My journey with Pilates.

Like yoga, my journey with pilates started years ago. Did you have those Winsor Pilates DVDs at your house? I think they were on the shopping channel. Anyways, we had them at our house. I tried them many times, but it was hard. I didn’t like it, so I didn’t keep up with it. As you know, my guiding vision is to do what makes you feel good, doesn’t matter the activity, as long as you are moving and finding your sense of community. I digress.

Let us move forward many years, and three babies later. Baby # 2 & 3 came close together, 6 months postpartum and we were pregnant with number 3. There wasn’t a lot of time for healing and rebuilding at that stage. I was just coming out of that newborn fog, but also suffering with PPD/PPA that I hadn’t found the way back to my core fully. Postpartum number 3, I knew I would need to regain my inner power in order to live the life I dreamed. I have big goals. I want to continue to grow and expand, I want to travel and be able to move and be alive for my grandchildren. It’s going to take work, but that support, encouragement, and dedication to living a healthy and full life comes from the inside. 

That’s what pilates is to me. Building strength from the inside out. We start with proper alignment, connection to our breath and our core, also known as our powerhouse. We move with precision, with control, in flow with our breath. Pilates helps to strengthen those deep postural muscles, which we so desperately need while pregnant and postpartum. It helps us to find our alignment, that is true to our individual bodies, creating the space for optimal health. 

Pilates has control as a guiding principle. In my experience as a mother, a lot of the time I feel out of control. Three little people offer many personalities, feelings and energy which are all out of my control. I have learned that I am better when I’m in control. Control of my body and my breath. In control of my home. In control of my outcomes. 

In 2023 I completed my Pilates Mat Level 1 Course with Dana Carter of DCME. Pilates is a challenging practice but one I think is integral for any postpartum parent. Finding that control, that alignment, and that strength within is something to carry with you for your entire life. Connecting with your deep core, reducing your aches and pains, building more muscle strength, mindfulness, and ease within your body. Come try Pilates with me in the new Motherhood Movement community opening February 29, 2024. We will have a blend of Prenatal Pilates, Postpartum Pilates, Pilates Strength and Pilates HIIT.