INHALE PILATES, EXHALE WELLNESS
“You rarely have time for everything you want in this life, so you need to make choices.
And hopefully your choices can come from a deep sense of who you are.” (Fred Rogers)
Photo Source: www.stejariicountryclub.ro
Breath In: The NEW YOU.
Breathe Out: Everything that’s NOT you.
Peace and focus are whispering together: “I’m here!”
I’m here while molecules are changing and still here while this astonishing body stretches and relaxes. No sound of the past and no worries of the future. You are far away from any mentally constructed distractions.
I’ve been reading a great book written by Daniel Lapin, and he was talking about a very simple scheme that can make your life a mess, or it can help you turn into a king/queen.
The winning formula: 1. Brain 2. Emotions 3. Body.
Decisions are made first in the brain. Not the other way around. Until we adjust, learn some lessons and transform (continuously), it will happen to switch the order. If we make decisions based on what our body wants first, it will affect many areas of our life.
“Resisting temptation makes you feel better about yourself, and feeling better about yourself makes temptation easier to resist. Resisting temptation is easier when you truly think of yourself as a worthy, deserving person who is above bad behavior. It is hard to tell yourself that you cannot hang out at the coffee shop or watch TV if you enjoy those things. But it is much easier to tell yourself that you are not the kind of person who misses out on a sales call or wastes all day watching trash TV. “Who do you think I am?” you say to yourself, indignantly. “No way would I do those things. Not me!” This is you positioning yourself morally, building up your character, to make your choices easier to make and temptations easier to resist.”
Let’s go back to the present moment.
I’ve heard many beautiful things in the last seven years about Pilates.
Here are some important points (not advices) that really stacked with me about this incredible type of workout: PILATES
- Your first session is about new beginnings. Reminder: Patience! Take it easy!
- While your stretching the body, just try to think that nothing else exists except for your breathing, your body muscles and the voice of your instructor.
- You come first. (It takes a lot of repetition to learn that)
- Be open to understand how each movement of the muscle involves “breathing in” and “breathing out”. I often caught myself thinking of something else and forgot to inhale.
- You start to feel healthier, happier by the simple fact that you show-up.
- It gives you the proper energy without taking anything away from you.
I had the pleasure to meet one of the most important names when it comes to Pilates in Bucharest and I couldn’t help, but preparing some questions about his story and how Pilates crafted its way into his life, but also about how he managed to create an interesting and active lifestyle. I always wondered how fitness professionals are managing to create and nurture a powerful mindset, not to mention that he’s got the same weight for over 20 years!
Photo Source: Sorin Bujoreanu’s personal archive
- Mijournali: Bonjour, Sorin Bujoreanu! It would be lovely to share with us some of your childhood memories about health, fitness, sports or any education related to it.
We all start from somewhere when it comes to how we involuntarily express our energy through movement. As a little boy I vividly remember that I was practicing running, and playing “Oina” with my old buddies. Of course, football was part of my routine and long bike rides. In high school I discovered sports dance, and I really felt that it went much easily to shape the body in this particular way and so I’ve started to participate in dance competitions. Even though I took a different path by choosing to become a project engineer, after one year, encouraged by my friends, I’ve followed my passion and moved from Galati to Bucharest to study four years at National University of Physical Education and Sport Bucharest. (ANEFS) From here I’ve somehow imagined that I’m going to become a good coach. My orientation was towards aerobics, so I had the chance to meet a Brazilian woman, named Najla who came from Dubai, and we practiced together Body Pump for almost a year. In 2010, I had this immense opportunity to create dance choreographies for an old studio named “Lady Fit” and after this adventure ended, I finally got my license degree in Pilates.
Looking back, I’m really grateful to think how well everything matched the puzzle of my journey. I’ve immediately started to work in this field alongside with two talented Turkish women who opened the first Pilates Studio in Bucharest…and it was real! Ever since then I’ve been upgrading my skills constantly through specialized courses, but nevertheless improving my methods with the latest information available on the market. My main source of inspiration was of course, Joseph Pilates. This is how I gained experience for almost three years.
In 2013, was the opening of the biggest Country Club from the Eastern Europe (Stejarii Country Club), and a foreign client/friend chose me (brought me) to work there.
I’ve been grateful to practice Pilates at Stejarii right from the beginning, and I’m still honoring my duty. I had a great opportunity to grow and evolve among the greatest professionals in Bucharest.
Currently, I’m practicing Pilates between two places: Stejarii Country Club and Align Pilates (a hidden gem) somewhere in Romana area, right next to Gradina Icoanei Park.
Mijournali: Does the Perfect Pilates outfit exist? What do you wear? What is preferable to wear while doing this type of workout?
I prefer Asics. I choose to wear all black equipment. As for the clients it is preferable to wear body-fitting equipment made of organic materials, with or without stockings. If you are not comfortable barefoot, a good pair of anti-slip socks can make a difference.
Photo Source: Instagram @align_pilates
What does Pilates means to you?
For me, it’s a conscious state of movement combined with breathing which is a common language of the senses. It’s not about how you move, but more about what you think when you’re moving. Healthy disconnection! That’s it!
Share with us what do you love most about Pilates, and how do you see yourself in the present moment?
I find exciting that more and more people are starting to choose Pilates. Clients are perceiving “the smart talk” of this brain-muscle connection. I focus on the development of neuromuscular channels that facilitate the knowledge of the human body.
I love discipline. Pilates is part of my being. You somehow become what you love.
I find myself to be a patient human being, passionate, focused. I’m an advocate for change.
A motto that guides you?
Breathe, focus and move. Joy is on the way, too.
Do you find Pilates suitable for everybody?
Of course, but is an act of responsibility to get a proper medical check before starting any kind of movement. After 13 years of practicing and teaching Pilates, I had the pleasure to instruct teenagers, women and men between the ages of 16 and 70. This kind of movement can be done individually, between friends, colleagues or family.
Pilates can be enjoyed outdoors (in nature) or during special/private events.
What is your favorite exercise and why?
I would say the lunges because they maintain the mobility of the pelvis. It also gives you the feeling of elongating the legs. The hips become more flexible by doing these special lunges.
Any advice for those who practice or want to discover this type of workout?
Results walk hand in hand with patience. You learn to relax, breathe, and treat yourself better. The most important gesture is to create better thoughts and start making healthy choices when it comes to nourishing your body with healthy food.
Repetition, repetition, repetition and you’ll meet your relaxed mind & body vision.
By the simple fact that you’re giving the proper and repetitive attention to your muscles, they will slowly start to respond, modify, and evolve. Pilates is not an intense activity, but hydrating is important. It is better to eat two hours before the appointment to avoid any sort of discomfort.
Could you share with us top 3 benefits of practicing Pilates? If we can mix with another kind of movement in order to gain better results, what would it be?
You definitely gain muscle tone. You have the opportunity to sculpt the body, plus a great way to improve the pelvic floor muscles. You should be determined about your own progress because every action that you do on a daily basis requires a sleep routine, healthy nutrition and patience. Pilates is about creating a new state of being.
For even better results, you can choose workouts that increase the heart rate such as spinning, jogging, swimming or cycling.
Pilates is about focusing.
Pilates is a slow movement in accordance to your breathing.
Pilates is your intense presence. You cannot be anywhere else. You are present.
Please share your daily healthy routine with us. How do you manage to keep the same weight for almost 20 years?
I respect the meal hours and don’t skip my breakfast. I don’t eat anything between meals, thus giving the pancreas a break from working continuously.
My rule is pretty simple. I eat vegetables first, after comes proteins and lastly carbohydrates.
BREAKFAST 7 AM
First example: cucumber, tomato, beetroot, carrot and goat cheese
Second example: Grilled mushrooms, zucchini, a well deserved omelette
Final touch: Hydrated walnuts and almonds
Surprise: Blueberries, blackberries or raspberries
I mix between the two, but keeping the final touches and my surprise always by my side.
LUNCH 2 PM
I prefer a vegetable soup mixed with small pieces of proteins (turkey or beef)
After my soup, I eat vegetables or a green salad with sardine, salmon, tuna or turkey.
From time to time I indulge myself with some pasta or pizza.
DINNER 7PM
I often skip the dinner… but If I feel the need to eat something, I chose edamame, homemade popcorn or a green salad.
What is the secret of maintaining your body in shape? A simple tip for those who want to create abs?
Everything can change with gratitude. I would say small daily repetitions. (no matter what)
I like to move my body with few lunges and push-ups in the morning. Those who are at the beginning can start training the abs with 20 repetitions daily, because the muscles must be maintained in an active stage. Small intentional habits will take you further if you want to discipline your mind and body.
Tell us something about your mindset!
I stay away from habits that are harmful to the body. I respect my hours of sleep and drink a small amount of alcohol.
I’m focusing on become a better human being. I don’t put myself in situations that are damaging to my mental and physical state. Withdrawal means balance.
I also read about everything that adds value to my life, I move my body and I love taking my daily dose of vitamin D from the sun.
A small hint for a beginner who never practiced Pilates before?
Honestly? Being patient with oneself for the first thirty Pilates sessions, and after that it will be even better. I’ve never heard anybody complaining: “I feel so unhappy after I invest in myself.” Most of the work is done in the mind and when you don’t know where to start, just promise yourself one small thing: I will become more intentional about my own journey!
Thank you! (Arigato!)
Mijournali: And that’s a wrap!
It was a real pleasure to have this honest conversation with Sorin Bujoreanu (Pilates expert coach). I express my gratitude for inspiring so many people on their journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Your passion for movement has already enhanced our minds!
Photo Source: Instagram @align_pilates
- You can find more about Sorin Bujoreanu’s activity right here:
Website: www.sorinbujoreanu.ro
Instagram: @i_do_pilates_too
Instagram: @align_pilates
Align Studio and Stejarii Country Club (Bucharest)
VERY BEST,
Mijournali
PS: This article is not a Paid Partnership
Disclaimer:
The information above is for educational and informational purposes only and not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you start any diet or perform any exercise.