March MATness

What I learned during and after.

A Reflection on learning, inspiration, and the value of daily Pilates practice.

During

I must say that March MATness was quite the eye-opener.  I noticed how many exercises I personally don’t do, not only because they are really difficult, or my age, but because my lower back or tight shoulder really doesn’t like them, regardless of how much I have warmed up. Also, as I become older, I think why should I do something that doesn’t feel good on my body?

When I started with March MATness, I felt that it was not enough to simply write what I know to be the purpose of each exercise, but I also wanted a greater understanding of each exercise's purpose. So I researched what Pilates leaders like Benjamin Degenhard, Rael Isacowitz, and Brooke Siler had to say about each exercise. 

I felt refreshed and inspired with a better understanding of each exercise, which muscles are worked during the exercise, which stabilizers are used, and what the purpose of each exercise is, and I had a greater insight into verbal cues. Using my newfound inspiration I aspire to teach these exercises better. 

After

The other profound revelation that I had was, that even though I teach Pilates, do stretches each morning before I get out of bed, I don’t practice Pilates every day. But I do believe that self-practice is vital for Pilates Instructors and sadly life gets in the way and there is always something else more important that needs to be done instead of my Pilates practice.

I know that I don’t have to do an hour each morning, even 10 minutes will do. I also know that my body will become stronger, and I will have less pain and stiffness, and eventually, those pesky exercises that I leave out, I hope to do. But if I keep saying ‘I know … ‘ but don’t do anything about it, then what have I learned from it? It’s only head knowledge until I practice what I teach.

I am challenged to practice my own Pilates each day. But I am going to give a bash. Are you too?

I am very thankful for Benjamin Degenhard for starting the March MATness movement and for Joseph Pilates for creating Contrology (as Pilates was first known) because I get to teach my amazing clients who show up week and week, day after day hungry to move and feel better. I am a very blessed girl to do what I love :)

What challenged you in doing the March MATness? Leave me a comment below to let me know. Share your thoughts and experiences with me.