How Pilates Fits into my Lifestyle and has Changed Me for the Better.

In the summer of last year, I found a workout I absolutely love. I cannot even begin the gratitude I have for my friend and badass Pilates instructor, Jennifer Sharpe, for convincing me to take a class. As someone who struggles with failing and/or being weak, I couldn’t have asked for a better place to start my Pilates journey.

For me, I love being active and it's something undereating has slightly taken away from me because it doesn’t give me the energy my body needs to continue to work out. It also made me weaker and I hate that because at one point in life I was out push-upping the guys in Ice Hockey camp. 

Running... now a whole other story... but maybe one day…. because I dream of doing a Run Disney race. 

I do love pure barre, but the studio in Athens is not within walking distance. I'll never go to the gym here on-campus because it’s inconvenient, and adult dance classes (I do miss dance) just did not fit my schedule. 

However, the Pilates studio is walkable for me, one of my best friends is an instructor, so I often take her classes and sometimes we take other classes together, and it's one of the best uplifting community environments to be apart of.

I’m also OBSESSED with the reformers! I had never used one prior to last August, and truly a life-changing machinery. 

Additionally, the Pilates class times and length are so great with my schedule. Early mornings work great for me most days (although sometimes I love an afternoon and evening class when I can) and the best part is I get a GOOD workout in, but I’m TYPICALLY (keyword) not drenched in sweat after meaning I can freshen up with some perfume, deodorant etc., and not have to schedule a shower before heading to work/class for the day. 

Pilates is also such a great workout because it really focuses on strength, stability, balance, flexibility, and some light cardio all-in one class. Plus, the studio I go to, Push Pilates Athens, is super supportive to all in the class and always provides adaptations. Sometimes, I take advancements and sometimes I take the de-advancement? It’s all about giving what you can on a certain day and showing up for what you need at that time. As someone who deals with RED-S, Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, low blood pressure, sometimes has kidney/heart flare-ups and truthfully still struggles with an eating disorder at times. Somedays, I just don’t have the energy to do cardio or decide to take a lighter spring etc., but I am VERY good at listening to my body and doing what I can. 

Pilates has been lifesaving for strength-building though and is KEY to helping me overcome osteoporosis. Somedays, I even surprise myself and when I look back, I do realize how much stronger I have become since first walking into the studio in August.

Additionally, it has been a huge motivation for me. It has given me an appetite which is and continues to help me with increasing macros with my dietitian. It has forced me to fuel earlier and hold myself accountable for having an afternoon snack if I take an evening class because I want to be able to fuel my body right and recover properly. It motivates me because I know I could be even stronger in these classes if I fueled myself more and who doesn’t want to be stronger?  As I continue to take classes, become stronger, and become the best version of myself, I hope I can also become a licensed Pilates instructor one day. I want to have the opportunity to make others feel good, encourage mindful movement, encourage mind-body connection, and continue to pursue my passion of health and wellness. 

Coaching is in my DNA as I have coached and am a licensed USA Hockey coach, plus was a dance instructor.

Pilates has been a key factor for me with my mental health as well. Movement is so good for the brain and the body. It has given me an indoor movement activity for the winter when outdoor walks are not attainable. It has provided me with mindset changes when it comes to ensuring I am fueling my body. It has given me a community away from work/school and has introduced me to the BEST people. It has given me 50 minutes of the day for ME no matter what else is on my packed student and work schedule.

I don’t know where I’ll end up upon graduation in May. It could be here in Athens but it could also not be here in Athens, since I don’t have full control over where the job will land. 

However, not a day goes by where I think about how much I would miss my happy place and a studio that has changed me for the better. So, I’ll end this here for now and enjoy every single moment I have because you can’t always plan for the future, but you can always soak in the present.