I Don’t Know If I’m Doing This Right
Am I doing this right?
Do you ever ask yourself that question?
Have you ever NOT done something because you were worried that you weren’t doing it “right”? Well, I have to say that I can relate—I certainly don’t want to do something the wrong way if I can avoid it. And when I see those rare people who seem to be able to do everything right the first time, I get a bit envious. OK…I get a lot envious. But here’s what I’ve found to be true—I learn from my mistakes.
The very best lessons I’ve learned in my life have been the ones I learned from making mistakes – and we’re not talking little mistakes here, we’re talking big whoppers! The good news is that most of life’s mistakes can be remedied…and there’s usually more than one “right” way to do something, so there are always options.
One of the main reasons that you’ve given us for not doing Pilates on your own is that you’re not sure if you’re doing it
correctly. This is a legitimate concern, and we’d like to help you feel a bit more confident about your independent practice, because practicing between sessions will help you progress faster, and keep you stronger, longer with fewer aches and pains.
Here are a couple of tips to help you practice the right way—for YOU:
1. Your body is more forgiving than you realize – you don’t have
to be perfect.
2. Stay present in your body and pay attention to how you’re
feeling during and after any activity – you’ll know if something
doesn’t feel “right”.
3. Start easy, and only do a few exercises at a time at first.
4. Some movement is generally better than no movement – so get
moving.
5. A movement that feels “unfamiliar” doesn’t necessarily mean
that it’s not “right” – in fact, practicing unfamiliar postures and
movements helps you break out of your habitual patterns and creates
better symmetry and balance.
6. If you make a “mistake”, consider it just a part of your
learning experience. Ask yourself “how can I learn and grow form
this?”
7. Pain (not just muscle soreness) is your body’s way of telling
you something isn’t right…listen.
8. If a movement feels forced, then it’s not efficient – healthy
movement is flowing and fluid, not forced.
9. For video demonstrations of the basics, you can watch on our
You Tube channel.
Yes, sometimes exercise can be damaging—and we do see injuries from doing too much weight or resistance, doing too many repetitions, trying to progress too quickly and from doing exercises incorrectly. But if you’re practicing authentic mind-body exercise, and really paying attention to what’s going on from the inside-out, you’ll be successful.
So next time you’re avoiding exercise because you’re afraid of not doing it “right,” keep in mind that you have many resources, you’re resilient…allow yourself the freedom to MOVE.
To your healthy and efficient movement,
Lindy
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