What happens when you do Pilates in Angkor Wat?

After a day of touring, we enjoyed a sunset class together and then a group dinner at one of my favorite cafes, one that when I am in LA, I crave.

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • April 2, 2017
Table of Contents

What happens when you do Pilates in Angkor Wat?

While watching the sunset at Ankgor Wat I had to do some Pilates
While watching the sunset at Ankgor Wat I had to do some Pilates

You plan your next trip back to do it all over again!

We arrived here on Sunday, March 5th, and our personal tuk-tuk driver Poly took us to our retreat space. I knew this space would be unique and calm. I was not expecting it to be this artistic oasis with plenty of meditation spots, hammocks, mango trees with branches that provided a canopy from the Cambodian sun and bungalows with handmade mosaic floors. The owners have thought of every detail. Sweet touches of Buddhas, vases, flowers everywhere. The community table we ate all our homemade vegetarian meals, that are farm-to-table, is a complete mosaic table with adorable French dishes set inside.

Blue-indigo-welcoming-buddha
IMG_1181

After setting down our bags, we explored the Shalas where I would be leading Pilates class. The best way I can describe our room is a treehouse. Completely outdoors above the mango trees with a covered roof to protect us from the sun and in the rainy season the rain.

As our group arrived (we had 11 total) they got settled in their rooms, and we all enjoyed a delicious dinner of Cambodian style curry and rice. Getting to bed early to wake up for our first day of the retreat. We had Pilates class bright and early as the sun rose. Our first day filled with Pilates classes, a workshop to understand the Pilates mat better for a home practice, the Pilates teachers who joined us loved the deep dive. The retreaters Pilates experience ranged from less than a year to several years and a couple of teachers. Diving deep into Joseph Pilates “Return to Life” mat allowed everyone to develop a personal Pilates practice all their own. After a lovely lunch and lounging, we went out to a Pagoda (Buddhist temple) and met a young monk who blessed us. We did an outdoor standing mat class and then hopped on a boat to enjoy the sunset over the West Baray (a reservoir).

Sunset-Swim-West-Baray
Pilates-Class-Outside-Pagoda


Not sure if it was the heat or the beauty but the Baray called us, and we had to jump in. Swimming in the West Baray was incredibly refreshing and while on a retreat so liberating. Here we are in Siem Reap, Cambodia, a place with incredible history and we are floating along as the sun sets on our first day.

Not sure how our second day could top the first but it did! After Pilates class, we got lots hammock time in and then off to the Temples. Our guide Pich is unlike any other. She grew up in Siem Reap and spends her days touring every temple. When she is not, she is giving food to the monks in her village and taking care of her elders, even ones that are not family. I say this because the people here in Siem Reap are the nicest people you will meet. They give more than they have.

Sunset-West-Baray

Pich started us off at Prasat Kavan, a Temple built in the 10th century. I had not seen this Temple last year. In fact, there are so many Temples here in Angkor that I still have many, many more to see (hence why I am already planning the next trip). After Prasat went to Ta Prohm, also known as the Jungle Temple. This one is so Tomb Raider. Our guide took us in a back way so that we could see some of the buddhas they thought were missing. Eventually found under some stones that had fallen without their heads. Something you’ll learn about this place is that there are few Buddhas with their heads. Most stolen or destroyed.

After our tour through this place made for the covers of National Geographics, we took a long drive off the beaten path to visit Bantey Srey, the pink temple.

I try not to make trips like all tourists. Our retreats are meant to take you away from the routine and to also learn more than what you could from a few articles and some you-tube videos. So, Pich, our all-knowing guide took us off the main route, and we stopped at our driver’s village to see how they make sugar. It’s not at all how you expect it, and you’ll just have to join me next time to see how good sugar can be.

Then back on the bus to continue our adventure to the pink Temple. I cannot tell you how amazing this space is. Seriously, you will just have to see it for yourself.

Day 3 was spent diving deep into the last half of Joe’s Pilates exercises and then enjoying all that Siem Reap has to offer. There are many restaurants, shops, and museums to see. Our 4th day woke up early and went out to watch the sunrise above the center tower of Angkor Wat. This time of year is perfect for it to line up over the top tower. Pich, our guide, knew how to take the best pictures and then took us off to see Bayon and Praer Kahn before we went back to Angkor to see the inside. There are thousands of tourists at the Temples each day, and my guide knows when to go to what Temples so we can enjoy them all to ourselves.

My favorite Temple is Praer Khan. A very extraordinary woman lives there and takes care of the Temple. She was not there this trip so of course, I just have to come back. She is worth the trek through the jungle to meet her and receive a blessing.

After a day of touring, we enjoyed a sunset class together and then a group dinner at one of my favorite cafes, one that when I am in LA, I crave.

Our final day included a long mat class and a great farewell breakfast. As I write this, I am sad this retreat has come to an end. But, it’s not THE END. I am deep into planning my next retreats. To be first to know about the next Angkor trip message me here. Space is limited, so it is first to come first serve.

You also do not have to wait! This summer I will be in Ojai, CA. Instead of saying “I wish,” or “Someday,” just say “YES!” Saying yes means time for you away from the norm, from the walk of the same and it also means connecting with yourself and connecting to the world. It’s an exotic place out here. See you soon!

xx~LL

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

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SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

TOPS 'N TAILS

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Tops ‘N Tails (or Tops & Tails) is a wonderful expression I grew up with! It means being ready-to-go…from top to bottom, front to back, end to end! Isn’t that exactly what Pilates does for our minds and bodies? It encourages us to ready for any adventure that comes our way because our workouts use variety to engage the whole body, and to focus our minds.

This month’s Reformer workout will have us exploring Tops ‘N Tails by working from the ends of The Order. We’ll alternate exercises from the beginning and from the end of our usual routine for a challenging time! You’ll need your reformer box and pole.

On the Wunda Chair and Mat we'll be focusing on working from the top half or the tail half of our bodies! While every exercise requires the whole body. Setting ourselves up for success from the Top to the Tail makes the most difference!

On the Cadillac/Tower we will work on how the top half of the body helps to support the bottom half and vice versa! Pilates allows us to use the whole body to help with strength from Top to Tail! Let's explore how the springs on the Cadillac/Tower make us connect to the whole body in each exercise.

xx-LL

MEET ME HALFWAY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week we’re going to focus on how we use Abduction and Adduction to center ourselves, find our control, and harness our power. We’ll be working about halfway through The Order of Exercises on both the Mat and the Reformer with an Adduction - squeezing toward center - focus , then we’ll go back to the beginning and repeat those exercises with an Abduction - pulling away from center - focus. You’ll need something you can squeeze and something you can pull apart. So grab a ball and a resistance band, or just a magic circle and meet me halfway!

See you in class,

Tami

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a ball and a resistance band, or just a magic circle and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a ball and a resistance band, or just a magic circle and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

LEG PULLS ARE FUN

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Alright so maybe they're not fun! But, what we think about an exercise does matter! And if you don't like an exercise or you tell yourself you can't do an exercise I promise you your brain and body will believe it!

So, I'm taking Leg Pulls (Control Push Ups on the Reformer) and making them fun! So we can ALL enjoy what is possible from these dynamic duos!

Have a squishy ball or stuffed toy nearby for our Leg Pull moments on the Mat. Reformer no props needed.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a squishy ball or stuffed toy and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

CONTROL YOUR BALANCE

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Alright loves, you may not like going overhead and you may not be able to…yet..

But this week on the Mat and the Reformer we will be ready-ing ourselves to Control our Balance.
Yes, the exercise but there are so many ways to work this that if you are not going upside down you're going to feel your balance get controlled!

Think long legs, asymmetrical legs and maybe even a little single leg deadlift.

On the Mat, if you do struggle with balance go to a wall during the standing work or have a chair nearby. No extra props needed for the Reformer.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

SLINKY SPINE?

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

I know you remember the slinky! So wouldn't it be nice if our bodies could move like that? Well, it's not necessarily good to be super bendy, but it is good to be able to articulate the spine when we are able. In the classes this week we will work through the articulation and flexibility of the spine, as well as pay attention to trying not to go too far. Finding your strength and connections in your flexion and extension is going to be the key! Hopefully, you will feel like a slinky here and there throughout the class!

See you in class,

Mindi

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

HORSES HORSES HORSES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

If you are a lover of the Reformer chances are you have little love for the Horseback. I don't blame you. It's not that fun. If you're on the Mat you probably have no idea what this means…

And that's ok! Horseback is like a seated Teaser but harder!

On both the Mat and Reformer we will be playing with how to connect to this exercise, prepare for it and find a Horse that works for us!

Props: Mat, have light weights nearby

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, have light weights nearby and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS SKIP TORSO DAY!

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

I was thinking of arm days and leg days at the gym, and even the memes you see, which can go both ways. Either dragging yourself around the day after because you're so sore, or you have no muscles at all to hold you up because you skipped those days. Always the extremes with the memes (hey, that rhymed!), and that’s why we love them.

But this is what I love about Pilates - it’s the full body, the whole body. Everything is working together so one part is not overdoing it, while another part is doing nothing. The upper body, the lower body, and the side bodies are connected to our center, so that’s where our focus will be. Even when you think it’s about the arms or the legs, how can you ask a little more of your center to engage?

Props for the Wunda Chair: yoga block and long box for some exercises

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

TOPS & TAILS

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Tops ‘N Tails (or Tops & Tails) is a wonderful expression I grew up with! It means being ready-to-go…from top to bottom, front to back, end to end! Isn’t that exactly what Pilates does for our minds and bodies? It encourages us to ready for any adventure that comes our way because our workouts use variety to engage the whole body, and to focus our minds.

This month’s Reformer workout will have us exploring Tops ‘N Tails by working from the ends of The Order. We’ll alternate exercises from the beginning and from the end of our usual routine for a challenging time! You’ll need your reformer box and pole.

On the Wunda Chair and Mat we'll be focusing on working from the top half or the tail half of our bodies! While every exercise requires the whole body. Setting ourselves up for success from the Top to the Tail makes the most difference!

On the Cadillac/Tower we will work on how the top half of the body helps to support the bottom half and vice versa! Pilates allows us to use the whole body to help with strength from Top to Tail! Let's explore how the springs on the Cadillac/Tower make us connect to the whole body in each exercise.

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋