Movement, Pilates, You... Your Daily Getaway

The other day, while rushing through errands, I heard a woman announce her desperate need for a vacation.

“Amen to that!” replied another shopper. I just smiled. I enter a haven every single day that I work out — through Pilates — and, ultimately, take time for me. There is no way to fully explain the feeling that comes as mind, body, and spirit merge through fluid moves designed to build core stamina, endurance, and tone. Pilates provides it all — challenge, fortification, inspiration.

We live in a world of technology, connected 24/7, leaving us little time to get lost in thought or to have the moments that ground and revive us. And so we are often stressed. Yet Glinda’s wisdom — all the way from Oz — is timeless: “You’ve always had the power to go back. Close your eyes and tap your heels together three times…”

If you don’t work out regularly, you just don’t know. Those 30, 45, or 60 minutes become a refuge. The world can wait. It’s amazing what you can do for yourself when you accept the gift of uninterrupted thought and movement. Joseph Pilates’ words ring true: “The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power.”

We’re talking improved thinking, for starters. As you work both sides of your body, both sides of your brain are stimulated too. With two hemispheres actively involved — left foot, right brain; right foot, left brain — and increased blood flow, you gain sharper focus and creativity.

Add to that improved strength, mood, immunity, and joint flexibility. And don’t forget reduced stress and a daily sense of accomplishment: no matter what else happens in a day, you have done something wonderful if you have worked out. But it is also the gift of movement itself — letting body and mind become their best, going back to a place removed from technology and pressure, and entering a haven that always delivers.

And the best part? You’ve always had the power to get there. Just click your heels — Glinda’s instruction for movement was no coincidence, and while you’re taking her advice, start in Pilates stance: heels together, toes turned out, now ready to click — or simply try a Pilates class, and say, “there’s no place like working out.” Because, quite frankly, there isn’t.