Getting Bored vs. Getting Better

Getting Bored vs. Getting Better

It’s no secret I spend considerable time thinking about our beloved Pilates Method.

My favorite aspect of our system is, well, that whole ‘system’ thing… I truly enjoy that we have a specific framework in which to workout.

Order! Order!

Our classical system has a specific order of exercises on the Reformer and on the Mat.

Combined with ‘We only have one exercise‘ Joe Pilates has literally built crucial skill-building into his method.

Repetition is truly the mother of all learning.

Pilates as a skill-based exercise regime is more akin to a martial art than it is to traditional fitness.

Like martial arts, Classical Pilates is “deeply rooted in philosophy… and tradition.” But “it [also] teaches discipline, focus, and respect.”

Often the Pilates method is promoted as fitness but it’s different.

It is a practice, so you’ve gotta practice, am I right?

Won’t I get bored?

Getting Bored vs. Getting Better
In last week’s post I shared one of 2 exercises I’m working on in my current Pilates Proficiency Project: Rolling Back on the Cadillac. Working this exercise each day is bettering my Roll Up skills and creating more proficiency system-wide.

Repeatedly visiting the exercises allows the apparatuses to be our teachers too.

Plus, the Pilates Method is experiential so I invite you to consider starting your own Pilates experiment to find out for yourself:

  1. Choose a small group of exercises
  2. Choose a time frame – 2 weeks, 30 days, etc… (at least 2 weeks tho)

Limit the number of exercises you choose so you can complete them in just a few minutes.

Do your chosen exercises Every. Day.

I’ve done this experiment here before with my Small Barrel Project and also with my Foot Corrector and 2×4 exercises. If you’ve got a couple of exercises you really hate but know are good for you – those are the ones to choose!!!

You can decide for yourself if you’re bored or if you get better day-by-day at your chosen exercises.

Getting Bored vs. Getting Better

You know what? I’m gonna jump in right now.

I’ve got a trifecta of Ladder Barrel exercises which aren’t my favorites and are ripe for just this kind of ‘noble experiment.’

My 3 horrible exercises on the Ladder Barrel:

Side Sit Ups – aaaargh kill me now…

Side Stretch – maybe you know this one as Fish??

Backbend Hanging – probably this one has a bunch of other names as well… it used to be a fave but not sure anymore…

Stay tuned here for next week’s post to find out how it’s going.

Also If you’re not a blog subscriber, click here. You’ll receive a new post every Monday and you’ll also receive a bonus blog post all about How to Fall in Love with the Exercises you Hate.

You’ll see how many exercises I don’t like and maybe you even hate them too.

But it’s no fun to be a hater…

Won’t my clients get bored ??

Serendipity led me to find this image on IG:

Variety social share

Consistency yields big dividends. It’s a great feature of our beloved Pilates Method.

If you are consistent, it works. You don’t even have to be that great at the exercises.

Just do it.

Joe Pilates takes care of that whole ‘variety’ part for us. It’s in there.

Joe presents us with the same demands in multiple scenarios all around the studio.

Getting Bored vs. Getting Better

Creating consistency in your clients’ workout will better their skills, change their bodies and empower their minds.

You become a team!

And while this is not a guarantee that every new client will jump on board with you… you will find your people. There are plenty of clients who are perfect for YOU.

Remember: The exercises stay the same and familiar as your body goes through monumental change.

Check out this recent video collaboration I did with the amazing Lesley Logan.

Thank you for reading!

Check out @Pilatay on IG and cast your vote for Best of Pilates 2019.

If you like what you read here use this link to vote for me as Best Pilates Blog 2019.

Thanks so much!

4 Responses

  1. I totally like just focusing on a group of movements to improve on my weaknesses…..but are you saying as well as our classical practice or instead of ???? I’m afraid my classical routine takes a backward step otherwise all day is PILATES ????

    1. Sue – this is a good question – I mean adding your small group of exercises daily in addition to your regular Pilates workouts – of course ha ha! Just more Pilates to do 🙂 Thank you so much for reading! xo

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