Truth and Gratitude

I feel sad about the current cancellation of fitness classes. I teach because I like to help people feel better in their own skin; to feel stronger, heal from injury, surgery, or illness. I love helping runners and recreational athletes feel their best and dodge injury in their sports. I really DO love what I do. And I’m missing it. 

My motto is b.Healthy, b.Happy, b.Strong, because that is what I strive for with my clients and within my own life. So every time the pandemic has required the fitness industry to shut down or restrict business, I’ve tried my best to continue to serve my clients in new ways. This isn’t a complaint – I want everyone to be safe and healthy! But man, it has been exhausting to keep adjusting and pivoting… I’ve had to be closed fully or partially for almost seven months. That’s a long time! 

I’m sharing this because I’m a real person – just like you – who is feeling the ups and downs of constant upheaval. With each lockdown, it took me a few days or weeks to wrap my head around how I’d need to adapt. Then with each proposed end to the lockdown, there is the edge-of-your-seat feeling to see if it actually would end or be extended. I feel for my former co-workers who are fitness instructors, or who own their own brick and mortar space. It’s been a rollercoaster… 

Yet in all of this emotional upheaval, I always come back to gratitude. 

I am grateful for the technology that allows us to connect in new ways. I am thankful for my clients who are also adapting with each change, and being flexible with each “pivot” I’ve had to take. They are learning new technology, too! And of course, I am ever-thankful that I am still able to run my business from home, and bring b.Pilates & Fitness to you wherever you may be.  

Though to be honest… I did fall out of my OWN fitness routine a few times! During the past two lockdowns, I eased up on my personal practice and ended up regretting it each time. I got shin splints during round one, and gained an achilles issue for round two. It’s so ironic, and I had to give myself a pep-talk: “Melissa, when will you listen to your own advice? Pilates and strength training works!” 

Overcome the Obstacles

There will always be something that pops up in our lives that requires a change to how we do things, or that will rock our boat a bit. (Though let’s collectively hope it isn’t another pandemic!) It’s okay to take a break when your body and mind tell you to – but don’t let that thing be a reason to not get going again. 

I’m also extremely thankful for the “Sweat with Melissa” subscription that I had in place before all of this. I’ve learned so much about how to adapt the app into a hybrid learning tool, and it’s given me a new way to help my clients. And next month, I’m using my App to help you bring Pilates into your life (wherever you are at!) for FREE.

Pilates Every Day in May 

The Spring Pilates Bootcamp starts May 1st, with a goal of getting you doing Pilates every day. The daily workout is what we call The Pilates Basic 10. It is a sequence of ten exercises that you can do in less than fifteen minutes. And once you know the sequence, you will likely be able to do the workout without the video and in even less time. No excuses, right? 

In addition to your daily goal, I’ll be holding five Zoom classes that you can join. Fingers crossed the fifth one can be done together outdoors for the local participants! Sign up here, and mark your calendars for the Live classes. I can’t wait! 

• Monday, May 3 6:30pm
• Monday, May 10  6:30pm
• Monday, May 17 6:30pm
• Saturday, May 22 10:00am
• Saturday, May 29 10:00am – live outdoor event (if able) or Zoom

Sign up for the Spring Pilates Bootcamp