Most people would say getting a dog is something that makes you more active. However, most people don’t have the freedom to be as active as I was prior to bringing home my new puppy. I was hiking everyday, running in the mornings, at-home workouts in-between. I was totally in the groove of fitness and had a passion for doing as much as I could, while still taking appropriate rest. Insert dog, my allowance for rest now not nearly enough. Long days with a puppy led to napping when he naps, stop-drag-and-pull walking, and spending too much time stuck at home snacking. My at-home workouts were no longer for my convenience as laying a mat down on the floor was basically an invitation for playtime wrestles and kiss attacks. I gained back about 10 pounds within 6 months. The first weight gained since I started losing weight. My morning walks were brightened with hope as the vacant building we often strolled past popped up with “Pilatesmith Opening Soon” signs! Pilates wasn’t something I was super aware of until moving to LA. My fittest friends swore by it and I would soon learn that it’s the type of workout that never peaks. I am a sucker for a challenge. I‘ve had trouble getting onboard the yoga ship. I see the effects, athletic physique, passionate minds, community and events that come along with it, and I’m impressed. However, it doesn’t seem to be the thing that gets me excited to sweat. I always say try something twice if it’s not an obvious no. I‘ve pushed myself past my comfort zone trying to make yoga fit in my life, but the truth is, it’s not for me. I’m fast paced. I talk fast, I walk fast, I don’t like to sit still. I get the appeal of yoga. Help me slow down. Allow me the energy to be a person who can sit still and focus on my breathing. However, this isn’t an area of my life that I have desire to change. I’ve learned to love my drive. I’ve even learned to love my talkative, quirky tone. My energy is my charm. I believe I’m capable of relaxing and do practice that often. When it comes to my workouts though, I like to keep my rhythm with my natural energy. I’m the type of person who likes to feel myself getting stronger. I want to see the progress within each exercise. I don’t have to look different within a week, but I need to feel different. Pilates is a workout that pushes strength without a plateau. Reformer-based workouts offer an ample amount of exercises. Endless goals can be reached and there really are no limits to what workouts can be assembled. I’m never bored, and I’m always satisfied. The more Pilates I practice, the better I get to know my body. I learn how to work specific muscles and breath accordingly to get a better workout each and every time I show up. If you’re tired of repetitive, high-impact workouts, such as running on a treadmill, jumping rope, etc, you may want to give Pilates a shot. If you’ve read enough of my blog, you’ve probably caught on by now that control is an aspect of my life that is very important to me. I train at Pilatesmith Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and I can make each workout as easy or as hard as I desire. I can focus on my legs, my arms, my core, my hips, etc. Sometimes when I’m having an emotional or exhausting morning, I create a more meditative workout to fit my mood. There have been only a couple days when I haven’t wanted to show up. Days where I felt obligated to put aside everything and take care of my feelings first. One of these days I did cancel. I validated myself and took a mental health day. While I still believe this is important and recognize the worth of these days, the day I forced myself to go felt more therapeutic. I have NEVER regretted going to Pilates. Pilates is completely customizable and completely in my control. No matter what my mood is entering Pilatesmith’s doors, I ALWAYS walk out feeling stronger. Pilatesmith is not a gym, and it’s not a studio. Pilatesmith is a home. They’re my family. The owner, Jessica, has not only become a mentor to me, but she has become a close friend. I vent to her about things in my life that feel stressful, but I also go get free donuts with her on National Donut Day. Who doesn’t want a trainer who eats donuts and still represents body goals?! That’s the kind of fit life I’m talking about! The other trainer I work with, Talia, is like a sister. Play mixed with torture. Unlike a real sister, her torture is always with good intention. She counts VERY slowly and then once she finishes a set, will occasionally surprise you with an extra count of 10 and a smirk on her face to match. She whips me into shape while we share laughs and dance parties. I look forward to not only my workouts, but my play dates with my friends. Anna, Courtney, and Julia at the front desk are some of the sweetest women I’ve ever met. So accommodating and respectful of whatever vibe I bring into the waiting area before my sessions. Michelle and Sophia are some of the other trainers I’ve taken from and interacted with and they both have the type of energy that you just can’t help but smile when you see them. I couldn’t be more grateful that Pilatesmith was my first experience with Pilates. I fell in love and my workouts are what I look forward to most in my week. If you live in the LA area, you should DEFINITELY check out Pilatesmith for your workout regimen.
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There is something unbelievably gratifying in living a sober life. Finding happiness with a clear head without influence from anything more than your own positive mindset. Experiencing life in the moment, fully aware and able to soak in good times and retain those memories. Getting lost in the magic of reality. Letting the music flow through your body at the club or appreciating a passionate conversation with a friend or stranger. Life doesn't pass by, moments don't slip away, you're living in each moment, taking all it has to offer. Life becomes a series of events, encounters, choices YOU make. Happiness at it's purest, shining strength on your true self.
I originally stopped drinking because it triggers my migraines. Eventually, not drinking turned into a lifestyle change that proved to be empowering, fulfilling and meaningful in a way that continues to be self-encouraging. I never had my night of blacking out and I never felt drinking was something I needed in my life, but choosing to be sober was introducing a whole new power of control. I get to be high off life and I don't ever have to feel guilty about it! I never wake up hungover from the awesome time I had the night before, or feel stuck somewhere I don't want to be because I need to coordinate rides. I don’t need anyone or anything to enhance my idea of a good time. I can enjoy myself freely by celebrating my connection to each moment. Drinks won’t spill from my bank account and my belly won’t bloat with unnecessary calories. Less bad decisions will be contemplated and more healthy hobbies will be discovered. I live the kind of life where no matter where I go, no matter who I’m around, no matter what else is offered to me…I am able to experience my present in my true state of mind and need nothing more. You have the power to create your own joy. Your truth doesn't need to be altered, it needs to be noticed and appreciated. The moments in life set aside for pleasure are much more meaningful when you experience them in your natural state. To need nothing more than yourself to create an environment you can enjoy is an unbeatable power. Free of the restrictions the medicine had on my body and my care for my health, I recently lost over seventy pounds. I’m now in the routine of treating my body kindly & making healthy decisions when it comes to exercise and diet. I was told losing weight wouldn't be the cure to my depression and although I can definitely agree with that specific statement, it did spark the general mindset of my overall happiness. Losing weight to me wasn't just losing being “fat"; losing weight to me was gaining strength, encouraging routine and feeling in control of my body and my life.
I used to laugh when people would say they were addicted to exercise. I thought I just wasn’t the type of person who could be addicted to such a thing. I used to tell myself I would do ANYTHING to be “skinny,” unless “anything” meant working out. I had no idea exercise had the ability to go from an overwhelmingly daunting task to one of my favorite pastimes. That I would be the person, one day, who preaches that exercise is beyond physical. No matter your size, your journey, your opinion on what you think your relationship with exercise may be, it can transform your mindset on your power, self-worth and confidence. Exercise is an everyday tool to promote growth in learning and loving yourself. Getting in shape is not quick and it is not easy but it is my favorite thing to work on because you can see accomplishment with each new day. Adding repetitions, building new sets, discovering new muscles! It is a rush every time you finish a new workout knowing that you overcame your doubt and will do it again tomorrow. The pleasure in challenges set and overcome by yourself, for yourself. Earning more and more confidence in the power of your mind and the strength in desire. Taking care of your body is a direct way to self-love. Free time overcome with the passion to workout turns time that might have felt wasted into the most fulfilling success. Soon it won't be about the distance to your goal weight, but the encouragement and pride each workout will bring you. Feeling icky? Need some energy? Need a reminder of your power? For me, my workouts are my answer to all of the above. With so many social media outlets providing video tutorial on routines and offering a variety of exercises, working out can be exciting! In-home workouts with and without equipment make access to activity simple. You no longer find yourself sitting on the couch while watching TV. Instead, you are excited about times when you can multi-task pleasures with more satisfying and rewarding activity. You might notice while scrolling through Instagram, or Facebook, it is the new exercises on your feed that captivate your attention. Finding passion in seeking additional activities for your routines, trying something new and pushing your body to new limits. You can start today and see for yourself how your motivation alters and your positivity will beam from inside. The most personal and direct way to understand the true height of your limits and discover all that you are capable of is through exercise. A source of endorphins, energy, strength, and pure happiness. Exercise IS addictive, and the most beautiful anti-drug we can proudly welcome with open (and strong) arms. |
AuthorLindsay Greenberg, providing perspective on how to live a magical life. Archives
August 2019
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