As a Pilates teacher, I get to work with lots of different bodies. Bodies that have lots of different things going on. I wouldn’t have it any other way. There is nothing I love more than being able to help someone. To help them figure out how to use movement to empower and appreciate their body, and to truly inspire their life. I love the challenge of putting myself in my client’s body. And then giving them suggestions on how they might move to most benefit their body.
One of the biggest benefits of my teaching time is truly the inspiration and insight I get from working with clients whose bodies don’t feel great. I’m not talking about having a tight back, or a just not feeling your most energetic self on any given day. I’m talking about being in constant chronic pain 24/7. Can you even imagine? I can tell you that if I get a slight headache or a kink in my back, I am irritated, whiny, and just plain unhappy. I can’t imagine putting on a happy face and living life with chronic pain. Many of my clients actually do Pilates to minimize chronic pain. The clients come in, grateful for the opportunity to practice Pilates, and appreciative of their bodies, regardless of the pain.
A Renewed Perspective
My thoughts? I want everyone (who is not in pain) to know how lucky and amazing it is to have a body that can move, bend and twist without pain. I want to tell everyone to quit worrying about the weight on the scale, the size of your clothes, and just start moving your body. The benefits of movement are so much more than burning calories.
I hope you’ll take a little time to appreciate the amazing body you have! Take some time to truly appreciate all the wonderful things you can do with it. And give yourself a break when it comes to criticizing yourself!
