If you’re on social media even the tiniest bit, you’ve likely seen many inspiring stories about the last decade. It’s been cool to see friends and family reflect the highs and lows of not just the last year, but the last decade. And then there is the fact that this is a Pilates studio newsletter and we’re obliged to encourage you to make good on your wellness or fitness resolution for this year. I in no way mean to be dismissive, I myself have a fitness goal this year, just a little different than usual.
When I had my knee surgery almost a year ago, I was resigned to the fact that it would be about a year before things were relatively back to normal. But I was mostly thinking about what that meant specifically for what I could do with my knee. I didn’t totally factor in what it meant for the rest of my body because of what my knee couldn’t do. Needless to say, not being able to be active the way I’m used to has left my pants tighter than usual, to put it delicately. It’s the first time I’ve been drastically out of my natural body composition range, and it’s not a great feeling to be honest.
Now that I’m fast approaching a year since the surgery, I’ve been reflecting on all the movements I couldn’t do last year that I can do this year. I’m reveling in how having an injury or experiencing pain can drastically change your perception of how to move in the world and in your body. Things you never thought twice about before that are now inaccessible become your nemesis. For me, it was the four steps to my front door, the lock on the studio door, and crawling into bed.
#lookbetter #feelbetter
I do have an exercise and nutrition goal I’ve been implementing to take me to a more desired body composition that’s healthier in general for me (check out my insta post about returning to my favorite workout class). You could consider that my New Year’s Rezzy for sure.
But interlaced in that is acceptance of where I was and where I am now. I’m practicing laying down judging myself or being overly critical – I’m looking at myself better, from a different perspective. What I’m discovering is that by giving myself grace in the process of achieving my goals, I’m already feeling better. In the end, isn’t that what we are all looking for as a result of a new goal for the new year? To feel better? Every session at the studio has that in mind.
Monthly Medicine
Despite the ups and downs in the weather and abnormally warm temperatures, don’t forget that we are still in winter with short days. Even in city life, it’s necessary to allow for more hibernation time. We are still recovering from our last year (and the holidays!), so we encourage you to treat yourself to all the bedtime rituals you can to get the most out of your sleep. Here are some of my favorite night time routines:
Lavender bed spray: My mom always does this for my sister and I when we come home. There’s nothing better than fresh sheets just gently spritzed with lavender. You can find this at many bath product stores or make your own with some distilled water and lavender essential oil!
Night time tea: I really enjoy tea at night in the winter just after dinner to help me digest and/or just before bed. I switch back and forth between peppermint, chamomile, rose, and Tulsi night time tea.
Lavender or rose essential oil: I sometimes put a little on my wrists and temples before bed to help aid in my relaxation and “down shifting” into a calmer sleep mode.
Client Quote of the Month
"Wow, it feels like I'm breathing for the first time."
Upcoming Event:
Pilates for Better Sex
Pain with sex is not normal.
Do we have your attention? Good!
On February 12 at 6:30pm, I’m teaming up with pelvic floor physical therapist Kristin Sapienza of FemFirstHealth to talk about pelvic dysfunction, the ways in which it presents, and how Pilates can aid in bridging the gap between healing pain and getting back to functional exercise... and better sex!
Have you ever had pain with sex or do you often experience yeast infection or UTI symptoms after sex? You may likely be experiencing a form of pelvic floor dysfunction. The pelvic floor is made up of a variety of muscles that help with urination, digestion, core support, and sexual pleasure.
At our workshop, Kristin will facilitate a discussion exploring in more detail what the pelvic floor is, what dysfunction can look like and mean, and what healthy function looks and feels like. And because pelvic floor dysfunction is an imbalance of the muscles of the pelvic floor either being too tight or too loose, or maybe a combination of both, we will explore how Pilates can aid in a better awareness of how to both release and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. In addition, I will lead the group through exercises that can help manage pain and allow you to begin to return to the activities you love.