You don’t need a “perfect” body. The body is a changing ever evolving thing. Perfection is not really attainable but practice makes us capable, functional and present to ourselves.
There is no “Pilates body”. Your body can do Pilates, and voila! Pilates body.
Being thin and toned doesn’t Mean you are healthy, happy or functionally fit. So many of the people we see who “look perfect” are harming themselves to look like that. Over exercising. Under eating. Stressed out and constantly worrying about calories and reps. That isn’t health or fitness.
Pilates was developed to help people have ability with their body. To do life with ease. To be strong and flexible enough to meet physical challenges. To challenge the body to perform better for life. Not for photos and a number on a scale or a clothing tag.
What I see in the marketing is largely focused on getting a “look”. And as someone who was a pretty fit person who was plagued by pain and injuries from gymnastics and dance training, looking fit didn’t help me when sciatica was debilitating. When my shoulder froze up overnight. Those “cut” triceps didn’t help.
What did help me was practicing Pilates and retraining my body to move well. Challenging myself but gently. Patiently. With my goal being feeling better. Not going for any burn or trying to tighten up something.
It’s nice to look good, sure. But it’s so much better to feel good. To be capable of moving without pain. And with continued practice this is possible. But it’s never perfect.
Striving to be perfect is a sure fire way to be miserable. Working to be capable is a winning game at every stage. Start where you are. Respect your body. Challenge yourself but don’t beat yourself up with exercising because “swimsuit season” is coming.
I want to present Pilates in a way that works for everyone and intimidates no one. It’s just good exercise. And it’s hard work but it feels good. Fitness does not need to be brutal to work. Pilates can be a way to play with your physical possibilities and potential.
You do not have to go to war with your own body. No one wins.
Solara Pilates 