I bet you’ve heard people say, “ No pain, no gain”. I hear this all the time, and it’s such a shame that women believe this. Let me show you the problems with this thinking.
Firstly, who wants to be in pain? It doesn’t sound like fun to me! I can’t imagine the level of determination that is required to turn up to your workouts or the gym where you don’t enjoy the process! Consistency is one of the main things that will flip your health around. It’s the little choices and habits you form over time and stay consistent with, that will eventually lead to lasting health changes.
Push into Pain?
The truth is, when you push yourself until your body hurts, or move into pain, you actually hinder your progress. I really feel for these people, because the thing is, they are trying so hard, and honestly believe that through pushing themselves they’ll achieve their goals. The problem is, when their body flares up or an injury occurs, these women feel defeated. Feeling like you’ve failed is such a waste of all your best intentions. Recovering from an injury takes time, and then you have to muster up the motivation to give it another go.
It’s such a shame, when there is a better way!
Intelligent movement feels good
Doing the correct moves for you will ‘feel right’. Recognise the difference between hurt and hard. Pilates can certainly be hard. That feeling of challenge is something I love. Although recognise the difference between when an exercise is hard and when it hurts. If it pinches, pulls or tweaks in the joints, it’s probably not right for you at this moment. Feeling muscle fatigue is okay and to get the shakes when your muscles are working is perfectly fine. The main thing is that you listen to your body. You know you. Nurture yourself and do what ‘feels right’.
This video is an example of some Pilates moves that are hard, but with modifications to show you that it won’t hurt.
Feel inspired to give Pilates a go? Join me for a live online Pilates class. I’ll be there to encourage you and lead you through your moves that will increase your energy and build a strong, healthy body.
Click here for the link to register for the class.
I’ll see you then,
Beth