To Me, Physical Fitness Is…

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. But my optimism has been quashed many a times due to injury. And injuries remind me that, while I certainly have regenerative powers, they’re not instantaneous. I know what it’s like to be sidelined for months and reduced to rest; all while enduring tedious PT exercises in order to regain my (super) powers. So to me, physical fitness is about high function and feeling invincible. Oh, and injury prevention, because invincible I’m not. 

Physical fitness is also about “gaining the mastery of my mind over the complete control of my body”. Damn, those are Joe’s words too! But that’s been my experience since I was 5yrs old in my Royal Academy of Dance Ballet training. Technique, alignment, athleticism and control merged with artistry, breath, and grace require deep mind/body connection. Without mind/body control it’s really hard to progress towards more advanced physical skills and balance them in performance with authentic emotional expression. But even off-stage, I want to harness that type of power in my everyday life until I’m 101yo.

So physical fitness, to me, is whatever Joe said. The man was a genius. Sign me up for the “happiness”, “zest & pleasure”, mind/body connection and longevity. 

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.