Compromise

In life we must compromise, and as I teach Isabella to share I need to re-learn this idea myself.  In any lasting relationship this is one of the key ingredients.  At times there may be a struggle of power, but in the end each party must learn to share a little or the entire thing will break apart.  The same holds true in exercise.  

I have the benefit of being on both sides of the coin here in that I am a fitness instructor as well as a person struggling to remain fit.  Sundays are my day off.  I do not like to make plans and I do not like to have a list of chores.  My favorite thing is to wake up, have coffee early, and go jogging.  Unfortunately, Isabella does not share the same love of this Sunday morning ritual. Yesterday I took her across the Brooklyn Bridge.  It is not the same as jogging, but I thought the exercise still counts - especially since she did not want the stroller so I carried her most of the way.  It was not as satisfying as a jog, but sometimes compromise can bring something even better.  I think the key is to let go of the expectations we have of a certain outcome and instead exist in and appreciate the moment.  

As an instructor I see several clients enter timidly for their first session with ideas and expectations of Pilates.  Sometimes this works and both I and the client are satisfied with the result or the process. However, at other times the weight of expectations is so strong that there is no room for compromise.  It is always good to have a goal, but sometimes the way to achieve the goal must be modified.  It is extremely important that both the instructor and the client be attentive to the moment and where the body and the mind are at that present time.  Some days may be an active day and other times may require both parties to slow down.  We must learn to compromise with others, with our expectations, and also with the needs of our bodies.  

The Modified Hundred 

(Because Sometimes its better to compromise and do it right than to push through and do it wrong)

• Begin with a neutral pelvis (Pelvis flat to ceiling)
  
• Inhale tuck chin, exhale curl forehead to navel
  
• Reach fingers to heels with long arms
  
• Bring legs to table top one leg at a time (90 degrees)
  
• Squeeze inner thighs together (or use a small pillow or ball between knees)
  
• Inhale bring arms 2 inches up, exhale bring arms 2 inches down (as if pushing a weight into floor)
  
• Inhale for count of 5, exhale for count of 5 - repeat 10 times for 100 breaths