How to set yourself up for success with Pilates (and in life)

For most of us, going to the gym is a fleeting memory. I certainly do not have the discipline to regularly maintain a workout routine (as much as I may “try”) and have spent hundreds of dollars (if not more!) on not using a membership.

But the thing is, I really do want to exercise. It actually makes me feel good, gives me tons of energy and is generally a healthy thing to do. So how to make it happen?

I decided to confront all the reasons I have not succeeded in the past and make sure to put them in their place this go around. Case in point:

• The first thing I did was ditch the traditional gym. I am incapable of disciplining myself to go and stick to a challenging workout. I knew I needed more one on one help to force me to stick with it.
• I’ve joined a pilates school. I am forced to spend one hour with an instructor who is dedicated to helping our small class work through movements. It’s hard, it hurts and she pushes me way farther than I’d actually push myself. I leave feeling awesome.
• The classes are relatively expensive. It’s $120/month for an unlimited pilates mat classes, double the cost of my former gym. The cost is a strong motivating factor for me to not waste it away.
• Here’s the kicker: I must reserve classes to attend. Classes are small (no more than 10 people) so if I want to go, I need to commit. And if I don’t show up? There’s an additional $25 fee. Ouch. Avoiding that $25 fee is enough negative reinforcement to get me to each class on time.

So far, this plan is working. I’m exercising regularly, feeling great and am getting stronger. I am making a radical commitment to me.

But what’s the larger story? I’m setting myself up to be successful. I have evaluated my weaknesses and am eliminating them head on. So while I use this as an example for myself, where else could this apply? What other challenges in life are we not facing and why? How can we overcome them and leave no place for our weaknesses to get in the way?

In essence, why do we sabotage ourselves and barriers do we need to mow down so we can be successful?

I’m no Tony Robbins, and while I do feel like this is a bit of an Oprah moment, I have found going through this exercise (no pun intended!) to be really valuable when I look at other aspects of my life. Hopefully it’s helpful for you too.