Confessions of a Pilates teacher…sometimes I skip the Hundreds!

If you’ve ever taken a class or a private session with me you know that I’m super passionate about the Pilates method of exercise.  I love to tell stories about Joseph Pilates, I love to share insight about how genius the exercise system Joe created is and I always have you doing some form of the Hundreds!!

The Hundreds were designed to warm the body up, increase circulation and prepare you for the rest of your work out. When I’m teaching it’s rare that I don’t have my clients doing some form of the Hundreds.

 But today I have a confession to make….   I make it my own personal practice to move daily and this always includes some traditional Pilates exercises, but sometimes I skip my Hundreds!!

Let’s face it- the Hundreds are hard no matter how many times you’ve done them.   And there was a time that I would just avoid getting on the floor or a mat to move because the thought of doing the Hundreds wasn’t very enticing.  Over the years my thinking has changed and so has my movement practice.

There are many times when I just carve out some time and do the traditional mat sequence or reformer sequence and I do my Hundreds.  There are some days when I only do my Hundreds(something is always better than nothing). There are also many days when I do whatever I feel like( AND I SKIP THE HUNDREDS)!

Yes I know the classic Pilates sequences inside out and upside down and could recite them in my sleep.  Yes I know the benefit and beauty of the sequencing Joe created.  But I’ve also learned through my own movement practice and movement teaching:

• The best movement practice is the one that you actually do on a consistent(ie daily) basis.

• Trusting your instincts and moving in a way that feels good for your body has big benefits both mentally and physically.

 So what do I do on the days I’m not following the Pilates sequences?

• I LOVE to do Roll Ups and Rolling Like a Ball is my all time favorite Pilates exercise.   Shoulder bridge feels great on my spine even if it’s all I do.

• Some days I pick my favorite exercises and at least start with them.  Some days I make up my own movements or practice some variations of exercises that I want to share with my clients.  Some days I just stretch or practice my favorite Yoga poses and sequences.

It’s OK to “break” the rules and skip ahead to your favorite exercises.  It’s OK to skip the Hundreds or not doing Swimming.  Do what feels good and create a practice you love- your body will thank you.  And you may be surprised to find yourself adding in some of those not so favorite exercises in on occasion( or maybe not….)