Why I'm becoming passionate about Pilates...

The gym and me... It's always been a temperamental relationship, sometimes we are passionate, can't-get-enough-of-each lovers and at other times we are worst enemies, both stubborn, who refuse to come into contact for months on end.
The Louise/Gym relationship has been like this for years and I know this as my Timehop keeps reminding me so.

I've always really wanted to be a runner, not a professional runner, not even runner that's able to complete a marathon, but to be able to go out and do a 30 minute/40 minute run, clear my head, all the while gliding along like a gazelle looking graceful,.... Nope, not me. I go out, struggle to breath after five minutes, get frustrated, red faced and can't wait to get home. I keep this up for a few sessions and then eventually give up.
The actual action of doing cardio doesn't excite me, in actual fact I dread it. I hate the feeling of being out of breath as it reminds me of having an anxiety attack , which logically I know is ridiculous but I can't get my head in suitable place to 'break that barrier.'

Which leads me on to Pilates...

My gym has a Pilates class at 09:00 on a Saturday morning, I had tried to get into the class a number of times but it was always fully booked, I soon learnt if you want in on this particular class you need to book as soon as the new timetable goes live, which happens to be early on a Sunday morning!
I finally managed to get a slot for the following Saturday,
I went to my first class without any expectations, all I knew of Pilates was that it was similar to Yoga but a bit more calorie burning was involved, which seemed like a winner to me.
When I arrived, I was about 5 minutes early, so the instructor told us to lie on our mats close our eyes and just concentrate on our breathing, in through the nose and out and through the mouth. At first I felt a little self conscious, just lying down and have a snooze in a room full of people, but in actual fact this has now become one of favorite parts of the Pilates class. Some time to just sit and be present in that moment and leave all the stresses of day-to-day life outside the door.
Once the class starts, it consists of 95% floor exercises, all of which are slow steady movements using your core and working through your breath.
During the classes we concentrate on such moves as the Pilates bridge, the 100 and rolling like a ball.

The class is a mixture of muscle shaking holding poses and long body stretches which I feel is the perfect combination.
Pilates for me, unlike cardio exercises, actually allows me to switch off for the hour and just concentrate only on the movements in that moment.
I remember vividly leaving that first class and although although I enjoyed it, I thought to myself, that was 'nice' but I can't see how that class burnt any calories. Well, that was until the following day, 24 hours later and my stomach and bum muscles felt like I had completed a two hour high intensity training session! That alone was enough for me to want to go back. 

Since then, I now look forward to my Saturday morning classes. Usually setting the alarm for 08:15 at the weekend would feel you with dread but as I know I am going to get a full body workout, without the breathlessness, sweat or red face but gaining a stronger core, stretching, relaxing and mindfulness, it makes getting out of bed that little bit easier.

The great thing about Pilates is that, unlike me, if you do enjoy other regular exercise, for instance, you are a runner, Pilates compliments this. Runners who now do Pilates have said "Pilates has not only made my hips stronger but also stretched them at the same time, allowing me to have more fluid movements when I run. My legs can kick back further and my stride has improved."
Knowing that doing Pilates alone but also alongside other exercise can help you improve in other areas is fantastic motivation.

Going forward I know this is a regime I want to pursue, I want to become stronger and eventually when I'm doing that single leg bridge I want able get my leg to be by my ear... We can all dream right?

Do you currently do Pilates? Whats your favourite thing about it?

Louise.

Love Pilates? Check out these guys:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/blogilates
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The Final Cut - My Best of Beauty - 2015

A nice way to round up the year is to take a look back at 2015 and have a round up of my absolute favourite beauty products that I was reaching for most...

BASE:

Foundations has been a tough category for me this year, I haven't fallen in love with any in particular. I continue to use my Bourjois Healthy Mix during the day, which creates the nice dewy finish I like and then my Nars Sheer Glow for any evening occasions or events. I must admit I do like Nars foundation and I know it's a favourite of a lot of people, especially the blogging community, but for me it doesn't top the YSL Toche Eclat that I was loving much the previous year.   

CONCEALER:

No change here - my trusty drugstore, Collection concealer wins every time! Affordable, full coverage, creamy consistency, easy to blend... Ticks all the boxes for me. 

HIGHLIGHTER:

This is going to be a predictable one as every beauty blogger in the land has most probably included it on their favourites list, but yes, it's the Becca Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector in Champagne Pop. There's not much I can say about this product that hasn't already been said, apart from again saying, it's beautiful. 

BLUSHER:

This blusher is a must buy! Its an absolute dupe for Nars Orgasm which is one of my all time favourite blushers.

This Sleek version in Rose Gold is the one I use on a daily basis, a pretty pink with a gold highlight which is buildable and suitable for both day and evening and an absolute bargain at £4.50.

EYESHADOW:

I'm not an everyday wearer of eyeshadow, Monday to Friday I tend to just wear mascara and keep my eyes fairly natural, but when I have fancied glamming it up, the eyeshadows I always reach for are in my Urban Decay Naked palette. For me this palette is perfect, and if I am going away for the evening or away on holiday I always make sure this is packed. The versatility that you get with palette is great, it allows you to create a more neutral daytime look or the ability to really glam it up with a smokey eye for the evening.    

The colours I tend to reach for most are Sin, Half Baked and Darkhorse, together these make an absolutely gorgeous gold smokey eye.

EYELINER: 

This was an easy choice for me, I have one go-to eyeliner and that is the Stila liquid liner in black. I love this eyeliner, it applies so seamlessly without any dragging and the nib is the perfect size for me to get that perfect cat eye flick.  

MASCARA:

For 95% of the year I have been using Loreal False Lash Telescopic, this has been the mascara I have used for the past few years and it's still one of my favourites.  My lashes are quite long and I have alot! So although that may sound like mascara would then be an easy choice, it sometimes makes it difficult as certain mascaras can make my lashes look very clumpy.  This Loreal mascara doesn't do that, I find it separates my lashes brilliantly and also adds that extra length. One coat is perfect for day wear or add an extra couple for a more dramatic night look.

LIPSTICK:

In 2015 the lipstick I was reaching for most was my MAC in Lady Danger. I love wearing red lipstick, it means you van be lazy with the rest of your makeup, pop this on and boom, you're ready to go! For me, this red is perfect, Bright enough that it doesn't feel flat but not too orange. 

My only let down with this lipstick is that it can be quite drying, so if you have any red recommendations I would love to hear them.

LIPGLOSS:

This Sephora lipgloss in 07 Fresh Peach that I bought in New York has been the one I have always put in my bag last year. On a day-to-day basis I like a neutral with a little shimmer and this is perfect.

A lovely neutral pink with tiny gold flecks, very moisturising and feels comfortable on the lips.

So there you have it, my beauty must haves from 2015. I love makeup and skincare so to make the final cut does take some achievement! I am looking forward to testing out lots more beautiful items during 2016 and reporting back to you all!

What were your favourite products from last year?

Louise.

xx