What do I actually do?

So I've been thinking a lot the last week about what it is I actually do. Yes, I'm a Pilates instructor. But there is so much more to it than that- I teach people how to move safely.

What is moving safely? And how do I teach that anyway?

• I teach people how to isolate the right muscles for a movement, and strengthen them.
• I teach people how to stay relaxed and free of tension in the rest of their body while moving another part.
• I teach people how to hold steady in their body while moving their arms and legs.

I am a Pilates Instructor, but I feel like what I am is actually a Movement Re-Educator. This is tied closely into my own history with exercise. I used to go to fitness classes and was always disappointed by how hard everything was! This was in my 20's, mind you. No matter how many weeks I went to the gym or to a class, I still couldn't do a press up. I couldn't do a downward dog properly. My flexibility was laughable. I developed lots of pain and back problems. Then I found Pilates! I finally had a teacher who took the time to help me understand why I couldn't do a press up. And gave me exercises that weren't a press up to help me work towards doing one! Now I have stepped into this role to help others in the same way. If your body isn't aligned, if your muscles aren't balanced and working together, you can be working REALLY HARD and not accomplishing anything except causing more pain, more stress, and more imbalance. I've seen it over and over with my clients- once they come for a few months, then they can go to a gym again, they can start running again, they can feel good picking up their child or simply bending over to tie their shoes.

My goal is to help people achieve a balanced, strong and supple body. A body that moves more efficiently- in functional movements, but also in other sports and fitness situations. 

Have you ever felt like exercising was getting you nowhere? Do you feel like you can't improve no matter how hard you work at it? Do you injure yourself when you exercise? If you answered yes, then maybe you should come on out for some movement re-education with me. It could make a huge difference to the rest of your life... it certainly did for me.

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments. Thanks!

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