Finding Inner Stability Through Pilates

We live in a world of uncertainty, making it easy to be swept away by the highs and lows of global news and economic forecasts. However, we have a choice: we can consciously commit to live courageously and create stability from within or get lost in the highs and lows. The decision is ours to make.

We must summon the courage to take care of our health, wellness, and minds as we navigate these uncertain times with a sense of certainty. While this is not easy, it is our best choice. Change is constant, whether we acknowledge it or not. Yet, if we can move mindfully through each day with gratitude and appreciation, we can find happiness from within while building hope for the future.

Pilates is a powerful tool designed to foster awareness and strengthen the body as we work on mental and physical endurance. During this season of life, as we process and adapt to unexpected changes, we can incorporate Pilates as a source of certainty to create the stability we desire from within. This month, we're sharing our favorite moves to harness your energy as you quiet the outside noise and turn inward to build a more balanced and stable version of yourself. 

1. Tree Pose: Trees symbolize grounded energy and remind us of the importance of being rooted in our present moment. To invoke your inner strength, perform the Tree Pose on your Frame Reformer. Stand on one leg while placing the opposite foot on the inside of the standing leg (either on the ankle, calf, or thigh, depending on your balance). Once stable, extend your arms overhead or to the sides for added balance. Hold the position and maintain your focus as you repeat the mantra, "I stand firmly in my power and am grounded in my strength."

2. Kneeling Side Kick: This exercise encourages us to connect with our inner world while focusing on core stability during movement. Much like in our daily lives, we must learn to focus on our actions and our goals, despite the instability surrounding us. To begin, kneel on the reformer with one knee on the platform and the other leg extended to the side. Engage your core as you lift the extended leg, then lower it back down. As you lift your leg, repeat this mantra: "I align with my true strength, no matter what comes my way."

3. Seated Spine Twist: This exercise promotes flexibility, which allows us to move gracefully through life no matter what comes our way. To begin, sit on the reformer with your legs extended and feet hip-width apart. Engage your core and sit up tall, ensuring your spine is straight. As you twist your torso to one side, allow your gaze to follow your hand, emphasizing the rotation through your spine. Return to the center and then twist to the other side. With each twist, repeat this mantra: "I embrace the unexpected and become more flexible each day."

4. The Roll Down Exercise: The Roll Down exercise promotes deep breathing while engaging your core muscles. By breathing deeply, you can calm your mind and release any negative energy to make space for higher consciousness. To perform the exercise, start by adjusting the resistance to a light setting. Sit on the reformer with your feet flat on the platform, hip-width apart, and your toes pointed slightly forward. Engage your core and place your hands behind your thighs for support. Inhale deeply to prepare yourself. Slowly roll down your spine, one vertebra at a time, while exhaling and keeping your core engaged. Extend your arms forward to help guide the movement, and feel the stretch throughout your spine. As you exhale, repeat the mantra, "I release all fear and anxiety and welcome the unknown."

5. Standing Arm Circles: This seemingly simple move strengthens the shoulders and upper back while encouraging fluidity and control—reminding us to stay open to change and move with intention. To begin, stand on the reformer carriage with a light resistance setting. Hold the straps in each hand and extend your arms forward at shoulder height. Engage your core and begin making small, controlled circles with your arms, gradually increasing the size of the circles. Reverse the direction after several reps. As you move, focus on the mantra: "I move forward with grace and openness, trusting in my inner resilience."

In a world that constantly shifts beneath our feet, it's empowering to know that we can cultivate steadiness from the inside out. These Pilates movements are more than just physical exercises—they’re tools for reflection, intention, and self-connection. As you move through your day, let these mindful practices serve as anchors. Come back to your breath, your body, and your beliefs. Choose to show up for yourself—not because the world is steady, but because you can be. Let this be your reminder: your strength doesn’t come from certainty outside of you, but from the courage to keep showing up with clarity, presence, and purpose.