Bringing Pilates into the Workplace

As a former Pilates teacher, I know the importance of moving throughout the day. I loved being able to stretch, roll, curl, and balance along with my students. When I started a new job that involved sitting at a desk for a large part of the day along with a hefty commute, I quickly realized that something needed to change.

I could feel my shoulders rounding forward, my low back aching, and my hip flexors tightening from all the sitting. Not to mention that the mantra “sitting is the new smoking” played on repeat in my head. Luckily, my new boss is a fellow Pilates enthusiast and was all ears when I told her that I was searching for ways to bring more movement into my workday.

When you first start practicing Pilates, it may appear to be nothing more than a series of exercises taught in a particular order. After a while, however, it should become apparent that the method of Pilates is something that transcends any particular exercise. Pilates is the way we breathe. It is moving from our center. Pilates is fierce concentration coupled with precision and flow. It’s a mindset and can be applied to every part of your life.

My first task in bringing Pilates into my workspace was to move more. I started standing up to complete certain jobs and eventually built a standing desk based on this model (http://iamnotaprogrammer.com/Ikea-Standing-desk-for-22-dollars.html). I love my standing desk! It was extremely reasonable and has changed my outlook on the workday. Standing desks are not for everyone, but the freedom to move around not only helps push me through the 2 p.m. slump, it allows me to dance a little at my desk, too.

I’ve found that the standing desk helps with my posture and low-back tension. Being upright also makes it easier for me to interject Pilates stretches into my day. I sometimes slip off my shoes and roll up to the balls of my feet to balance. I also keep a 4-inch green ball in my desk to massage my feet when they feel tense.

When I need a shoulder stretch I’ll hold on to either side of my filing cabinet and walk back until my back is flat. And if I need to recharge I’ll do a standing roll down and hang in a rag doll position for a minute. This not only releases my low back, it sends blood to my brain for optimal productivity. Most importantly, I sometimes stand at my desk and take deep, powerful Pilates breaths.

I still love practicing Pilates on my own and in a studio setting, but one of the hidden blessings of my new job is that I get to apply the Pilates principles and movements in an entirely new way. To borrow from Carey and Rivercity Pilates, I’ve always known how Pilates empowered my body, but the last six months have shown me how it inspires my life.