What can Pilates do for me? Is it like a corset? Can it get rid of my stomach, tighten my butt, slim my thighs? Will Pilates help get rid of my muffin top?
When you are in the movement/fitness/Pilates business, these types of questions can always be expected. So expected that I, like many teachers, have some standard responses. I tell potential new students, “of course it can”. Followed by professional explanations of how the exercise method, if done regularly, can produce just the results they are looking for.
Drum Roll, Please!
I’ve been where these women are. Looking for the next best thing to help them get into a smaller pair of jeans. Or look how you think society wants you to look.
I quit obsessing about weight, worrying about what size I am, or trying to fit into society’s ideals a long time ago. I do think my career as a movement instructor was instrumental in that process in my life. And I’m forever grateful for that.
I have a daughter. And, even though I try to be a positive body image role model for her, I am already finding that I can’t shield her from thinking she needs to be “skinnier”, go on a diet, or even “lose her stomach”. It drives me crazy!
What I really want more than anything is for her to appreciate the amazing body she has. I want her to stay active and healthy by moving in ways she loves. I want her to not feel like she needs to “fix herself” to meet other people’s standards.
So, when someone asks me one of those questions about losing an inch from their waist….my heart kind of aches. I can tell that they are still in that place of “trying to fix themselves”, or get their body to some “ideal place” that doesn’t exist.
Here’s what I want to say when someone asks me about losing their stomach, tightening their butt, or slimming their thighs:
The answer of course is yes. Any regular movement program combined with healthy eating can accomplish those things. But, is that really what you want? You are beautiful and have a body that lets you live life. It might not be perfect or what you see as ideal, but the reality is, it is amazing!
If you make it a priority to take care of it by moving in ways you enjoy, you will be happier, healthier, and you’ll learn to love yourself for the wonderful you that you are! You will feel better in your body, and in the days end I think that’s what most people are really looking for.
So, rather than wondering if Pilates will help my muffin top, reflect on how amazing your current body is.
