5 Reasons Why I Can't Do Pilates

Old Man Starts Exercising, Writes Blog
Part 3: 5 Reasons Why I Can't Do Pilates

“Did you get a chance to do Pilates this week, Dan,” asks Diane, the Compassionate Body Pilates instructor as she comes through my door.
 
“No”, I say and immediately begin excusing myself for not holding up my end of the bargain. She is all business, preparing the equipment as I catch myself apologizing.
 
“I’m really busy”, I say - not believing what is coming out of my mouth. Then before I know it, the hour is over and I am supine.
 
There is no place better than being stretched out on your back. Breathing.
 
Week Three. I have already missed two classes. I have to have a word with myself.
 
Diane is providing me with one-on-one sessions. I can’t express enough how I look forward to the end of the workweek when I book early on Friday afternoons for Pilates. Plus I get a studio session with a small group.
 
It’s my end of the bargain to do 1 or 2, forty-five minute sessions every week, in the meantime. And I haven’t done it.
 
My struggle, as I sense my first improvements in motion balance and stamina, isn’t scheduling a time. I can do that. I schedule times, all the time. Say:Sunday morning. See?
 
I like the workout. It is pretty clear that I do. Am I just lazy?
 
Whatever the excuse, the point is that Diane, in asking me to write the Blog is expecting that I put the effort in to help make the program work. Because making the program work for me would, ostensibly make for a better blog.
 
Oh, how I rationalize. And I haven’t even started about self-interest as a motivator.
 
It is even worse to think about being non-compliant when it is against my self-interest. To avail myself of a dedicated trainer and instruction in a new exercise regime is a good thing to do and it will be over by Christmas.
 
So that is my struggle. I can’t seem to work in the 1 or 2, forty-five minute sessions every week.
 
I had hoped that writing about my missed opportunities to practice before a class would help me deal with why I am non-compliant.
 
I think it has.

By Dan Willis
​www.publicita.ca
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P.S. From Diane:
I have been truly enjoying working with Dan through the first 3 weeks of the Post-Rehab Pilates Intensive Program. I always find it refreshing to work with someone who has a good sense of humour, isn't afraid to make mistakes, and truly wants to learn. His blogs are honest, thoughtful, and quite entertaining. I do of course want him to do the extra session on his own but, like anything, this is a process and there are always issues that crop up. My son, for example - he keeps me from my plans for the day with remarkable consistency. You just have to move on and be happy with what you actually managed to accomplish, otherwise you'd be terribly unhappy all the time ;-) I'm already seeing progress from Dan and I plan to write about it this week- stay tuned to hear more!