When you start getting vulnerable because of past injuries or new pain or various twinges, it isn’t very pleasant, and I get it. It can disrupt your routine. And things don’t get easier as you age – there are two things that I’ve noticed when I turned 40: Everything that I put in my mouth sticks to my body, reminding me to watch what I eat. There are more aches and pains – which is why I continue to move; I need it.

Which aches and pains need more of our attention is a much deeper topic, one that I am not an expert at and cannot answer. But if you talk to me about muscle imbalance that sometimes occurs from a sedentary lifestyle or even our own structural uniqueness, then you know my answer to that – movement is key.

Building trust that our body has our back, just like Pilates has our body, takes time but I want you to remember something. 

No matter how we’ve treated our bodies in the past, it never said, ‘sorry, I’m shutting down today. You can’t go to work’. ( I am not talking about a serious medical issue). But no, never, your body always says yes. It adjusts itself even if it’s lopsided. It continues to carry you. It’s like your best friend or the family that genuinely loves you. They never give up on you.

So, when your body hurts, rest, give it a second to get energized, and it will be back on track. When you’re in pain, take a moment to release your back, get a massage, figure out what you did to cause this pain. There’s always a simple explanation for all fixable things! And when in doubt go see a professional.

But trust that you know what to do. Do your part, take breaks, eat better, sleep more, have more fun, and stress less. 

Here’s a level mat 1/2 to ease into the week.