WHAT changes have you made in 2021 to move consistently? The year may have started off in a lacklustre manner, but it doesn’t have to remain that way.
To kick-off the year, I spoke about remaining consistent despite life’s inconsistencies in Part 1 of Pilates Without A Reformer, where I focused on lunges as a way to propel yourself forward, come what may (check it out if you haven’t already).
Today, we continue the conversation by approaching movements and moments that feel awkward or uncomfortable.
When it comes to fitness, we’ve all got our favourite as well as not-so-favourite moves that we tend to avoid (people, included).
How do we rise above them and overcome these challenges?
For me, push-ups have been my self-proclaimed nemesis. As a 30-something-year-old, the thought of shifting my own body weight on my arms for longer than a minute has me grumbling before I’ve even begun.
However, this wasn’t always approached with disdain. As someone who grew up flipping off couches or having handstand competitions at recess for fun, bearing weight on my hands was a normal part of my movement routine.
What changed? Could it have been the hustle of life?
Perhaps, it was the need to focus on ‘serious’ things or was it the elimination of play and creativity?
My gymnastic days of hoisting myself over a bar or balancing on my hands may well be behind me but we can still find creative ways to sprinkle a little wonder and play into our day regardless of the season of life we find ourselves in.
When we allow ourselves such freedoms, what was once avoided may pique our curiosity yet again.
In our movement today, we’re going to approach upper-body strength head-on, one repetition at a time.
We’re not doing any ol’ push-up or plank series as we’re going to add in an element of instability.
Due to an increase in muscle demand, studies have shown that performing plank exercises on unstable surfaces increase core muscle activity versus performing it on stable surfaces.
Now, if you’ve not done planks in a while or are nursing an injury in your wrists or ankles, I’d highly recommend you start with this first.
Remember, you may know your body best and an optimal level of challenge is good, but if it proves too difficult, you’ll most likely feel like quitting.
Stop thinking about the thought of moving. Grab a towel and move with me through this long stretch/plank sequence.
Let’s overcome the things we find challenging and get ready for a new chapter because you’re stronger than you think! ─ The Vibes, 3 February, 2021
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