Confused?

kickboxing, pilates, yoga, triathlons, marathons, 5K's, boot camps, dance classes, obstacle course races, muddy bike/run races, strength training, cardio classes, hot yoga, swimming, running, walking, biking, spin classes, crossfit, p90x, insanity, tracey anderson's metamorphosis, brazilian butt lift, kettle bell workouts, gym memberships, pole classes, acroyoga, hoolahoop classes, aerial silks, barre classes, circuit training

The list could go on and on and on.  There are so many options out there to keep us from getting bored.  It can get confusing though; which one is the best method?  Answer: any that look fun to you and have a beginner option.  There is one thing I've recently learned: it doesn't matter what you do but do many things.  Don't get stuck with your same, run or walk or strength routine.  The best advice I can give it mix it up!  Be adventurous and try out new things.  I'm about ready to order the Tracy Andersen metamorphosis (yes, I'm an infomercial junkie) and I want to try an aerial silks class in the near future along with getting my fill of yoga and pilates and of course I can't leave out that strength training.  Seems overwhelming doesn't it?!  Take it from the girl who wants to read 10 books at a time and be a full-time class tester all around the metro; slow down and pick one or two things that look interesting.  Do what I say (because I'm working diligently to follow my own advice too. You'll have a blast trying out new things and your body will get stronger in the process because it's working with foreign movements. 

Now I say all that to also say that I firmly believe that pilates is the foundation for movement.  Pilates is a core centered movement focused on always integrating the transversus abdominus (TVA).  Not only integrating the TVA but strengthening and becoming more aware of how to engage it all day long in order to prevent injury.  If you're going to the right classes with the right instructor this concept will be reinforced throughout the whole class.  So we have to be exploratory with our fitness but also smart in where we're at now and what our body can do at this moment.  Really effective exercise is safe exercise that remembers progression is mandatory.