Out & About #890 | The Pilates Body Session #1, Genmaicha Financier + The Worst Stomach Flu

In-office days are known to interrupt my weekly happenings. A five-day period exempt of travelling into Toronto is truly a blessing, though the opportunity often emerges out of illness.

The start of the week had been progressing well: Monday saw the concoction of an effortlessly exquisite Thai Tea-Espresso beverage. Crafted from Rico Thai Tea (about 3/4 cup), Lover Boy Espresso (about 80 ml), and a splash of evaporated milk, the drink was satisfying and sweet, serving as the ideal mid-day pick-me-up.

Later that evening, I would venture to the Oakville/Mississauga boundary. A five-week Beginner Reformer session awaited me at The Pilates Body.

The class spanned just seven participants, as it was limited to the number of Reformers available in the space. Upon arrival, we were instructed to remove our shoes by the entrance (maybe I ought bring slippers next time?) and complete double-sided intake forms. The first side asked of medical history and past injuries, while the back fitness goals and existing workout routines.

The group class space was fitted with seven Reformers with towers, a basket of props, and even Chairs along the edges of the wall. This was a surprising observation, for the standard group class was normally limited to Reformer use only, while semi-private and private classes explored an extensive collection of equipment. Beyond the group class space was a separate room containing the Cadillac and Barrel. An accessible bathroom and office space was also found in this room, along with a back entrance to the green space shared between all units of the building. Being relatively new, the studio was incredibly pristine and well kept. The walls and ceilings were a spotless white, while the back room still boasted a relatively new smell.

Once settled, our instructor commenced with a lengthy introduction on the Reformer itself. Different from Sum Pilates and Studio Bon, students were introduced to the varying stopper settings based on height and/or leg length. The second position was recommended for those between the heights of 5' 2" to 5' 7", unless one required more space due to leg length, in which case the stopper would be moved into the next (third) position. The Reformer used by The Pilates Body was different in that there were slope settings for the headrest, which could be adjusted for those requiring incline during core activation exercises. We also discussed spring tensions: 3 red (strongest), 1 blue (1/2 red), and 1 white (1/4 red). It was interesting to learn of these tensions and their possible combinations, for I had never been made known of their relative tensions previously.

We then transitioned quickly into breathing and pelvic movements. For the warm-up, the instructor started off quite high on the spring tension, instead of starting low to build up (or using the Cardio Tramp). A shocking three red springs were used for guiding the body back and forth, awakening the inner and outer thighs as well as the ankles. Frankly, this spring tension was very hard on my left knee, but surprisingly not too hard on ankles. I am undoubtedly more accustomed to commencing with a lower spring tension, then building up where possible; the approach would also be preferred for those with multiple injuries, such as myself. While lying down, we also executed several exercises in bridge, emphasizing articulation of the spine and activation of the hamstrings. We did not engage in side-lying exercises at all.

Turning to face the tower, both legs would be laid on top of the headrest and hands threaded through the straps. Starting off with a red spring for the upper body was, again, quite surprising. I adjusted accordingly using a combination of blue and white. In fact, the instructor, while making her rounds about the space, actually recommended modifying appropriately to fit one's abilities; she noted the most important aspects being breath and the movement itself, rather than heavy spring loading.

The instructor gave off the impression of a seasoned lecturer: while the imagery associated with pilates movements was still present, her aura was ultimately educational. Embedded within her were layers of knowledge and teaching experience, likely incapable to be captured within a single session.
Periodically throughout the class, I observed those around me: the other class attendees did not have a lean image - one appeared to lift weights, though many did not exhibit the fluidity displayed in regular practitioners of dance or yoga. Some students had enrolled in both Monday and Thursday sessions, which I presume to be for the sake of repetition and externally-applied discipline.

Prior to my arrival at the studio, I had already taken it upon myself to complete one Taylor Toned video, knowingly expecting the first class to reside on the more foundational side than effective exercise.

I zipped over to LA Fitness afterwards for a 12-2.5-25 workout, seeing as a friend had repeatedly informed of attempting the 12-3-30. The numbers translated into walking on a treadmill with a 12 degree incline, at a speed of 3 miles per hour (approx. 4.83 km/h), for 30 minutes. Twenty-five minutes at the near-full-speed was enough to boost my step count without resulting in perspiration.

LA's equipment is pretty good in that both Stairmaster and Treadmill have a built-in fan, which other gyms do not have. However, equipment maintenance is sometimes lacking. I had taken to the Ladies Only area again, and was subject to the same faultiness: The treadmill began slowing down and transitioning to cooldown instead of permitting low-intensity steady-state movements, unlike the machines in the general area. It remains unknown whether this is an auto shut-off function as the Ladies Only area generally receives less traffic.

Illness led me to the mall, where promotional content for Girl Guides Cookies was spotted, conjuring memories from my own short-lived period as a Girl Guide (with but just two badges earned).

Creations of the week included:

1) Genmaicha Financier

Leading up to my second-last in-office day, I began to prepare a "Best of Quirky" Baked Goods Box. Financiers would make their way onto the list. Sunday Baking's latest creation had taken to a matcha financier base, which I reenacted by swapping in genmaicha (in the absence of matcha); I did not continue with the mousse and crumble layers on the account that they would render the treat more challenging to transport.

The three-bite specimens were exceptionally easy to create and wonderfully delicious, showcasing the nutty grassiness of genmaicha without restraint. That said, brown butter would have likely contributed additional depth. It is an adjustment that will be investigated during the next iteration.

​2) Peppermint Crinkle Cookies

The final six Crinkle Cookies, presumably the version that had utilized baking soda instead of powder, were sourced from the freezer and coated plentifully in confectioner's sugar.

3) Butter Cookies

​The creation of financiers had resulted in three leftover egg yolks. Scaling our trusted cutout cookie recipe, I proceeded with simply shapes of circles, flowers, hearts, giant stars, and the occasional cat.

​4) Marbled Banana Bread

The Marbled Banana Bread needs no introduction on this space. This time, I sprinkled in a handful of mini chocolate chips out of whimsy.​

​All had been progressing well, until the restless evening of Tuesday night. I awoke a total of five times due to stomach pain, actively fighting the discomfort to re-enter a state of slumber. Alas, success was not seen. As I geared up for a grueling commute into the city, the stomach pains returned - this time in full magnitude. The pain was absolutely excruciating. I crouched over in agony as my surroundings began to grow foggy. Several rounds of diarrhea and vomitting would ensue, followed by dehydration-induced fever and horrific weakness. I was bedridden for the remainder of the day, barely able to respond or depart my bed.

The experience was worse than my entire COVID experience and the fainting spell in Vancouver.

​The fever persisted into the following day, and was met with repetitive intakes of Tylenol. I began to stomach soft, solid foods, such as thick congee and bread rolls, but appetite levels remained relatively low.

"Are you sure you don't have COVID?" ochungg had inquired.
The absence of a sore throat hadn't led me to question that possibility. However, when banana bread was perceived to taste heavily of baking soda, bitterness, and salt, I took to the rapid test kit immediately. Thankfully, the result was negative.

A breath of fresh air did wonders for the soul, and further confirmed my ability to operate a vehicle. My mind was foggy still, evident in absent-minded tendencies of leaving not one, but both phones at home. Mall errands confirmed my capacity to walk in a visually and auditory stimulating environment at a leisurely pace.

The brief trek also informed me of MyMy Chicken's soon-to-open outpost within The Food District, presumably in the space previously occupied by Craft Chippery.

Maneuvering capabilities improved over the subsequent days, enabling swifter actions and snappier responses, though the digestive system remains an area of uncertainty and concern.

Instead of pilates and physical activity, my frail body has resorted to cozy COWS PJs for comfort and rejuvenation.