The faces I used to pull during Pilates, because I was bad at it, struggled with it all, and preferred to do the things I was good at and therefore challenged me less!
Also this post was 2 years before I qualified as an instructor and at least a year before I enrolled to train as an instructor. It really did change my life.
I have been mentioning from time to time during sessions that we really need to focus on what we struggle with more, and do more of that – never what you want to hear, but this is the way to progress and move forward.
In a session you may choose to push yourself more on the ones you’re good at, but cruise through what you’re not so good at.
At home you may choose an easier going session, or you may scan the exercise list under the video On Demand looking for exercises you want to avoid…
Time to flip that on it’s head.
From now on it’s time to focus down on pushing yourself on what you struggle with!
I have personally experienced the transformative power of focusing on the things we struggle with, rather than just repeating what we are good at. This approach not only helps us progress and get stronger, but it can also reduce pain and help us achieve our goals.
My own journey with Pilates began when I was struggling with back pain. As someone who had always been into lifting weights and playing rugby, I was initially skeptical that Pilates could help me. However, I soon discovered that Pilates was exactly what I needed to address my weak points and imbalances.
Instead of just focusing on the exercises I was good at, I started paying attention to the areas and movements I dreaded. This meant doing more core work, improving the postures I assumed throughout the day through awareness, and focusing on my mobility. At first, it was frustrating to struggle with exercises that seemed so simple, but I quickly started to see the benefits.
By working on my weaknesses, I was able to improve my overall strength and fitness. My core strength, mobility and even my posture improved, which in turn reduced my back pain. I was able to lift heavier weights and play rugby with more confidence and agility than before my back pain started. Most importantly, I felt more balanced and in control of my body.
The lesson I learned from my experience is that it’s important to challenge ourselves in areas where we are weak, rather than just sticking to what we’re good at. This approach is particularly valuable in Pilates, where the focus is on building a strong foundation of core strength, stability, and control.
Pilates is not just a workout for the body, but also for the mind. By challenging ourselves in areas where we struggle, we can develop mental resilience and discipline. We learn to push through discomfort and frustration, which translates into other areas of our lives.
Ultimately, the key to progress and success in Pilates (and in life) is to embrace our weaknesses and work on them consistently. It may not always be easy, but the rewards are well worth it. So next time you’re in a Pilates class or working out on your own, challenge yourself to tackle the areas where you struggle. You may be surprised at how quickly you start to see results.
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