Mind-Body Fitness: Brain-Body or Body- Brain?

I am a certified Pilates instructor with 600+ hours of training and several years of experience. I worked in a Manhattan studio that trained instructors all over the world. I stopped doing Pilates because of embarassment about my weight, but more importantly, I had trouble connecting to my core, which is the essence of the program. I'm sure some might disagree with me, but I think Pilates as a fitness program, is for fit people!! Truly there are benefits for everyone, but from my own experience, the exercises don't feel the same when you are fat. Mr. Pilates had a quote in German, which was something along the lines of "It is the mind that guides the body". Pilates is a mind-body fitness program which requires concentration. That is perhaps what attracted me to what Michael originally called his Brain-Muscle workout. It definitely requires concentration....but hey! Although the mind initially is guiding the muscles, this program then shoots the muscle-work back to stimulating the brain and improving brain function, which is truly unique. And its fun! And the time passes quickly--no clock -watching! The work is done in short circuits with one movement flowing into the next, so before you get bored, you move on to another thing. This is not to say there is no core work. When I do the workout consistently, I can actually feel my body "sucking in"--I call it the "Michael effect". In fact, several years ago when I lost a substantial amount of weight, everyone at Pilates was asking me what was my "secret". Michael! Along with his brainwork, he has a gift for shaping bodies. I do hope to incorporate Pilates into my program again some day, but I will always continue with the Brain-Muscle Workout. It is challenging, you can see your own progress, and it is definitely what burns my bodyfat the fastest...which is what I need right now. It requires effort on my part, but I'm trying to focus not only on my appearance, but my health, which is compromised by being overweight. And I'm an "apple" shape, with potentially more risk for health problems. Its easy to push those thoughts away with pasta or pizza, but truly, I don't feel well anymore when I eat unhealthfully. Thats pretty good motivation. As well as those skinny jeans.

Facing Reality

I recently had some personal experiences...running into people that knew me when I was 40-50 lbs. thinner...that filled me with sadness and embarrasment. I felt like I wanted to just melt into the ground like the Wicked Witch of the West. But, I choose to look at the experience as motivation, and I am left with the realization that no matter how much help and support I have...especially from Michael who gives his 100%...the real commitment has to come from ME. Any program only works when you DO it---and as simplistic as it sounds, no one else can do it for you. Luckily, I find the Super Body Super Brain (SBSB) exercise energizing and fun. And it helps my mood and spirit tremendously. Prone to depression, exercise is as important for me as any other treatment.
A few things that I know about myself are helpful. For one, I am a morning exerciser. While I may do more cardio later in the day, or 10 mins. of SBSB (hey, even 10 min. is effective), I like to begin my day with exercise. As far as a food program goes, I really have to PLAN. This means shopping and making sure healthy choices are available in my fridge. While I have bad habits to break (I am a night eater, single, and living in NYC where takeout food is abundant), I know a lot about nutrition and I'm a professional cook! So, moving forward, no excuses, and no more embarrasment, I hope. But I'm keeping that terrible feeling as a reminder.

Super Body, Super Brain--Let's make it happen!

My name is Lori, and I am Michael' s Project. Michael is Michael Gonzalez-Wallace, the talented creator of the Super Body, Super Brain workout....and I feel fortunate to be training with him personally. I am a challenge---great fitness potential---but always getting in my own way. The phrase "one step forward, two steps back" must have been created for me. I am fat, and tired of being so. I keep waiting for, instead of working for that to change.
But, at age (gasp!) 51...I can't wait anymore!! So begins an 8 month project. I choose 8 months because that is when Michael's book, "Super Body, Super Brain" will be published...and I want to be evidence of the results!! See, I believe in Michael...and myself...because we have worked together before, and truly, I was transformed. I just got WAY off track. Well....Oprah understands.
So, today, Sept. 15, at 5'8" I am 192 lbs...a long way from a super body. But that's where I am, so that's where I start. And why not sharpen my brain at the same time??