When I say that, it sounds crazy to me. It’s been OVER 20 years that I’ve been doing Pilates?!? Yep, and it doesn’t feel like it, at all. How many things can you say that about? I love that Pilates is a journey of self-discovery, on the mat AND off it! You might not believe it when you’re first starting, but if you’ve been doing Pilates for a while, you get what I’m saying. You learn more about yourself the more you do it – where you get stuck, what you need to let go of, where your mind jumps when you find something challenging – and it gives back to you more than you’d ever realize it could.
Here's a few of the reasons I’m not bored of Pilates, even after more than 20 years:
My body keeps changing, so my practice does, too
Things in my body now are a heck of a lot different than they were in 1999 when I took my first Pilates class. I’ve had 2 kids, several operations, and my share of bumps and bruises…along with the fact that I’m not 25 anymore…
Every day I discover something new about my body – what it can do (which always amazes me), what it can’t do (or *thinks* it can’t do), what it’s telling me about how I treated it yesterday – and the way my practice constantly changes.
I keep learning new things
You don’t just learn Pilates exercises and move on. You connect to each and every movement differently, every day. You discover your connection and where you like to disconnect; you learn nuances that change the exercises; you start to realize that willing it to be, doesn’t make it so…so you have to try a different way.
I love that you can make things challenging or easier, depending on the day and what you can accomplish, because what you did yesterday doesn’t necessarily mean it’s what you can do today! I’ve had time on the mat where each exercise feels accessible and fluid, then the next practice I wonder who’s taken over my body, because nothing is working.
Some days I need or want a longer time on the mat; others I need only a few minutes. I love that I can do a little or a lot, and still feel accomplished!
I’ve also found that Pilates is supportive of your entire body. Are your ankles doing funny things? You’re gonna have a hard time engaging your inner thighs. Shoulders up in your ears? That Open Leg Rocker isn’t gonna happen. Got your bottom butt working? That Double Straight Leg Stretch is going to be a breeze! You start to learn how easy it is to let go of parts, but how good it feels to connect them.
It's easy to maintain a consistent practice because it doesn’t kill me.
Ever done a seriously rough workout that leaves you unable to walk the next day? Not been able to sit on the toilet for a week? They don’t exactly inspire joy when you think about doing them again! I love that Pilates lets you know you were working but doesn’t debilitate you the next day. It’s the difference between looking forward to a workout and convincing yourself to do anything but!
It's also nice knowing that whether it’s 5 minutes or 55, you’re getting a lot of benefit. That balance of stretch and strengthening is noticeable in just one exercise!
I also like the challenge...
Pilates is challenging because you really have to SHOW UP. You don’t just go through the motions because you really can’t. You need to focus on yourself, on your body, on your connection, so the time you spend on your mat just flies by! You also feel really awesome having spent whatever time totally focused on yourself.
One of my favourite things is that I am fully present. I can’t think about my grocery list or how many things I still need to do today; I am keeping my shoulders on my back, my abs engaged and my Thass on to be able to do ALL the things. It’s not often I don’t get distracted, but my Pilates practice is one of those times.
Pilates keeps me flexible, strong & connected
I’ve spent weeks on bedrest and bounced back. I’ve had 2 pregnancies that I was massively large with but had absolutely no back pain. My posture improved from the very first class, and it doesn’t feel like a struggle to stand tall. I’ve been able to trampoline, toboggan, and wrestle with my kids without feeling like I was going to break or strain something. I’m not afraid to stretch in the morning when I get out of bed. I feel that my daily movements are all better because of my Pilates practice!
Every teacher has a different perspective
And even better, THEY change and grow over the years, as well! As instructors, we are always constantly learning, improving, and diving deeper into the things that inspire us.
After struggling with leaking and diastasis recti, I was determined to learn more not only to help myself, but as many other women as I can!
Taking instruction from other people also makes my perspectives on the exercises change. There have been variations I’ve never seen before; suggestions that take an exercise even further; cues that transform what I’ve been trying to communicate.
Just like my body isn’t the same as it was 20 years ago, neither is my teaching, and I’m proud of that!
There is Classical AND Contemporary work
I did Contemporary Pilates before I even knew what Pilates was, or that there were other focuses of instruction. It felt amazing in my body, so I certified in it, and was happily challenged.
I tried a Classical workout, and discovered a whole new side to the work! There are similarities and many differences, but I loved feeling both and how the approach varied. It’s not like I was bored before I tried a Classical workout, I just uncovered an even deeper love for Pilates. I think it’s safe to say it’ll keep me going for at least another 20 years!
So, what keeps YOU from getting bored with your workout (or are you, and that’s why you’re looking at Pilates?)? What are your favourite parts of Pilates? Any disagreement with what I’ve shared?
I might be biased, but since Pilates just helps every other thing you do, workout or otherwise, it’s a keeper. If you haven’t tried it yet, maybe today’s the day? I hope you do.
Xo, Kimberly
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