#PracticeWhatYouTeach: “Not Working out in the Studio Guilt”

Without even realizing it most days I find myself taking my Pilates practice outdoors.  As a Pilates teacher and studio owner who often ends up spending 8 plus hours at the studio I think that being able to take things outside allows me to get away from my work environment and have some “me time”.  After a full day of teaching the last thing I want to do is stay at the studio and workout. Not because I don’t love the studio or not because I don’t feel like moving, but more so because I need a change of scenery! Many days I come home from the studio wanting to take a walk, play with the kids outside and some days I just throw a blanket on the deck and do some mat work.

I was reflecting on how I used to feel a little guilty (ok a lot guilty!) about this.  As a studio owner and an instructor I used to believe that for me to be a good example for my clients I needed to be working out at the studio or taking classes or sessions at the studio on a regular basis.  Then I started looking at it in a different way.

I hear from my clients all the time…”I know I could do this stuff on my own, but I don’t.  It’s hard to get motivated to do it at home.  There’s something about coming to the studio that keeps me more committed and keeps me excited about doing it”.  Just like me they need a change a scenery!  The change of scenery gets them away from their day to day environment and into a space that allows them to focus on themselves, enjoy some “me time” and get their movement time in.  I get it…the studio for them is like the outdoors is for me.

If you are an instructor who has ever dealt with “not working out in the studio” guilt I’d love to hear from you!  What did it take for you to realize that being a great example for clients doesn’t have to happen in the studio walls?  Where do you go for your “me time”?