Feel What?
In the past, a Pilates teacher would ask in class, “Can you feel it?”
I HATE this phrase. It made my skin crawl as I seethed with frustration.
Each time, I’d pop my head up from the reformer and ask, “Feel what? Is this right?”
I received one of two responses
- Exasperated glare
The infamous side Side-Eye Chloe
- A point of anatomy
Figuring out my body….
As a lifelong student, I am relentless in asking questions. I can dive down a rabbit hole and emerge across town armed with knowledge. But, FEEL my body? I had no concept.
I studied anatomy like a fiend, but knowing the body parts or how nerves inserted and wove around the body. I girded myself with knowledge to feel less insecure, but it did nothing to help me connect to my body.
Here’s what I knew about my body: I hurt (pointing to part of my body). Help me not to have that feeling.
A Pilates teacher can’t see inside your body or tell you exactly where you ‘should’ be feeling an exercise. They might see patterns to show muscle imbalances – but do we KNOW? Nope.
The student (including myself) has to learn how to connect with your body. Not the body of your youth or an fantasy you imagine. The body you have today.
It took many private lessons to find a neutral pelvis or engage my lats. I’d return to classes only to discover another part of myself wasn’t connected.
I take my class every Monday at 5 PM with Pearl Lim. She knows how to challenge me to find the disconnection and weakness I am feeling in that moment.
As a teacher, I coach my students to ask themselves
- Which side of your body felt more challenged in the movement?
- What was different in the last movements vs. the first few times.
- Where in your body do you feel this movement?
There is not a right or wrong answer – only your answer.
I was a beginner too. I welcome all of your questions.
Leave your frustration at the door and let me help guide your discovery of what your body needs and where it can go.
Hugs, Love, Pilates,
Bett
