Still awhile to go!  I record all of my personal workouts so I can monitor my progress, and I'm glad that I do that. Sometimes I will feel like I'm not growing or advancing or that I'm reverting back to old habits. But then I look back at earlier videos and can see obvious improvements. I am wayyyyyy far from perfect, Pilates is a continual learning process after all, but it's still encouraging to see progress, especially when I'm feeling defeated or unmotivated.

Tank: Fabletics "Demi" tank | Leggings: Fabletics "Lisette" in Winter Ombre | Grip Socks: Toesox "Full Toe low rise" style (from Spring collection available Feb 22) (shop other Toesox here)

This month I've been extra focused on incorporating more mat workouts into my schedule for two reasons. 1) The advanced reformer routine is pretty intense to do multiple days in a row and my body quickly gets fatigued. 2) Classical Pilates has "levels" 1 through 5 based on complexity and skill. I really need to be leveling in mat at the same pace as I'm leveling on the reformer, and if I don't do mat as often, that definitely won't be the case! Mat is hard! It really is. No equipment, no springs to "be your muscles." It's just YOU. It's a challenge, and I'm not sure I will ever master it. I've been enjoying it though especially since I know it's only benefitting me. It's also been a relief to have finally memorized the full sequence of mat exercises. That was such a black cloud over me! I'm glad I have the order down so I can focus on how to better move through the individual exercises vs. worrying about what exercise comes next.

Originally posted here

At the end of January, in my What's Up Wednesday post, I shared this collage of my Control Balance progress. Well, I'm definitely still hyper-focused on this! I'm not sure why. I'm determined to get my lifted leg perpendicular to the floor.

Here's where I am at as of last week. Not perpendicular, but I've gained a few degrees, so I won't complain! The challenge is pressing the lifted leg forward without the rest of my body going with it! I guess that's why it's called "control balance."

Leggings: Fabletics "Salar legging" in Bonsoir Floral | Grip Socks: Toesox "Ballerina" style (from Spring collection available Feb 22) (shop other Toesox here)

I also had my second observed teaching session with the host advisor. That basically means she watches me teach someone and chimes in to help me teach when she thinks I need it. I learned a lot just like I did the first time. Theme, theme, theme. I need to commit to a theme and weave it into every exercise. I need to not look for problems, but rather look for ways to help the client move better. I made pretty dumb mistakes though - easy things like forgetting the order of the exercises. I get very distracted really easily and as soon as the advisor starts interjecting, it's like everything I know goes out the window, and I hate that. I need to be able to get through a lesson like that, not missing the easy stuff, and not letting things distract me so much! I know I'm being hard on myself, but it just bothers me because I should not be missing the low hanging fruit! I'm working on it. I know a lot of it is confidence, too, or lack thereof.

This is the last week of lectures, which is nice because that frees up 3-4 hours of my week that I can now put towards reading, which I have not been able to do at all. I do still feel like I'm really behind in life, but I'm working my way through it slow and steady! It will definitely be nice to have the lectures behind me though because I'm looking forward to re-watching them (just at my leisure, not forced!) now that I have a little bit more experience and knowledge under my belt.

Thanks for reading and letting me share!

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