Class Motto:

BREATHE

——————— E X P A N D ———————

Create physical space; create mental space 

BREATHE

Mottos we all can live by 

… Intelligent exercise …

Did you know that this is a motto associated with the form of Pilates (Stott/Merrithew) that I teach?  Yes, but as many of you know and have experienced, I am much more than a Pilates mover — and I apply this motto to everything that I teach YOU. When I encounter a solid piece of movement advice during my research, I examine how it can be applied across multiple platforms. That intelligence informs my own movement choices which I pass on to you.  

Every week I set aside time for play — movement explorations that later may become part of a sequence or choreography.  When I explore movement I begin from a grounded foundation. Building upon a solid sense of muscular engagement, I frequently reach for movements that are expansive; movements that stretch and grow.  It’s really the best of both worlds.

… Do it right the first time …

I’ve raised my three children with this advice.  In my opinion, it’s a waste of both time and effort to rush through something to get a final result, only to have to redo the work. Much better to do it properly from the outset — less frustrating for one thing, as well as more satisfying.  To accomplish that, one needs to come to each task with the proper tools and the right mindset.  

There’s a good reason that these modalities —Pilates, Total Barre®, ZEN*GA® and GYROKINESIS® — are part of the Mindful Movement.  As a mentor to you, my friends, I embrace that mindfulness and (on my better days) apply it to the differing modalities when I teach.  Like everyone, my body has its own pathways and muscle memories that have created patterning. However, as a demonstrator it’s my responsibility to put my best foot forward! I try to correct my positions to MY best ability when I demonstrate.  And you should too!  And like everyone, my mind can be distracted — by the music, by recent events, and by the stresses of everyday life.  But when we step into the physical space that we create together through our Zoom rooms, it’s important to clear the mind of those external forces and concentrate on listening and internalizing the cues from the instructor.  Those cues are both visual and verbal. 

… Embrace the body you inhabit now …

Living in “our own skin” means that as we progress through the decades, we adapt and adjust. You may wish that you could still work to the same level of competence you had in younger years, but how would those choices affect your general ability to perform your daily activities now?  If we do not choose quality of life over our pride that we can still perform to an arbitrary standard, we limit our future ability to have the fullest life possible. Which would you choose once you’ve given it some thought?

Here’s an example — 

Do I regret that I can no longer perform? Do I regret that I have limitations due to my age? 

NOT AT ALL!  I’m happy in my own skin — I had a fun time all those many years ago and I’m equally as happy to have moved on.  I have found ways to continue to exercise and also to continue to learn and grow.  As a result, I still enjoy teaching. And I’m still happy and fulfilled. My body adapts, adjusts and responds to my new choices about movement.

And yours can too!  It is important to bring a sense of openness and willingness to try new things into each phase of your life.  Especially in exercise, we often get stuck in a rut — perhaps you have favorite teachers, or best times of day for exercise. These are limiting factors. 

Why is this important?  Actually, for many reasons, not the least of which is the patterning our bodies can be subject to.  That patterning can be a limiting factor if the body is compensating for a limitation or issue elsewhere.  And, just as importantly, those muscle patterns become “old hat”.  They are habitual and therefore are no longer challenging for the body. Doing only one thing won’t encourage you to grow in other ways.  In contrast, opening up to other potential forms of movement may be just the thing you need!  Why not take the plunge and explore something new and fresh?  Your muscles will say “aha!” and your mind also will be challenged when asked to explore in different ways.

Now as the year draws to a close, please take time to give some thought to your own choices. So let’s start by thinking about whether we can put all of these mottos together.  Here’s one way; can you come up with anything else?

Intelligent exercise done right the first time 

and respecting and embracing our personal limitations.