A weightlifter attempting Pilates is like a football player trying ballet… not only is it the complete opposite of my daily routine, but it’s also extremely challenging, which I was up for.
Within a few moments of being inside the studio, I immediately felt relaxed. Framework Bodies: Pilates & Functional Movement located in Mount Laurel, NJ, truly has a calming vibe attached to it, making it an impressive place to go to if you’re looking for a way to de-stress.
Jill Kemenosh, certified Pilates instructor and former internationally ranked equestrian, runs the small studio and says that Pilates is not only her passion, but has really transformed her life. Diagnosed with scoliosis, which is a condition where your spine becomes curved or rotated, she says the method has allowed her to straighten the muscular differences in her back and strengthen her core muscles giving her an advantage in her sport.
Jill Kemenosh instructs Alex
Since learning Pilates at age 14, she is also one of the only people in the area certified to teach ELDOA, which is a style that focuses on very specific stretches, form and technique.
“I like to think of myself as a realistic fitness coach. I’m a foodie, and I love to have fun, so you’ll never hear me telling clients to change their lifestyles. I believe it’s all about balance and all about working out to become the best and happiest version of yourself, not doing it for someone or something else!”
Walking into any type of gym, I usually feel confident and excited to begin my workout. This time, I was excited, but I wasn’t so confident.
If you take a tour, you will see they have an open studio with a huge mirror covering one entire wall. Then another room tucked in the back with unique equipment for their classes and my personal favorite, the infrared sauna room.
So what did I learn?
Stretching is absolutely vital to any sort of routine. I tend to get lazy with this, but stretching is a big part in warming up, preventing injuries and increasing flexibility.
With that being said, flexibility is a necessary part of Pilates! If you don’t improve on this, it’s quite tough to attempt anything in general.
Core strength is major in holding any movement. A strong core will allow you to perform better and complete many positions with ease.
Although Pilates was a bit difficult for me, I was reminded of things that I needed to improve on if I wanted to become a well-rounded athlete.
After the session, I tested out the infrared sauna. This is truly a unique way to end your workout. Did you know, the full-spectrum infrared rays offer benefits such as detoxification, weight loss, pain relief, and anti-aging to name a few?
Framework offers quite a variety, from Pilates to Tower, Pilates Mat, Mixed Tower, HITT-LATES and Sculpt. They also have semi-private and private sessions with ELDOA, Functional Movement and Pilates. A single class costs $25 and if you are a beginner, Jill recommends the introductory package, which is three private sessions at a discounted price, only available for first-time clients. With this package and private one-on-one time, you are able to absorb information, educate yourself on the method/form and ask your instructor any questions.
For more info, visit www.frameworkbodies.com. For any questions, contact Jill at 856-761-2332 or contact@frameworkbodies.com.
Photography by Jamie Dunek
