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What I need to tell you…
I’m getting so excited for the kickoff of #MindBodyMat next week. I hope you are too!
I’ve been working hard to create the best workouts and challenges to help you care for your body and mind over the next 3 weeks.
In the meantime, I have something on my heart that I want to share…
I want you to know how much I appreciate you.
I know there are thousands of other blogs out there and the fact that you show up here, read my posts, do my workouts, and join in this community means the world to me.
I’m not sure how many of you know that this is my full-time job. I teach classes and train clients in-person, but the majority of my time, energy and resources go into this website and my online programs.
I stay up late, I wake up early, I power through during nap time.
I spend hours upon hours creating programs, writing blogs, interacting on social media and coming up with new ideas to spread my passion for Pilates and living a guilt-free, balanced life.
And so when you show up, my heart is fills to the brim. I truly believe that this is what I was created to do, and I could not do it without you. So, thank you.
I am SO grateful that you are here. I am so grateful that you’ve chosen this path and chosen to support The Balanced Life when there are so many other options out there.
As The Balanced Life has grown over the past year, I’ve had my first taste of unfortunate business situations (ideas stolen, content copied, etc.), which has been quite disheartening. But when I think about this amazing, unique community and I am able to let it all go.
Because nothing compares to this group of Balanced Life Beauties, and you are the reason I do what I do.
I’m passionate about helping you stay healthy when you have a lot on your plate; about encouraging you (and me) to ditch the guilt and improve our self-talk.
I’m passionate about helping others build confidence and resist the pressure from culture to be skinny and “perfect.”
To be honest, it’s hard to make it big in this arena without hopping on the “get skinny fast” train. At every turn there is an opportunity to sell out – to promise you that you can “lose 10 lbs in 5 days,” or that you can look like Jennifer Aniston by doing one perfect exercise.
That stuff sells. But I’m not going to sell it.
And I will keep fighting this battle. I will keep going against the grain even if it means I won’t be published in People magazine with the “secret to a perfect body.”
I am grateful for each and every one of you. I read every comment here on the blog, on Facebook and on Instagram. I read every tweet and see every retweet. I see you, I appreciate you, and I want you to know that your support means more than you probably know.
As any blogger knows, when you put yourself out there and choose to be vulnerable, every piece of support feels like a giant bear hug and a chance to breathe again.
So before we head into this next online challenge, I just want you to know how grateful I am for you. I believe this community is special and has the opportunity to change the way women all over the world relate to their bodies and health & fitness as a whole.
Let’s keep fighting the good fight.
Together, we can change the conversation.
This isn’t about me, it’s about us.
Together we can change the incessant pressure to be perfect for ourselves and for the next generation that is growing up in a culture filled with unrealistic expectations and constant comparisons.
Thank you, beauties. You mean the world to me.
xo,
PS – You can sign up for #mindbodymat right here. And don’t forget to upgrade if you want access to 3, 20-minute full-body workouts (including cardio Pilates!).
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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79 thoughts on “What I need to tell you…”
This is one of the only fitness blogs/sites I follow for exactly the reasons you state here. It’s not about getting skinny fast or feeling guilty for eating that bit of chocolate cake, but about pursuing a healthy, happy lifestyle. You don’t make me feel bad for not being perfect, and thank you for that.
Amen. So glad you are here Nicola! xo
Good Tuesday morning to you Robin!!!!! I am so thankful for you and for finding this site. I LOVE pilates and what it does to an for our bodies. I am a bit older than you, 49, and other forms of execise seem to cause my body more harm than good. Yoga and pilates are kind and gentle to my body while still giving it an excellent workout along with a mental workout. Nutrition is another big deal for me and the fact that you incorporate nutrtion with REAL, WHOLESOME, CLEAN food, not tons of supplements and powders, really appeals to me. My husband and I try to live a more self sustainable lifestyle, raising and growing much of the food that we eat. So your thoughts and approach to nutrition go hand and hand with our lifestyle 🙂
I am signed up for Mind Body Mat and upgraded. I can’t wait to start that 3 week journey with you and all the other ladies who are signing up for it. You have taken the time to respond to my tweets and I so appreciate your time. On facebook, my screen name is Poulet Chateau but my real name is Debbie.
Thank you for your “friendship” and desire to help us all live a healthier life, but mentally and physically.
xx
Debbie
It’s SO great to hear how Pilates and good, clean food is changing your life. I’m so glad my website has been helpful for you on your journey. Your lifestyle is inspiring! SO glad you’re doing #mindbodymat. Can’t wait to get started! xo
You are great! And seriously, this is one of the only fitness blogs I keep up with because you are so REAL and grace-based. It’s refreshing, and I truly believe that’s why you’ve got so many loyal followers. Thank you for sharing your gifts and passions with us. I’m a fan of you AND pilates! 🙂
Thank you Al! Gorgeous photo by the way. 🙂 xo
Thank you! I am excited to start the challenge!
So glad you’ll be joining!
Robin, I loved meeting you at the Athleta events last month. After a friend bailed on me the first week I was so close to just going back to bed. I’m so happy I chose to go it alone! I love your message and can’t wait for the challenge! Thank you!
Oh I’m SO glad you came anyway! And glad you’ll be doing the free challenge too. Keep me posted on how it all goes! xo
You are such an inspiring woman, Robin – thank you for all that you do. I said this before on a Summer Series Instagram photo, but I HATE exercise, and with your help I’m trying to get stronger and healthier. But it takes a really special lady to encourage me in that, and you are the only person who has been able to do that. Not only that, but you encourage me in my own work, being real about life and work and finding balance with little ones, too. Thank you, thank you!x
Oh this makes me so happy. Thank you for sharing and keep up the great work. 🙂
Thank you for all of your help and support! I’ve learned so much since I’ve started following you. I make better choices and beat myself up less. Pilates is something I want to do, not what I have to do.
That’s what I hope – better choices and less guilt! Keep up the great work. xo
Robin – Like Nicola, Balanced LIfe is the only fitness blog I subscribe to. I love reading your fitness tips, recipe ideas, and nuggets of healthy wisdom. I love that your message is about balance and not guilt, I love that your goal for your readers and subscribers is not just to show them how to get skinny but how to practice a healthy life style for our mind, body, and soul. I appreciate you and your blog very much so keep up the good work!
Thank you Melissa. 🙂
Robin, you are a true blessing. I’ve been wanting to do something for a long time and a friend of mine did you pilates program in February. I have found that it is something I look forward to. Thank you for that. I am hoping to eventually be able to sign up for the PBP. Thank you again for all your hard work.
I’m so glad to hear this Linda. Thank you for taking the time to tell me! I would love to work with you in The PBP. Hopefully soon. 🙂
Thank you for doing this it is the only fitness blog I follow
I love that Barbara. Thank you for reading! xo
Thank you – for what you do, for sharing your passion for Pilates and life. Because of you, I am a better person today. Not only am I more toned and stronger, I am more confident in me. I feel better and I am happier. I strive to live the guilt free “balanced” life you help us to live. I wish you many, many more years of success and blogging. You are an inspiration and a great role model. Thank YOU!!!! XOXO
Jennifer! I love you girl. YOU are an inspiration to ME and so many others. Keep up the great work!
Thank you, Robin! I follow your blog and other social media daily. I am so grateful that you have chosen to share your story and your gifts with all of us. It is truly through your 28 Days of Pilates challenge that I was inspired to start to take better care of myself.
So thank you for putting up and working through all of the challenges and issues that you have faced. What you are doing and sharing with this community is making a significant impact.
Many Blessings,
Jen
Hi Jen! Thanks for taking the time to share. It’s so great to hear that you’ve been inspired to take better care of yourself. I’m glad you’re here! xo
You’re an inspiration and a space where I can breathe in my crazy life! Thanks for your work!
So glad to hear that. Thank YOU for participating! xo
Yours in the only fitness blog I follow, I can’t remember how or where I found it a few weeks ago, but can’t imagine not reading your posts.
I have been interested in fitness and healthy living for quite a while and most blogs & magazine posts are the same thing recycled each season… countdown to bikini season, beat the holiday bloat, countdown to Christmas party season, ooops over done it during the holidays here’s January’s detox etc and it’s dull and more importantly doesn’t make you feel very good about yourself. I like your holistic approach.
I trained to be a Modern Pilates teacher last year and am starting up on my own soon, I’ve had a tough year this year so far and your blog has been an inspiration to me at a time when I really needed something positive. This is because it is real and personal, you can tell that it is written from the heart. That is yours and not something that can be easily copied from you, a bit like a signature!
I used to follow another fitness blog who I thought had similar holistic values but this year they have shown a side that I do not feel comfortable with and it no longer feels positive which is a real shame.
I have just completed the 28 days of Pilates and have signed up for the MindbodyMat challenge and am really looking forward to it and I’m thinking about doing the Pilates Body Programme in September if you have space left!
Thank you, keep going 🙂
Hi Dianne, Thank you for taking the time to share this. I know what you mean about the magazines – I feel the same way! How exciting that you’re starting up your own business as well. I appreciate your kind words and genuine support. It means a lot! And I would LOVE to have you in The PBP! Keep your eyes out for registration announcements in the next few weeks. xo
Robin, you are such an inspiration. I choose your blog to read when I find a few spare moments every day. Thank you for being real & encouraging!
Thank you Betsy! xo
This was a beautiful post! Thank you for creating this website and for putting so much of your time and energy into it for us 🙂
Thank YOU for reading Anna. xo
I love you, Robin! You are the ONLY fitness blog I follow because of what you wrote today. Looking forward to your next challenge!
Hi Cathy! You are such a great support to me. I love having you as a part of this community! Glad you’ll be doing #mindbodymat. 🙂
Your site is amazing. You are amazing. I truly love and appreciate your mission for living a balanced life and sticking to it, always. Thank you 🙂
Thank you Sarah! xoxo
Love this! I am glad you aren’t a “Lose 10 lbs in 2 weeks” blog! I love that your site has taught me to appreciate a healthy lifestyle change instead! I really look forward to the challenge and being part of the next program in Sept. I am 31 and I was in need of a lifestyle change or I was going to head down the wrong path…thank you for your lessons and encouragement!
So glad you’ll be doing both programs!! Let’s keep the positive changes going. 🙂
You are actually amazing. It’s through people like you and my other inspirations that make me still believe in the industry that i am in. There is so much pressure from other personal trainers to sell this and that – mainly diet drinks full of awful ingredients! You are one of the most amazing influences for so many people and every thing you say I believe in too and try to promote through my life and my practice. After nearly dying from an eating disorder I know just how important mental health is in the fitness journey and I am passionate about women loving who they are without constantly punishing themselves! You have helped me understand this lesson too. Never give up Robin. EVER. You are amazing.
Aw, thank you Emily!! I know you will do great things in your career as well. You are such a gem and I’m so happy you are here as a Balanced Life Beauty! xoxo
I LOVE working out with you each week right in my own living room! Thank you for all your hard work! You are truly inspirational! xoxoxo
Thank you Moriah! Your photo is adorable. 🙂
Thanks for all you do Robin! I can honestly say that this is the first time in my life where I look forward to working out and enjoy eating healthy. While you have taught us to give ourselves credit for the hard work we put in, I owe you a great deal for showing me the way!
Grace – I love hearing that!! So glad you have joined in on the programs and are sticking around. You are so great. Keep up the great work! xo
I’m so glad I found your blog earlier this year. I find that I remind myself of your principles throughout the day now and it really does make me feel better. I’ve also been working in small little workouts to be active daily, even if it’s just a walk around the neighborhood with my little. You’ve helped me realize that doing something is better than nothing and still worth the effort even if it’s just for ten minutes. Having my baby last November was, and still is, one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it’s equally as rewarding. I find that I have no time to care for myself anymore and the “mama guilt” can really take over sometimes. I’ve learned from you to give myself some grace and the confidence to know that I’m still a good mom even if I don’t do everything perfectly. That sounds silly since we’ve never met. How can I gain all of that online? It’s true though. I appreciate you and everything you do for us “average” gals.
Thanks for sharing Ashley! It’s so hard to find time for ourselves with little ones in the house. I can certainly relate. I’m so glad that my site has helped you in some way. And you are much more than average, my friend. Taking care of yourself, taking care of a new life – you are a rock star. xoxo
It has been such a blessing to have come across your site (thanks to Madison H.) and I am beyond thrilled to support you and the “Balanced Life” community you’ve worked so hard to build up. Thank YOU a million times over for being so real and doing the right thing for us. I pray that God continues blessing this calling and incredible gift He has given you. 🙂
Xoxo
Thank you, Iradis! You are the sweetest. I’m so glad you did The PBP. 🙂 I appreciate your continued support! xo
I just found your blog & IG 2 weeks ago and could tell I liked your work and your passion. I’m mid-pregnancy with Baby #3 and despite my interest & commitment to eat clean and keep up with my Pilates, I have felt rotten (eating junk I would NEVER eat and quit Pilates in my first Tri) and almost gave up entirely. Why bother til after the baby comes, right? That is, until I found your videos. Thank you for not letting me give up, bet you didn’t even know you did that! Thank you for all that you do, I appreciate all your hard work & dedication!!
Looking forward to the next challenge. I appreciate this website because you’re not constantly trying to sell us something! Other workout sites push their nutrition program or products non-stop. It gets annoying! I just want to workout lol.
Nice blog, like many others I am grateful for stumbling across your site and love your posts. I am a late commer to Pilates but have enjoyed learning with your short videos. There are lots of positions I can not fully do but feel it is ok as long as I try. So grateful thanks from Anne age 55 in England
Thank you Robin, for all your hard work and inspiration. I’m one of the lucky ones who gets to enjoy your blog and your videos PLUS have the pleasure of taking your classes in person!
I love your perspective and have enjoyed following you on Instagram and reading your blog. I appreciate the view you have on life and I’m excited to be doing your challenge!
I’m a newcomer to your blog and am already adopting some of your philosophies about letting go of guilt and negative self talk. I love Pilates and am so excited to participate in the 21 day challenge, so excited! Is there an option to upgrade during the challenge?
big virtual bear hug, Robin. I am so thankful that I found your website and listened to your message. I remember your story about what you used to think healthy eating and living meant–eating low fat foods and doing punishing workouts–and it resonnates with me so much; I think about it every time the scale doesn’t say what I want or I eat a cookie: I remind myself about what you’ve said–that it’s about balance and that it’s achievable, that working out isn’t about punishment, and that I’m worth all the time and energy and effort it takes to live a healthy life. So thank YOU for all of those times (let’s be real, every day) when you had to fit in a blog post or it wasn’t easy; I was reading and it meant something to me. Thank you! I can’t wait for the new challenge; I even upgraded I’m so excited! And I’ve recruited 2 friends and I can’t wait to see them enjoy and grow with the challenge too!
I read everything you write Robin, and appreciate your honesty and perspective so much! You have many followers that read your words because they know they are from the heart and personal experience, not based on gimmicks. You have been an inspiration since the first time I showed up in your class years ago, if only we could clone you and bring you back to CA 😉
you are awesomeness robin! keep up the good work and we all are so excited for someone who looks at health outside the box of “quick fix”! THANK YOU
I have been reading your blog for the last few months and you are such an inspiration to me! Instead of making a resolution for 2014, I picked a theme. The theme I picked was “Balance and Awareness”. To be completely candid, I struggled for the greater part of this year with my theme. The name of your blog drew me in but your genuine nature and love for this community has kept me here! Your approach to a balanced lifestyle makes much more sense to me than everything else I’ve been told or read. I’m so excited to start the #MindBodyMat challenge and even more excited to join you in the Pilates Body Program in September. Thank you for all you have done here. I’m so looking forward to continuing this journey with you!
I can only echo what everyone else has already said – I love what you do. This is the only fitness / exercise blog I follow and that is because I enjoy reading your blog posts. I think the pilates videos are excellent and they have made a real difference to me. So really it’s a big thank you to you Robin for sharing your knowledge, being real and creating this community.
I am a group fitness instructor (step and Pilates) and am very particular about who I follow (blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc) because I don’t want to be overwhelmed by false and/or negative ideas. I teach with joy and positive encouragement (written all over the mirrors!), always coaching my participants to finish stronger. Your posts are wonderful , keep them coming!!!
I LOVE this blog and totally appreciate your willingness to be REAL! I am relatively new to pilates, but really enjoy it and can’t wait for the #mindbodymat challenge (and my 3 bonus videos!!) thanks for all if your hard work.
Thank you Robin for all of your honesty end encouragement. Like one of the other ladies I am 49 and find pilates gentle yet effective, I only follow you like so many others because I am intimidated or disappointed by other sites. The menopause state is currently where I live and it’s not a lot of fun so trying to find grace and reading your encouraging blog is so positive. Thank you!!
Wow Robin, what a beautiful posting. I have never followed a blog before finding out about you. I love your support and what you bring to all of us. I have fallen off the Pilates wagon lately, but I know I can get back on thanks to your program coming up next week. You were meant to
do this and you make us all feel we can accomplish whatever we put our mind to.
Thank you for being there. It’s greatly appreciated!
You’re the best :). Thanks for all of your hard work and inspiration. I so enjoy your videos each and every morning
Robin I just want to give you a huge hug! You’ve not only kept my love for Pilates alive, but you’ve also changed the way I completely look at my body image. It’s wonderful and empowering and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! Keep being the amazing woman you are!
I am really grateful for your selfless sharing. Thank you so much for all that you have done Robin. You have made it possible and shown us no matter how busy we are, there’s always room to fit in exercise for a balanced healthy life even if it’s for a few mins. I truly enjoy your blog, your take on life, health and all even more so your pilates workouts.
Thank you so much again for everything. You’ve got my vote and support always!
You are doing it right! And it’s refreshing! Thank you- a grateful mama 😉
Robin, you have been a wonderful blessing to me during an especially difficult time in my life.
I have made it through many days prior to and during this situation because if you and your amazing program.
I feel blessed to know you. I’m grateful you bring such a healthy attitude to the workout world. You make Pilates fun. Thank you for all you do!! XOXO.
Wow! I got a little emotional reading this. Robin – I love your message and your work outs – keep doing what you do cause obviously we love it and you!
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So lucky you came into my life! You are a role model and I’m lucky enough that you invited me and so many others to ride the train of balance with you! XO
I absolutely love your blog and your positive attitude, and the non-pressure way you go about loving your body and exercise motivates me so much more then the guilt that I might not be eating perfectly or I might not be thin enough. Keep up the good fight! Stoked for #mindbodymat; especially since I have just found out I am pregnant with #2 and having a hard time coming to that mentally (I wasn’t quite physically where I would have liked to have been to get pregnant again). Thank you!
You are very inspirational, I appreciate your honesty and your dedication to be real and not sell us the crap that the rest of the world is trying to brainwash us with. Your blog has inspired me to move forward in pursuing my fitness career and to move forward positively in a healthy life. So keep being you, because you rock. Thank you!
I love what you do! I’m following you since the “28 Days” and what can I say … Pilates changed my life entirely. I’m now 30 years old and I had never been in a better shape. I feel healthier than ever and find delight in nourishing my body the right way. And it has turned out that when I’m tired Pilates wakes me up and energizes my whole body and mind and when I’m stressed it has an relaxing effect. Just magical. 😉
Robin, what you do is so inspiring for all of us. I can’t thank you enough! Keep going, you’re defenitely doing what you’re meant to do. Sending you a big hug from Austria.
You have literally changed my life. I know that YOU know that, you know my results and body changes. I know that my loved ones know that, because they too can see the amazing change in me that has taken place. But for the random person that might see this comment… The Balanced Life, Robin Long, along with Parisi Nutrition, Drew Parisi… have CHANGED MY ENTIRE LIFE… I have never felt so good about myself or so alive. XOXO.
Hi Robin. You came to me by divine intervention – so I’m sticking with you. 🙂 9 weeks ago I woke up with an excruciating pain in my lower back and legs. My massage therapist advised me to get training in Pilates for my lower core. She gave me references of Pilates center in the DC area. I checked them out, but none of them feels right for me. Then in one of my meditation sitting, I asked to be connected to a Pilates instructor who can help me with my back problem. The next day, I received an email message with a link to your website, but wasn’t sure if an e-program will help me. I waited and finally signed up for the #mindbodymat challenge. Am looking forward to this program and appreciate your efforts to help me be healthier and stronger. Thank You, Namaste, 🙂
Your amazing and i love your challenges! Continue to do what you do because your are helping and changing lives 🙂
Oh my goodness. I seriously got teary eyed when I read this. Thank you for keeping it real. I do needed to read this today. Thank you for your inspiring words. There should be more people like you in the world.
I found your site through my daughter-in-law and I love you and the challenge. Thank you