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Confessions Of A Pilates Instructor
Hi Beauties!
I hope you had a nice weekend.
I spent both days in the studio filming new workouts for the upcoming holiday Pilates program. Needless to say my body is feeling it today (in the best kind of way). Speaking of, registration for the next online program opens on Wednesday so be sure to visit the blog and claim your spot! It’s going to be so much fun. 🙂
After posting “Instagram And The Comparison Trap” a few weeks ago I’ve felt the urge to share more than what may meet the eye on social media. To the outside eye it may seem like I’m obsessed with working out, obsessed with food and it could even appear like I have it all figured out.
I hope you NEVER think I have it all figured out.
I don’t.
We’re all in this together. Pilates is my profession so it’s true that I know more about the body and exercise than the average person and I LOVE sharing that with you. But I’m still learning and growing. I’m continually working to bringing you the best information workouts and resources possible.
But I’m not perfect and I never will be.
So here we go…confessions of a Pilates instructor lest you ever think I have it all together.
Confessions of Pilates instructor:
- I don’t workout as much as you think. I used to exercise a lot more than I do now. I’m a full-time mom and a full-time business owner so these days my workouts are a much smaller part of my life. I workout a few times per week, sometimes more, sometimes less. These days I’m more focused on doing little bits throughout the day that add up. I’ve come to accept that different seasons of life bring different seasons of exercise and that’s okay.
- I don’t go to the gym. I don’t have the time to add in an extra commute and Pilates/running/walking WORKS for my body so I’m sticking with it. For now anyway (although I’ve recently been contemplating the beauty of “free” childcare that comes with a gym membership…).
- I don’t lift weights. I get my resistance training through body weight exercises (Pilates), the reformer and TRX from time to time.
- Fitness is not my life. Despite the fact that I post about it all day on social media and blog about it here 3x per week, it’s not my life! It’s just a part of it. My workouts are important to me and I fit them in when I can. But I do not make myself miserable by planning my life around exercise. There is more to life! Instead, I just try to move my body more often (walks, hikes, little bits of Pilates while laying on the floor with my baby, barre during bath time, etc.) and do more proper workouts when I can.
- I don’t read health and fitness blogs. Why? Because I don’t want my vision to get clouded. I have a strong vision for this website and I LOVE the creative process of coming up with blog topics, programs and challenges for you all. When I read other blogs it’s easy to feel like everything’s already been done or to get influenced in the wrong way. I want to keep my vision for our community clear and unclouded by what others are doing.
- I don’t count calories. I just eat real, whole, nourishing food and I eat a lot of it (breastfeeding for the win).
- I put sugar in my coffee. GASP! When I go to Starbucks I get a grande, decaf Americano with 2 raw sugars. Guilt-free.
- I don’t watch myself on camera. When I film videos for you, I do it one time through. I include the mess-ups and the awkward sentences because if I spent time critiquing myself I’d never get anything done. I film it once, edit once and out the world it goes.
- I never say “I feel fat”. I won’t give in to fat talk with girlfriends and I have made it a rule not to talk that way in front of my husband or daughter. My daughter is 1, but she understands more than I realize. And berating myself in front of my husband doesn’t do much for our relationship. Don’t get me wrong, I used to talk negatively about my body ALL the time. But when I decided I wanted to break free of hating my body, this was one of the first changes I made.
- BUT, I still have “blah days”. We all do. Some days I get dressed and feel so frustrated that nothing fits right. It usually has to do with too many treats or that time of the month. On these days I wear loose clothes and move on.
- I eat all the foods. I am not 100% free of anything and am not afraid to eat unhealthy foods. Most of the time I eat home-cooked, fresh, healthy meals; very little processed food, very little starch and very few sweet treats. But when I want to indulge I will. And I won’t think twice about it. It’s funny, I’ll often notice that in a group of women I am often the only one not worrying about calories and fats. Kind of ironic right? Awhile back I was at a dinner with a handful of VIP women in the tech and blogging world. When individual french fry servings were delivered to our plates I was the ONLY one that ate my whole serving (it was actually a very small serving). And women noticed. In fact one even mentioned that she was waiting to see if I would eat the fries before she at hers. People tend to think that since I am the health & fitness girl that I won’t eat certain things. I think it’s my role to model a HEALTHY relationship with food, not a restrictive one.
- I don’t always feel like teaching or working out. Sometimes I just want to lay on the couch and watch TV.
- I spend 6 out of 7 days in workout clothes, even if I don’t workout. Which is why I’m so grateful for brands like Athleta!
- I will eat all the baked goods. Which is why I don’t bake. That, and I’m not very good at it. If baked goods are in the house I think I need to eat them all just to get them out of the house. 🙂
- I give up on workouts too. Sometimes I’ll start a YouTube video and end up just laying there watching the screen. And then get up to get a snack. Some days I’m just not feeling it.
There you have it!
This may not be the most motivational post I’ve ever written but it’s honest. 🙂 And the interesting part is I’ve never felt healthier, happier or my confident in my own skin. Finding this balance has led me to be in the best shape of my life.
I hope you know that we are all in this together. This is my profession and I have a passion for encouraging others to make health and well-being a priority, but I’m still human. I’m working to balance it all just like you.
Can you relate to any of these confessions? Let me know in the comments. I hope I’m not alone!
xo,
PS – one more confession…I’m writing this post at 3:30 pm on a Friday and I have yet to shower or get ready for the day. Workout clothes and messy bun for the win!
Robin Long
Robin Long, founder and CEO of Lindywell, certified Pilates instructor, Nutrition Therapy Practitioner, and author of 'Well to the Core,' blends 15 years of expertise with a lifelong commitment to holistic health.
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52 thoughts on “Confessions Of A Pilates Instructor”
You are definitely not alone. We all have those days. I don’t work out as or as hard as I used to either.
I try to add activity through out my day, some days it works and some days it doesn’t. But I refuse to beat myself up about it, that’s too exhausting and who needs that negative energy!
Then I have days when I am able to get my full workout in.
Have a wonderful week!
Thanks Jodie! I’m glad you feel good about where you’re at. I feel good too! 🙂 xo
That was one of the THE MOST motivational blog posts…I have noticed similarities in my lifestyle recently and have wondered if it’s ok. Is it ok to eat healthy, clean meals 80% of the times and then not think twice when I have pasta or pizza? Yes, I think it is. I haven’t noticed any negative effects, and it sure is wonderful to enjoy life guilt-free! And thank you for the encouragement about no negative talk. Thanks to you, I am going to cut this out of my vernacular once and for all!
Robin, my girl crush on you just get even bigger! 🙂 You’re so lovely and authentic.
I’m with you on the weight-lifting-thing, not going to the gym either and wear my pilates pants most days too! (Athleta 4-the-win…!). Aaaand I loooove watching E! #somuchfun!!
Your confession about NOT READING OTHER BLOGS totally hit me right in the humph-spot! It’s definitely something to consider for myself and especially as a new blogger. You are so spot on! Thank you for sharing.
Will the holiday program be ok when dealing with diastatis recti?
Oh thank you Marie! I’m glad this didn’t send you running for a more perfect instructor! 🙂 And yes think about that blog thing. I read a lot of blogs – just not blogs in my particular industry. I like being inspired in other areas and then making that my own in terms of fitness. I think it’s also important to only read blogs that make you feel good about your own life. If there is any hint of envy or negativity after reading a blog, it’s not worth following in my opinion. 🙂 And some of the exercises in the holiday program will be DR friendly but not all. If you have a good understanding of which exercises to avoid then it could still work! xo
Um, I think I can relate to almost all of these confessions! I’m still working on complete freedom from past body struggles and finding balance now, but I can relate for sure. And I’m not even a fitness instructor, but I still live in workout clothes 6 out of 7 days a week and don’t shower until the late afternoon (that’s the beauty of being a homeschooling mom!). Love you and your honesty. I think THAT is motivating 🙂 xoxo
Fitness clothes are just the best! Great when you know you’re running around all day and that you’re probably going to get spilled on at some point. Whenever I get dressed in my nicer clothes I end up frustrated by the avocado and peanut butter from my daughter’s sticky hands. 🙂 xoxo
I love that you are SO real. There is nothing fake about what you teach, what you share or how you live. It’s so refreshing to know you have those days when you just don’t feel it! I think we ALL have those days. Thank you for reminding us – no negative talk. It really is detrimental to our health and relationships. Still working on my relationship with foods, but you are such an inspiration and motivator that all you share helps me. XOXO
Thank you Jennifer!! xo
Thank you so much for this!! I can definitely relate to a lot of these! I’ve really had to start reminding myself that all these awesome people whose blogs I follow are still just people who have lives and struggles. I appreciate your honesty.
I’m glad I’m not alone. And yes – it’s good to remember that there is a real life behind people on the internet and it’s not all glamorous. xo
I can totally relate to a lot of this, especially finishing all the baked goods so they are out of the house! Thanks for sharing. A little goes a long way and you are helping me incorporate that into my lifestyle.
haha – right? It’s not the smartest decision. Which is why I don’t keep them in the house. 🙂 xoxo
I LOVE this post. Your honesty and authenticity are amazing! I can relate to so many things that you have listed here. My favorite is probably that you don’t edit your videos before you send them out to the world. The “mess-ups” and “awkward sentences” are some of my favorite things about your videos! Truly. It makes me feel like you are right there with me and that is something very different than most workout videos that I’ve come across. 🙂
Something I definitely struggle with is the “I feel fat” statements and all variations of that. It is a common occurrence for me to ask me boyfriend if I look like “a busted can of biscuits” before we go anywhere! Which seems funny at the time but is ultimately not good for our relationship. I believe that I will implement this into my life more intentionally from now on. 🙂
As always, thank you so much for all that you do! I’m really excited for your next program!
xo,
Megan
Thank you Megan! And I’m glad you’re going to consider the “fat talk” (although busted can of biscuits make me smile). It’s a tough habit to break in the beginning but the reward is worth it. So glad you’ll be joining the next program! xo
Thank you so much for this post Robin, it’s so inspiring and real. Thanks for shedding light on the aspects of things. I especially identify with the part where there are just days I don’t feel like working out. I struggle a lot with that, forcing myself to wake up real early just to get it in and compromising my need to sleep, rest and recharge. And the ‘i feel fat’ bit, indulging and all. I truly am learning to live life fully, to learn that it’s ok if I ain’t perfect. Thank you again.
It’s a challenge and takes practice to find out how to truly listen to your body. Some days rest IS the answer, other days it’s good to overcome the excuses. It gets easier the more you practice tuning into your body’s true needs. I’m glad you’re learning to live life fully – I love that. xo
You are too wonderful!!!! I love how honest you are, it’s so refreshing and makes me motivated by you even more. A few weeks out from the PBP September and STILL sticking with the meal plan and workouts, but I definitely DO have a moments, hours, days like what you describe here. As you know, I’m an instructor, too, and last week a client and I were talking about cutting out negative self talk / not fat talk. She said to me, “I can’t believe you would ever say that to yourself, you seem so pulled together!” She was really relieved to know she wasn’t “in it alone”, and I told her that I learned this from you – it’s great to share and be honest that we’re not perfect.
You look awesome in your outfit, by the way 🙂 I officially have more workout clothes than regular clothes and I love it 🙂
All smiles this morning after reading this post and thinking of you.
I will share my confession – I did the powerhouse workout on Saturday and nothing else fitness wise the whole weekend, guilt free!
xoxo as always, Robin, you rock.
Thanks Jen! We are seriously all in this together as women, professionals, instructors, women who’ve never worked out before…we all deal with our own challenges. I’m so glad you’re challenging “fat talk” and also connecting with your clients in such meaningful ways. Missing our weekly PBP emails! xoxo
Love this post. Thanks for being real Robin, it is so refreshing!
Thanks Shannon!
The fact that you too deal with a normal life and have up and down days and have shared that with us is what makes your blog so relatable for me
Glad to hear that Amelia. xo
And this is why we love you Robin! Great blog:)
Thanks Kimberly!
This is why I love this site. You’re much more real than the other fitness bloggers out there! Thanks for this! I can definitely relate.
Glad you can relate. And so glad you’re a part of this community. 🙂 xo
I love this! I’m trying so hard to move toward being balanced and not dieting or beating my body into submission…this was encouraging and felt like good guideposts to aim for. Thanks!
I’m happy to hear that Laurel! I hope you continue to work towards that healthy balance. It’s so worth it. xo
Perfectly imperfect! As my grandma always said, “Everything in moderation. You only get to have one life, so work hard and enjoy it!” I appreciate your honesty in a world of perceived perfection. Thank you, again!
Amen!
Thank you for opening up! It is nice to know that a fitness instructor is not totally consumed with working out all the time. I have a very bad habit of saying how fat I feel and constantly belittling myself in front of my husband. I don’t do it in front of my children because I want them to have a positive body image. But what you said rings true in that it is not good for a relationship, and I am going to stop that negative talk and make it my priority. Thank you for your honesty and great videos!
I can definitely relate with so many of these and love your honesty in sharing them! 🙂 When I used to work in the corporate world, I would occasionally bake treats for the office (because I DO love baking & sharing it!) and there were always a few people who would comment on my “self-discipline” when I wouldn’t eat any of it. What they didn’t know is that I already had tried some (be it a cookie or a slice of pie) to make sure it was edible and because, I don’t believe in depriving myself. 😉
Why is it that I find myself smiling halfway through majority of your posts. Looking forward to Holiday Pilates Program 4×4 -I’ll be registering bright and early tomorrow morning.
This post is the best! I love your honesty and I am striving to not say “I feel fat” to my husband. We all have those days, but I don’t want it to even be a thought when I eventually have children!
Robin, I am new to your blog and you’ve re-ignitied my love for Pilates! I am so excited to start the 4×4 next week. This post (and from what I’ve read on your blog, all your posts,) is/are so genuine. Thank you for encouraging us to lose the “I feel fat” commentary. I have two young girls and am constantly thinking about the values I am teaching them when I refer to others AND myself. Self-loathing and -degradation is perhaps one of the most harmful things we can model; not to mention the detriment it causes to our own self-worth. But perhaps my favorite part was your PPS about it being 330pm and not having started the day:) Been there. Often. (Like, today). You are real, candid and inspirational.
Thank you Martina! That means a lot to me. And I love your perspective as well. Welcome to the community! xo
Oh yes…I will very much also eat all the baked goods!
Ahhhh the life of a Pilates instructor 🙂 I’m definitely the same way and honestly, any pilates instructor that says they don’t feel this way sometimes is a liar. Even Rael admits to it 🙂 Right on girl…good on ya for being brave. You rule.
Wow! I can’t tell you how relieved I felt reading this entry on your blog! My very first I must add. I’m a Pilates instructor and studio owner in Bolivia (for 12 years now) and I can relate to absolutely every confession you made up there. I totally “clicked” with you! I feel so blessed that I have been able to bring together my passion and my work, every day is a growth experience for me, as a woman, a Pilates professional, a mom and a happy wife. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for your honesty! It’s a rare thing in the wellness industry but VERY real! I absolutely relate and you have inspired me to share my honesty also….. X
What a wonderful article!!! Our clients tend to idolize us & it’s so powerful to them to realize we are all HUMAN…thank u for sharing!
We are just reading this though coming to understand the post is a couple of years old. We just wanted to say thanks for the honesty. With so many individual fitness and health goals for people it is easy to see that one size absolutely does not fit all. Balance seems key for whatever a person’s goal may be. ? We shared this on our FB page.
Thanks for the encouragement and for sharing! 🙂
Im in the process of training and felt like I might be a bit of a fraud as I can relate to a lot of the above but this has inspired me to keep going and pursue my goal. I guess it’s nice to see that you can have a passion for something but don’t have to let social media make you feel like it needs to dominate your life.
Thanks for the post!
Absolutely! Keep going Nico!
I have read your article and found it awesome. The way you detailed your experience regarding Pilates will inspire many professional Pilates instructors around the world.
It is a great article about Pilate and explained very easily. Pilates is a very unique way to shape your body. Nice Article.
This is so inspirational. I really love your writing style and how perfectly you have shared everything. Such an inspirational read for everyone. I remember when I started Pilates, I needed all the inspiration I could find in order to keep on going. Luckily, I had the best instructors who kept me motivated and showed me my improvements, helping me to get better everyday. I am attaching the link of the place I go to, I really find it to be an amazing place for Pilates training.
https://lifespanpilates.com/
Awesome!
I love your perspective on exercise and wellness. Looks like two of your partnership links are broken in this post.
Hi Lauren, we’ve updated the post – thanks so much for letting us know!