Recently I had a client come back in after being away for awhile. This is a client I knew quite well, and who I knew had been battling health complications over the years. When she came back in we had a pretty honest talk about why she hadn’t been back in sooner. And I really appreciated what she told me.
She mentioned that she kept telling herself that she needed to get in better condition before she came in. She said she was embarrassed at how far out of shape she had gotten. And, quite honestly, didn’t want to disappoint me. I can tell you she’s not the only one who has thought something like this.
My heart kind of sank when she said these things. All I could think of is that, just like I tell my kids, “I’ll love you, support you, and will be there for you no matter what”. I have the same sense of non-judgmental support for my clients. Part of what I love about my job is being part of people’s health and wellness journey. No matter where they are in their bodies, or their life. See, Pilates doesn’t care where you are in your life, but your instructor cares about you!
Mindful movement can be so healing, energizing and life changing in so many ways. Movement can help you from a physical and spiritual stand point when you are going through “stuff”. (You know, the stuff that happens to everyone at some point in time. Like injuries, illness, family problems, life problems, etc.)
Being Your Instructor Is A Privilege
As an instructor, I love showing people that you don’t have to be doing the hardest, most grueling exercise for it to be an effective tool in your life. Learning to move safely in your body where you are at any given day is a gift that can change your life. Learning to listen to your body, and find movement that feels good, and is effective, can change your health and your happiness.
So, if you’re feeling like you need, or want, to get back to your Pilates practice, but maybe you have some similar thoughts going through your head about why you’re not coming back in, know that I would love nothing more than to help you get started again. Wherever you are in life, and in your body!
P.S. If you’re reading this and I’m not your Pilates instructor I can tell you that your Pilates instructor feels the same way I do! Pilates doesn’t care, but your instructor does!
