New Year, Renewed Commitment to Yourself
I can't believe it's 2024.
People tend to look at a new year as a good time for a fresh start. Really, any moment is the opportunity to make changes that will benefit your present and future well-being. That said, sometimes we need a catalyst, and a new year serves as a great catalyst.
Pilates is more than an exercise program because its benefits extend far beyond physical strength and fitness. Pilates has the power to deeply affect our physical, mental and spiritual/emotional well-being, enabling us to lead fuller and maybe longer healthier and lives.
I was hesitant to begin Pilates when I began my personal practice for many reasons... was I too out of shape, did I have the time, it was expensive, etc. Ultimately, I made the decision to invest the time and money in my health. I went to Pilates with no idea of the far-reaching benefits it would bring to my life.
For me, the Pilates lifestyle isn't the flashy Instagram posts or Tik Tok videos you may see. It strengthens my body, it opens my mind, and it softens my heart that the trials of today's world seek to harden. It keeps me open to finding the joy in this world and makes my mind, soul and body capable of embracing it.
My goal as the owner of Move Pilates Bend is to bring to the clients what Pilates brings to me. We offer small classes in a naturally lit space with ceiling to floor windows (but they are tinted so you don't feel like you are in a fishbowl ), we offer no judgment only encouragement. We as teachers honor where you are at, and challenge you to exceed your own expectations safely. We hope you leave with the realization that you are a breathing human who can reach further and deeper than you thought.
If you are still with me in this blog, read more to see how Pilates benefits your overall wellbeing:
Physically, Pilates sneaks up on you.
I am a firm believer in Joseph Pilates quote, "You will feel better in ten sessions, look better in twenty, and have a completely new body in thirty sessions." Of course, this doesn't mean thirty sessions in one month (though you could ) or thirty sessions over three years. It requires commitment and a regular practice of two to three sessions per week, ideally, though one session per week is better than none. Pilates will make your body feel better. You will become stronger, you will feel stronger, you will look stronger, and you will stand taller. Slouching will start to feel uncomfortable and awkward as your spine wants to stand tall. Your muscles will elongate as they strengthen and support your joints. With this, you will notice increased flexibility, less tightness. You may notice you walk with a better aligned and more even stride. You may notice minor body aches and pains diminish or even disappear. You may find a full day of skiing or mountain bike riding comes easier, and you finish feeling stronger and energized instead of fatigued. You will surprise yourself with your strength and begin to execute exercises on the equipment and the mat you never thought you would.
The mental benefits of Pilates are soon to follow the physical benefits.
As you carry yourself taller with your improved posture, you will likely notice your self-confidence increase. As your self-confidence increases, your outlook on what is possible in your world will expand. Myself and others share the experience that in Pilates, when you fully focus on using your muscles to move as the instructor cues, you won't be distracted about ticking the next thing off your to-do list. Instead, you will find yourself focused and grateful to your body as it supports you throughout the class. You won't notice others in the class. You will find introspection as you seek only to find your best within yourself. The movement of the carriage and your muscles becomes rhythmic, soothing, meditative. And you carry this with you off the mat and the Reformer into your life outside the studio.
Similar to the mental benefits, is how Pilates supports our emotional state.
In your practice, you surrender to grounding yourself for that hour which helps you to stay grounded in other areas of your life. This can help you better manage the pressures and stressors in your life, your career, your relationships... everything. Just showing up, being present, checking into yourself benefits you. For one hour, you dedicate the time to yourself, your health and your well-being. And that hour helps you show up for yourself and everyone in your life with a higher level of patience and grace.
Circling back to the title of this blog - New Year, Renewed Commitment to Yourself
Perhaps it isn't a new life, or a new lifestyle, but a renewed focus on the investment in yourself and how that investment in yourself extends to those you care about.
Pilates is a practice and a journey. We'd love you to join the Move Pilates Bend Community. Every day can be different, some exercises are harder and some are easier one day versus. the next. It is about showing up for yourself. If you don't show up for yourself, it is truly impossible to really show up for others. So, start this new year with a new or renewed focus on your well-being.
See you in studio!