A few times in my life, I’ve taken up running. Well, slow jogging (slogging?) Most recently during the early days of the pandemic a few years ago when everything shut down, and there really wasn’t anywhere to go or much to do. So, I went for a daily run with intervals of walking. It felt pretty good, the fresh air was lovely, and my heart and lungs certainly appreciated the workout. But I never did get that runner’s high I’ve heard people talk about. So, once things opened up again, my jogs fell to the wayside for other things. Now, most of my running is reserved for catching a bus or letting my little dog take me along as she chases a squirrel.
That doesn’t mean I do nothing in the way of movement. One thing I’ve learned over the years of living in my body and with my brain is that I feel better by every possible measure when I have some kind of consistent movement habit in my life - physically, mentally, emotionally. My work at the massage table flows so much better, and I’m less likely to injure or strain myself while I’m working.
For me to be consistent with a movement routine (or anything, really), I have to enjoy it. Too often, physical movement or exercise is presented as if it’s some sort of chore. I don’t think it has to be that way. Movement shouldn’t feel like punishment, even if it’s challenging (and it should be challenging in some way) To me, movement is joyful. It’s a matter of finding something that is meaningful or enjoyable to you.
Movement that is meaningful and enjoyable is highly individual. It also has to be attainable. So, we have to meet ourselves where we are today, and where we are today is ok. Great, in fact.
Last year, after a long time away, I started going to pilates classes again. That first class back was HARD, but it was also wonderful. It was good to feel my muscles stretch and engage. Even better, it gives my brain something to focus on and bring it into connection with my body. As a massage therapist, anything that fosters the mind-body connection appeals to me. And as a certified anatomy nerd, pilates works for me because I can visualize the muscles, joints, and other structures of the body as I flow through the movements. To me, that is joy.
More recently with my ankle injury, I was forced to stop what I was doing, which was incredibly frustrating. Rest was necessary to heal, but once I had the green light from my doctor, I was delighted to get back to doing things I love. I have no doubt in my mind that having a consistent movement habit before my injury is helping enormously with my progress rehabilitating that injury. But, wow, those first few pilates classes when I was able to return were somewhat brutal. I still have some work to do, but I’m bouncing back fairly quickly thanks to my awesome physical therapist and pilates teacher. The joy is back!
Obviously, pilates is not the only way to move one’s body, nor is it necessarily the best way for every person. It is what works for me at this time in my life, and where I am today is not where I was six months ago. And that is ok.
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