“Practice makes perfect” is a phrase we’ve all heard. But really practice makes possible is more accurate. Perfect isn’t really a thing. After practicing Pilates for 30 years I’m not perfect at any of the exercises but I’ve gotten quite proficient. The exercises are possible for me, through practice. I practice so I can continue to practice. What is possible for my body is always in flux. Because a body is never “perfect”, and maybe if we let go of that goal we can get back to focusing on what’s possible.
A few years ago I wound up having to find a job outside my comfort zone of teaching Pilates. I had my life fall apart beneath my feet and had to scramble to survive. I found a job teaching kids gymnastics, something I’ve done here and there since my own days doing gymnastics. With the repetitive actions of spotting kids, many of whom were my size, I wound up getting injured but had to continue anyway. I was also cleaning houses to make ends meet. A year of this led to a very damaged shoulder, I couldn’t use my right arm without pain. Once I miraculously found my way back to teaching Pilates I was very grateful but also still struggling. My shoulder didn’t get better once I stopped teaching gymnastics. Fortunately I had my Pilates knowledge to guide me in rehabbing myself, but it was a very long process. My range of motion was extremely limited. Many exercises were not remotely possible. Through careful work I began to get stronger and gain range of motion back but then one day it reverted back to a very high level of pain and tightness. I had to reevaluate my approach. All my gentle strength training and mindful range of motion work was not moving my progress forward. I listened to my body, which was crying out “stop!”. After some time of total rest it finally began to feel better. I returned to strength work and it felt good. My joint stability and mobility returned. Now I’m still dealing with some residual tendonitis in the elbow but it’s slowly calming down. My arm finally feels and functions as an arm again, not a broken wing I’m protecting all the time!
At some point in all this I thought that I would never get back to functionality. I didn’t give a shit about having a “perfect” shoulder! I just wanted to be able use my arm. As I continue to practice Pilates I can see the progress my shoulder is making but I’m not striving for anything other than continuing to be able to use my arm. I’m bringing this attitude to my workouts, being grateful for the practice itself and for what my body is capable of, imperfections and all.
When a fitness routine is more concerned with making the body look perfect it negates the importance of a body that works well. And if the focus becomes too much about moving perfectly it can create tension and stress and a never-ending thought process of “I’m not doing this right” and none of that is conducive to health or fitness. By focusing on the practice rather than perfection you have space. Space to be where you are and get where you want to be, with patience. Pushing harder might not get you there faster. Sometimes you have to take some steps back.
Progress isn’t always a straight line. But the practice will lead you to more possibility if you keep practicing. And possibility is far more useful than perfection!
Solara Pilates 