Autumn is the season for change and around our house this year, there are some big changes afoot. In the spirit of that change and newness, I have embarked on some journeys that reflect a new philosophy I am undertaking to follow.
I was brought up with and lived my life for the most part using advice my Dad gave me: “Do what you like, but know what you do”. Problem was, for most things I focused on the initial part of the edict and ignored the more important part that followed. We had a good run, me and that all-about-me philosophy. But I have tossed that mind-set for a new one. It’s not a revolutionary or mind-blowing concept and not particularly original, but I had the “come-to-god” moment when engaged in a smoking cessation class provided by CAMH and Bridges community Health Centre. There, I came to realize that the not-smoking journey would result in my considering myself a non-smoker. At some point I would be so far removed from that nasty habit, that my sense of self would not be what it currently was. I decided to apply that idea to other things that were bothering me lifestyle-wise. And two things that jumped out at me were healthier eating and exercise. Go figure. I decided that I would not only be a non-smoker, but I would be the best I could be in all aspects of self-care (to a point, lol). It was fortuitous when I saw on Facebook, that Compassionate Body Pilates was having a contest and the winner would receive 12 weeks of Pilates training. I had no knowledge of what Pilates was except it was exercise people took in classes, but I was determined to win so I did all the liking and sharing and liking that one must do to enter these contest thingys. And I won. Today Diane Archer came for our first session and did a bit of an assessment on my capabilities. I thought it went well. My muscles wondered why the hell they were being stretched out like that and my knees creaked and groaned a little when I was doing the squats, but I loved the breathing aspect of the session and the work required to make the deliberate movements that Diane was asking we to make. I have classes every Tuesday and a 1-1 session every Friday, plus I will have something to do when my partner breaks out the free-weights or spins her work-out CD. I may not be able to keep up with her aerobics and yoga and plyometrics, but I am taking those first tentative steps to better health and a cleaner diet. And besides I like it that the Pilates mat is so much thicker than a yoga mat. In case I want to nap between sets. By Daniel Willis www.publicita.ca
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AuthorDiane Archer, Pilates Instructor from the UK now living back in Canada. Blog of tips, thoughts, home challenges. Archives
July 2019
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