Passionate about …..

It can be difficult to write about something you’re passionate about.

Sometimes, hopefully not all the time, your passion can cause you to sound earnest, naive and possibly blinkered.

Pilates is something I’m completely passionate about; the history, the evolution, the community.

I’m passionate about all of this, in addition to the astounding physical results Pilates can deliver.

I’m passionate about the positive effects Pilates can have on your outlook and well-being

at least as much as on your body, if not more.

The positive effects on both your physical and your mental health.

Included in his description of expected results, Joseph Pilates wrote that his method

“invigorates the mind and elevates the spirit”

and there are times in a class when that translates directly as having a really good laugh!

Introducing The Hundred  we used the breath pattern alone;

as a tool for connection and relaxation at the end of each session.

This went down very well, breathing in and out to the count of five is soooo relaxing!

After a few sessions, we introduced arm beats and caused uproar.

Co-ordination between the breath and the body went completely awry.

Students unable to move, giggling hysterically, with tears running down their faces.

Literally crying laughing.

Beautiful!

Laughter is so welcome in a Pilates class, even when it brings the whole session to a halt.

It might break concentration, but so what? We can regain our concentration.

Laughter is a release and it stops us from taking ourselves too seriously.

And when you’re having a good time, when you think of your exercise as fun, you take away greater physical and mental benefit.

From any type of exercise.

Fun equals results. (Fact not opinion)

So we focus, concentrate, breath and move.

With precision.

With passion.

(and without a po-face)