I've been to a few Pilates classes at home but went to my first Pilates class today at the Robinhood YMCA and I was pleasantly surprised. The Pilates I have done in the past have been on a machine, which although I enjoyed, was pretty different to what I did this time around. It was almost closer to a yoga sort of Pilates--definitely a good thing. The whole exercise was based on the control of your breathing and so I immediately thought of this class (I don't know why...). It was in a dimly lit room that almost made me feel like I was in some cave. The gentle, yet effective, exercises, combined with the awareness of your breath has a very calming sensation. At times I felt like I could fall asleep--that is, if my abs weren't in pain. I prefer these this type of relaxed and concentrated core exercises as opposed to just regular lifting. I feel like I'm helping out my whole body rather than just a few specific muscles. There's also something about yoga, Pilates, etc. that help me become more at peace with everything--both while in the process and afterwards as well. I intend on going to a hot yoga class next tuesday where the temperature is apparently set at over 100 degrees. I'll let you know how I do.