A fun little flow for you today, the freedom and joy of movement.
Be well my friends.
Tag Archives: pilates
Posture
I say this all the time, perfect posture is a myth. We all have different bodies, lifestyles. What we all need to do is to move more and what I mean by this is being mindful/aware of the the length of time we are staying passively in one position.
For example, when you are at your desk working, are you the type that once you are engrossed or focused you can sit for hours in the same position without moving? Then you leave work you drive to where ever you have to go etc. You see where I am going? You are in the same position, shoulders rounded, spine rounded, flexed, hip flexors in flexion etc. Now these positions are not particularly bad, but it’s the amount of time we stay “stuck” in those positions.
We have all heard the saying “motion is lotion” and that is so true. We need to move our bodies in every plane of motion, we need to extend our spines, open up the frontline of our bodies, add more twisting or rotation and side to side (lateral) work, move our hips, include more extension work and take care of our joints.
A simple way to add a little more movement to our lives is not only changing our daily sitting and postural habits but I also taking movement breaks. I talk about movement breaks daily, this is adding short bursts of movement/self care through out your day. They can be anywhere from 1-10 minutes daily. Check in with your body, what does it need?
Here is a short movement break video from my instagram page and I have several sprinkled throughout my page, have a look and maybe save and include them to your day.
If you need a reminder, setting a reminder on your phone is a great way to help you get in the habit of changing your position through out the day.
Our bodies are designed to move in a complete 360 degrees. Our bodies are pliable, mobile, strong and resilient.
In life we like variety, similar to our bodies, variety in daily movement is beneficial. 🙂
Hope this helps.
Let me know in the comments if you will be adding these mini routines to your day.
Be well my friends.
Change of Perspective
Injuries happen and the more active you are it is highly probable. If, you have a repeated injury, the possibility is there that you did not recover fully from the first one.
So, this time around the first goal is to focus on getting 100 percent better. Visit your PT and /or get right back on your rehab exercises, yes, you have to do your homework.
Another shift in mindset or perspective is to change the way you think about injuries.
What I mean by that is by thinking about the injury as more of a challenge that will make you stronger rather than a problem or a nuisance, mindset shift.
I am speaking from personal experience. changing my perspective has helped me deal with an injury.
In order to get better and stronger focusing on your recovery by making a plan is key. The longer you “sit still” the harder it is to recover. Start small, this takes diligence and consistent effort.
Remember, the goal is to get better, and moving with out pain is the focus. Be patient with my body and know that your body has your back but, sometimes it just needs a little extra TLC.
Being patient will help you to recover fully.
You come back stronger, in mind and body, knowing that you will be able to handle any injuries that may happen in future, whether its by an accident or whatever life throws at you.
Stick to the plan, there are no short cuts.
I am saying it again, with a shift in mindset/perspective the positive side of an injury, yes, I said a positive side, is to look at it as an opportunity to improve while keeping the goal in mind to getting a hundred percent better.
Stay open and pay attention to subtle shifts.
As always rooting for you.
Be well.
PS. Please let me know what you would like see/read more of.
Your coach.
Free Flowing Movement
We all have those blah days, when things are not going according to plan.
When I feel like this I really have to give myself a “pep talk” and just get on my mat and move, or if i have the time take myself for a walk.
Today, I had one of those blah days. I knew I wanted to move but was not quite sure which exercise modality my body was craving. So, I turned on some chill music and allowed myself to just feel the music and move with it. I can tell you this, I felt a million times better than before I started.
This is just a reminder to let you know movement does not have to be structured.
Blast your music and feel the beat and let your body move.
This is the free flowing movement I did ( the video is sped up).
Giving myself some grace today.
Have an amazing Thursday.
Be well.
Online Group Pilates Class
Feedback from one of my group pilates classes.
If you would like to join to the next class, send me a DM and I will add you to my email list.
Once added to the list you will be notified first before I open to registration to the public.
The classes are smaller in size so I can pay attention to your form.
See you in class .
The Ground Up
The ability to kneel or sit on the floor and get back up is one of the best ways to preserve our mobility and predict our overall fitness and longevity.
This simple act may not seem like much but, when you stop and think about it, our ability to be able to control our bodies and the strength it takes to “pick ourselves up” off the floor is priceless.
This is particularly important as we get older. This simple act works every muscle in our bodies and it works our balance, core strength, upper body strength, leg strength, flexibility, coordination, mobility and stability.
I find this movement will also reveal any strength weaknesses we may have.
Along with tailored exercises to help address these weaknesses, the repeated act of moving from the ground up will help to restore the strength.
As babies we learned to crawl before we could walk and the ground helped with that, the ground as resistance.
If this is a challenge for you, start slow and work your way up. Use a sturdy object as support to help you get stronger.
Be well.
How I Prevent Burn Out
Recently I was asked my tips on preventing burn out, so I thought I would include my response here as well.
Burn out is real and it plagues so many of us.
Here are a few of my tips to help prevent it.
1.Proper nutrition. I make sure I feed and nourish my body well.
2. I make sure I make the time to get my workouts in. It can be as easy as going for a walk.
3. Connecting with family and friends.
4. Taking time off. We all need vacation, no matter how much we love what we do, we have to make time for a reset.
5. Proper rest. I make sure I am getting a good nights sleep. I like to take my magnesium at night, it contributes to a great nights rest. The CALM product is good product to help with sleep.
6. I definitely make sure I have recovery days in my schedule.
7. Setting boundaries is another way to prevent /help with burn out. It is OK to say NO at times.
We have to listen to what our mind and body needs. Take care of YOU. Self care is not selfish, it is a necessity.
How do you prevent burn out? Let me know in the comments.
Be well.
Jodie
Accountability
Everyone needs a coach, a motivator , a cheerleader, someone to be accountable to. Let me be YOURS!
Each person comes to me with a unique “story” and movement background. No two bodies are alike, and will not be doing the same workout. Each person has different goals and movement patterns, so the workouts are tailored to each person.
I take the time to plan (write out) each and every session for my clients, but, I can also change the routine depending on how your body is feeling that day. Everyday the body asks for different things and it is important to tune in and listen.
My training style is a mind and body experience. You will work in the sessions, but you will also have fun.
Feel free to reach out to me by filling out the consultation on my website. I look forward to working with you.
Jodie
Strong and Supported
I am often told by my clients that my teaching style is unique and in the sessions/classes they feel encouraged, strong and capable in doing the exercises. They never feel like they can’t do a particular move or exercise sequence and they always feel better after class.
My goal as an instructor is to “meet” each and every client where they are physically at that given moment.
Every exercise I teach, starts from the “base”, where we start slow and layer on “moves”.
By doing this I am giving each person options in class. I am a firm believer in listening to your body.
Remember, you are strong, your body is amazing and I applaud you all always.
Always cheering you on.
Keep building one another up.
Be kind.
Be Still
” Sometimes stillness is the best movement.” J. Clay
Happy Monday!
Jodie Pilates Blog 