TURNING WEAKNESS INTO STRENGTH...

How I went from this:

to this:

Long before I became a Pilates Instuctor my life was centered around my core. In 2001 I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease. For those of you who may not know what that is- I certainly didn't- it is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the GI tract, especially the colon. Lately I have been thinking about how far I have come in the last (almost) 10 years since that diagnosis. I was 18 years old, and it was devastating. It would have been very easy to allow my disease to control my life and defeat me. In fact, I did for a little while. I let it win at first. I stayed in bed for a whole month straight, and I could have easily stayed there forever. The word "chronic" felt so final and hopeless. I felt horrible and sick and was totally depressed. There were a lot of "Why me" moments. Until, finally, there came a moment when I had to say- "What do I want my life to be?" and the answer was not "Crohn's Disease," so I got out of bed. Did I feel like a million bucks right when I made that decision? Not even close, but I had a life to live, and that wasn't going to happen lying in bed feeling sorry for myself.

Fast forward (not forgetting that it took a lot of time and patience to get here) to now, which brings me to Pilates... honestly, if on the same day I got my diagnosis the doctor also told me I would be teaching Pilates in 10 years, I probably would have laughed; but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense... Maybe it was because of the "weakness" in my middle, that I was so attracted to the core strengthening of Pilates... And now, here I am actually earning a living from it; and feeling happier (and healthier) than I have in years! How beautifully ironic... I am so grateful for my "weakness", because it showed me how strong I really am.


For those of you who, like me, have been dealt a less than desirable hand, that's no excuse not to do and experience everything you want to. There don't have to be boundaries, obstacles maybe, but that's what makes us who we are.
Instead of "I can't do this because...", say "I can do this...(period)" Who knows, maybe you will find your calling... ;)


**All of that being said, I can not stress enough that you know your own body better than anyone. Please listen to it. And if you are seeing to a doctor, listen to him/her. If rest is what you need, then rest. It's not only about pushing yourself physically, it's about pushing yourself mentally. What I am encouraging you to do is not let your brain dwell on, and get overwhelmed by the negativity that can come from bad news - whether it be a poor health diagnosis, a death, a break up/divorce, a lost job... the list goes on and on. Take the time you need to cope (remember my month in bed?) and then get up. I promise it will be worth it.

Photo 1: Getty images
Photos 2&3: Jay Sullivan

WEEKLY WORKOUT #2...

is up! Check it out here and "roll" with me. I am planning some new things (new locations and format) for the videos coming up, so please keep watching every week!

P.S. I have had a post formulating in my brain for a few days now...


I am hoping it comes out in complete sentences soon. Thanks for bearing with me!

IT'S HERE...

The first Lean Body Pilates Weekly Workout!
Check it out here! I will be releasing a new video on my website every week, focusing on a different part of the Pilates mat workout. Enjoy!

AS I MENTIONED...

I am going to be filming a series of short Pilates workout videos for my website... I want to hear from YOU:
1) Are there any specific exercises you are having trouble with or would like to have broken down?
2) Are there specific body parts you would like to target?
3) What do you look for in a workout video, and what are some of your favorites?
I would absolutely love the feedback so please comment and feel free to share with others. Thanks!

P.S. Project clean eating is going well! Here are the heirlooms I scored at the farmers market yesterday!

CLEANING UP MY ACT...

As some of you know, I am going to be making some short online videos which I will release once a week on my website. I am SUPER excited about this project and I have decided in an effort to make these videos portray the very best version of myself, I want to clean up my eating. Unfortunately this means... (cue ominous dun, dun, duuuun music) cutting carbs, sweets and wine, and sticking to lean protein and fresh veggies and fruit.

+

=
CLEAN

Lucky for me my husband has agreed to clean up his act as well- which makes cheating impossible since I also have to answer to him. I really want to believe that I wouldn't cheat, but anyone who knows me, knows how I love the bread... and the chocolate... and the wine. Oh the wine. As Jay has oh so lovingly pointed out, "A little discipline would be good for you." I do have to admit, it was fun to go to the grocery store and fill our cart with produce every color of the rainbow. We made absolutely beautiful salads for lunch yesterday- I have to get better about taking pictures of my food.
Today I plan to take a trip to the Union Square Farmers Market as a treat in between teaching...

I absolutely love farmers markets! Heirloom tomatoes anyone??


Chicken photo: kraft.com
Union Square photo: theweblicist.com

NEW CLASS ALERT...

I will be teaching a group mat class at Zen and Yoga in Forest Hills, Queens!


Class is Saturday from 1pm-2pm. The studio is new and absolutely gorgeous! Come and see for yourself...

NO PHONE ZONE!

Pilates class is no place for your cell phone...

I really thought this was a no brainer, but apparently not, given the amount of cell phone ringing (not to mention cell phone ANSWERING) I have experienced in my classes lately. That goes for texting too. Why on earth would you be reading or sending a text in the middle of side legs?? Pardon my rant... the thing is, it's rude. It's rude to me, rude to the other students, and actually rude to yourself- you can not possibly be getting all you want out of your Pilates workout if you are paying attention to your phone. It's an hour of your life that I would hope you would give your self the gift of being unavailable.