I Know I’ve Had a Good Workout When…

I know I’ve had a good Pilates workout when the 55min fly by, I feel crazy energized and my mood shifts from #FML to “anything is possible”. I suddenly feel super-productive; as if I can check everything off of my to-do list. And my body…? It feels about ten years younger. The creaking from decades of wear and tear compounded by our new Zoom culture evaporates with the sweat. My joints feel like they’ve got space to move freely and easily, and my mood thrives on all the feel-good hormones pumping through my system.

I also know I’ve had a good workout when I’ve learned something new. It could be a new exercise that I fumble through with excitement and curiosity as my body and mind try to harmonize and make happen. Or a new way of approaching a familiar exercise that makes my body embrace it even deeper. I love experiencing that mental process that eventually results in greater physical capacity. It’s so gratifying to put in consistent effort and discover “Wow, I can do that!”. And I love having epiphanies about the interconnectedness of an exercise I’m working on with other exercises already in my toolbox. It’s an “Aha!” moment that helps me finally understand the essence of the exercise, making it totally doable. And then, once again, I’m blown away by the genius of the Pilates Method. How can something so challenging and complex be so simple?

Also, I secretly get a little boost when my teacher seems to be energized from my workout, too. Like damn, together we did the damn thing!

S.I.T. With Yourself in April

This month’s #soakedinthought journaling prompts are dedicated to body confidence and fitness as a lifestyle. As we move into Spring and the fitness industry ramps up its messaging about getting “in shape” for Summer, I hope you’ll sit with yourself to figure out what your body, mind, and spirit need to feel healthy, fit, and happy – without all the external voices.