Ever think you’re not getting anywhere in your Pilates practice? Feel like you’re a little ‘stuck’ – you’ve made progress in the past, but it feels like you haven’t in a while?
We tend to be open-minded, all-in, and super keen when we first start doing Pilates. There’s so much to think about, that’s new, that’s overwhelming…and sometimes we get into some habits that make it harder for us as we get farther into our Pilates journey!
No one likes to be called out for bad habits (me, included) but if you’re sticking with your practice and want to get the most of it, you’re going to have to do a little self-reflection.
There are 3 basic ways you’re sabotaging your progress, and they’re very easy fixes when you know what’s going on! If you catch yourself doing any of these things, it’s time to stop.
Not thinking about any of it when you’re not in class
Ah, the classic “I did my Pilates class, and I’m done” thinking.
Did you know, you should be taking what you learn on the mat and put it into practice in your everyday life?
Not meaning you should be doing the Roll Up when you’re getting out of bed – but I wouldn’t tell you not to! – or that you should be doing a Standing Roll Down when you’re in line at the grocery store (please don’t!). I’m talking about connecting your abs when you’re standing at the sink washing dishes. Finding your bottom butt when you’re walking up the stairs. Taking a break from your laptop and stacking your vertebra to take that tension from your neck.
All these little practices add up to gains on your mat!
If you’re doing a little to connect throughout your day, your body has practice and will be more apt to participate when you call on it during your practice. Your mind gets used to putting the pieces together, even when you’re not doing the actual exercises.
Your confidence improves because you’re putting in time, however short, to focus on you and make you the priority you said you wanted to be.
Put your time in OFF the mat and watch how it changes when you’re ON it!
Doing your own thing
My friend, your Pilates teacher is not just talking to hear themselves speak. They’re trying to get you to connect with yourself AND the exercises, and in the best way possible.
This is especially true in group class!
Everyone ‘clicks’ with something different. It might be the way I describe the movement; it could be what I show you should be working; perhaps it’s when I get you to touch the muscle I want to be participating.
If you’re tuning out and going through your own motions, you’re missing out on some key input.
If you’re in a group, I don’t normally centre you out; I suggest to the group that something should happen. If I KEEP saying the same thing, in a different way, or slightly stronger, it’s probably because it’s YOU that’s not getting the essence of the exercise and I’m really hoping you’re going to clue in! If you’re doing your own thing, you’re losing the benefit of my observation (and knowledge).
Next time you’re on your mat and I’m instructing you in group – or even on the Fab in 15 videos – ask yourself if you’re REALLY listening, or if your mind is somewhere else and you’re going through the motions.
Truly great connection happens with presence. If you’re not ‘really’ there, you’re not really connecting.
Not asking questions
I love questions. I especially love when my clients ask questions.
I don’t know what’s happening in your head unless you tell me. So, if something I’ve said is confusing, doesn’t work for you, or makes no sense to you, the only way I’ll truly know is if you ask for clarity.
Likely more people than just you have exactly the same questions but are afraid to ask.
BUT THAT’S WHAT I’M HERE FOR.
I’m the question answerer. The knowledge sharer. The tweaker of movement. I’ll do what I can without you asking specifically, but the more you ask, the more you’ll know.
AND I LOVE WHEN YOU KNOW MORE!
If there’s an exercise you’re just not getting, ask how you can make it work better.
If there’s a movement you just don’t connect with, ask what you should be feeling (sometimes just knowing what to look out for helps you feel it better!).
If there’s something that doesn’t feel right, ask how you can change it to make it more accessible. I’m basically the QUEEN of modifications, and I LOVE helping people focus on what they should be feeling (not just what’s complaining!).
Those are the 3 things you’re doing that are ruining your Pilates practice: not thinking about any of it when you're not in class, doing your own thing, and not asking questions!
Do you find yourself doing one or all of these? Let me know which you struggle with in the comments below, or how you feel when you’re NOT doing them! Hearing from others what works for them – and what doesn’t – can help immensely, so don’t be afraid to share.
Here’s to everyday-living practice, taking guidance and direction, and asking questions.
I can’t wait to see how these take your practice to the next level!
Xo, Kimberly
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