because the masses are rejecting their dogma. We resist the idea that exercise is a necessary punishment for the reflection we see in the mirror. We know and believe that exercise isn’t just about whittling our body down to a certain shape and size so that it’s worthy of feeling seen, loved, and sexy. Like, can’t we simply workout to feel good? Can’t we workout ‘cause we wanna feel like a super-heroes; even in our middle-aged bodies? 

If I could gain one superpower via exercise, I’d wanna teleport like Nightcrawler. I mean, how badass would that be? But that’s more mental than physical, right? So I guess I’d “settle”for Wolverine’s strength, speed, stamina, durability, agility, dexterity, and reaction time. Plus his keen senses and regenerative skills! 

Believe it or not, having super-hero aspirations is a major motivator behind my regular exercise routine. I mean, who doesn’t wanna feel ageless and invincible?

You’d never know it by current life but my favorite way to exercise is to dance. Albert Einstein said “dancers are the athletes of god” and I wholeheartedly agree. Dance is a full-body workout that requires skill, technique, strength, flexibility, grace, imagination, and vulnerability. And while it requires extreme athleticism, it somehow doesn’t feel like a “workout” because it’s also creative self-expression. 

It’s hard to stick to a fitness routine when I don’t make it a consistent, non-negotiable item on my calendar. It’s crazy how quickly life can disrupt my workout plans, no matter how important physical fitness is to me or how much I love the way I feel post-workout. And when I say “life”, that can sometimes mean scrolling social media or binge-watching House Hunters on HGTV. “Procrastination is the thief of time” and an energy zapper. Yep, even though I’m a fitness professional that loves to move – on most days – I’m not in the mood to workout.

Physical fitness is important to me because I’ve witnessed the effects of a sedentary life. Physical decline seems to spiral into mental and emotional decline. And I’ve observed what it looks like when you let life happen instead of moving through it with purpose, a sense of adventure, and self-care. But, I’ve also seen what aging can look like if you continue to 1. move your body and 2. nurture your body. It adds quality years to your life. I want that!

I have students up to 80 years old; some of whom are doing advanced Pilates work! It’s no surprise that they also also have active lives.

I know I’m under the heavy influence of Joseph Pilates but I’ve gotta agree with his statement that “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness”. My fitness level is so deeply tied to my emotional state because, without my health and mobility, I couldn’t do the things that I love with “zest and pleasure” (also Joe’s words). I’m a mover by nature. A dancer. An aerialist. A performer. A Pilates practitioner. And, anyone that knows me, knows that I’ve still got super-hero aspirations. Call it mid-life crisis. I call it optimism.