Practice what you teach: A walk in the snow

One of the highlights of my Pilates practice this week was a beautiful walk in freshly fallen snow.  Yes I consider a walk in the snow part of my Pilates practice!

Many years ago,  I would joke about the old pictures Joe standing in the snow in nothing but his white briefs but the older I get and the more my Pilates practice matures I really get it!  When I read Return to Life and read Joe words about the importance of plenty of sunshine and fresh air,  I realize that Joe’s method isn’t just about the exercises he teaches, it’s about a way of living and moving that keeps you healthy and strong inside and out.

Footprints in the snow on the sidewalk.

I’ve come to the realization that I need to move outside (running or walking on the treadmill doesn’t quite do it for me), and my body is so much happier when I do it on a regular basis!  No worries though – I dress for the weather and my walks in the snow involve my long down coat!!  For me it’s more than just the movement..it’s the fresh air, the time to myself, the time to just soak in my surroundings and be in the present moment (like watching the snow fall on my walk this week!)

I’ve been keeping a journal to track my Pilates practice and I’ve realized that I do a lot of Pilates Mat work, which probably shouldn’t surprise me. The Pilates Mat work is so easy to do anywhere, anytime so it is often easiest to incorporate into my days.  Noticing this trend I have been making a point this week to get more Reformer workouts in and just play time on the equipment in when I have a chance. I’ve re-realized what a great tool the equipment can be in my movement practice. There is something about the springs and the feedback system created by the equipment that always helps me to create more balance, fine tune more and really work deeper.  My focus has really been how can I use the equipment to get more out of the exercise……more length, more decompression, more balance.

Hope to see you at the studio this week so I can help you explore your Pilates and movement practice!!