How This Time Can Be For You

Back in 2008 when the country and most of the world was feeling the recession I became a Pilates instructor. I got so busy I had to quit my “real” job.  In 2013 I found myself homeless, carless and studio-less and that loss cleared the way for the life and business I have today. Currently your life, routine, work and everything in between have likely flipped on its head. So, how can this time be for you?

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • April 2, 2020
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How This Time Can Be For You thegem blog - Online Pilates Classes
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How This Time Can Be For You thegem blog - Online Pilates Classes

Back in 2008 when the country and most of the world was feeling the recession I became a Pilates instructor. I got so busy I had to quit my “real” job.  In 2013 I found myself homeless, carless and studio-less and that loss cleared the way for the life and business I have today. Currently your life, routine, work and everything in between have likely flipped on its head. So, how can this time be for you?

Evidence shows that in downtimes the greatest companies and inventions were started. Yep, it’s not during the “good” times that people take time to stop, pause, and fill a need. Nope, it’s the times when things seemingly cannot get any worse.

I know for me there were many times in my life when I thought “wow, my dreams are over.” And then I saw a door that was likely there all along but I was “too busy” to see it.

In 2001 I started college. I didn’t want to try to find a job right away so I waited a month to get my bearings. And then just as I was about to go out and ask for applications I got a call that planes had hit the World Trade Center. I didn’t even know what that meant to be honest. I mean how would that affect me?

Needless to say, no one was hiring anyone for the foreseeable future. So, I had to get creative. Figure out how I was going to make money and not work while in college. Oh, did I mention I went to a private school and had to ask my best friend’s parents to co-sign my studio loans?

It was early in 2002 though that I ended up walking the mall and applying at any store that had a sign they were hiring. I got a call that night an interview the next day and by the next week, I was working. I had that job for 7ish years and am still friends with the girl who I gave my application to. It was also at this job that a co-worker told me about Pilates.

That job taught me more about business than the college degree I got while working there. Within a couple years I went from cashier to Store Manager. And then a couple of years later that job helped me move to Los Angeles, take a leap and support me while I became a Pilates instructor.

If the day I originally intended to go looking for jobs hadn’t been 9/11. Had I gone out in August I likely would have been fired (for the only time in my life) or worse would have gotten a job that I could walk to (my original plan) and never met my friend who introduced me to Pilates.

During the recession, I was doing “ok” financially. I was living off my salary and using what commission I got as a bonus on paying off credit cards and student loans from my college days. But, I wanted more. I needed more. And I was struggling to find Pilates classes I could go to because the recession affected everyone. Including how many group classes studios were offering.

A teacher suggested I become a teacher. And, because I wasn’t so busy with work (which felt not great at the time) I decided it was a good time to have a fun side gig.

Little did I know that while many people were canceling their water delivery, cable and not shopping as much they wanted to feel and look good. I became so overwhelmed with clients that I had to quit my full-time gig. Not gonna lie. People thought I was crazy to give up a secure job for a non-secure job. But, I did it anyways and a year later that secure job had disappeared anyways. Yep, that store didn’t make it through the recession.

When I left my ex in 2013 I had no place to live, I totaled my car as I left his house. And then the studio that I rented space from was forced to close. Someone bought the building and didn’t renew the leases. But, I had evidence of that past 12 years to show me that in the “worst” times the path I needed to take would reveal itself. And, because I believed that the path did. And it lead me here.

Here, in “shelter at home” life. Just like you are and millions of people around the globe. And, while my studio is closed indefinitely, my renters cannot teach so I’ve lost that income, my workshops for the next 6+ months are canceled I know that this is all happening for me. It’s all happening for you as well.

With all this space in my schedule and in my day it’s easier to listen. To reflect. To miss or not miss things. And, my hope for you is that you are taking this time to see what good is coming this for you. Not just what isn’t going right or what you’re disappointed isn’t happening.

What about your old life do you actually miss?

What about this new life are you enjoying?

What books, movies, courses, training have you wanted to have time to start?

What if you did the things that you “wished you had time for?”

I sit here writing to you because I finally can do that consistently. I now can focus on my online Pilates members, my coaching clients, and I can make more room in the day for my practice, hobbies, dogs and lift.

Yes, there is some crazy, and possibly even scary moments to come. But, if you take the opportunity to see how this is happening for you the life you’ve been wanting to live may just reveal itself.

xx~LL

Ps I would love to hear how you think this “new normal” is happening for you in the comments below

By Lesley Logan

Lesley Logan, NCPT, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalogue of Pilates exercise tutorial videos, where you can also find weekly online mat classes and workshops. When not teaching from her studio in Los Angeles, Lesley can be found traveling the world leading Pilates retreats, or offering Pilates business coaching to studio owners and other instructors through her private mastermind group. Connect with Lesley on instagram @lesley.logan or through the contact page on this site.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article are “affiliate links”, a link with a special tracking code. This means if you click on an affiliate link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission. The price of the item is the same whether it is an affiliate link or not. Regardless, we only recommend products or services we believe will add value to our readers. By using the affiliate links, you are helping support our Website, and we genuinely appreciate your support.

2 comments

  1. I am becoming more spiritual as a result of having the opportunity to meditate, read and do self improvement courses. I have more time for self-practice which has benefitted me tremendously in this time. I am always listening for the next step and not obsessing on the end of the road so I feel confident that the future has best outcomes in store for me. I see myself as capitalizing on a niche that will have me plugging in my talent to help others in a way that fulfill all of my life’s needs.

    1. Selena, YASSS!!! Omg I love this! Thank you for sharing this with me. I agree, this time is here for us to get clarity and take the time to really dive into self-care and self-improvement. I’ve been diving in even more to my own practice and I’ve been pretty sore hahaha.

      Keep me posted on what you work on!
      xx~LL

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SUCH A TEASE

ONLINE MAT & REFORMER PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Teaser is probably one of the most photographed exercises in Pilates. Which makes people think it's a "peak pose." But, it's anything but! It's simply another layer to your Pilates practice. This week we will acknowledge how each exercise contributes to your ability to do Teaser (someday) and then how Teaser teaches you where to get curious in your practice.

On the Mat we will use light weights for one round of Teaser as they can be helpful for those still adding into their practice.
No props on the Reformer.

See you in class,

xx~LL

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, light weights and a Mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a Reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

UP, UP, & AWAY

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

We are all going to feel like Super Humans after this month!!

Whenever I’m in a hard exercise (for me) where I’m holding myself up with my arms and reaching my legs away I picture myself with super human strength!!! I can do ANYTHING! It makes me smile and helps me stay STRONG.

This month our exercise is Up Stretch and when you think about it - reaching your legs away and staying strong over the carriage may feel a lot like flying!

We’ll be focusing on stabilizing our strong cores while staying equally balanced in our arms and legs. We are giving you some amazing building blocks by merging strength and stretch in all directions. You are going to get a little bit of everything that you can use to connect to your Up Stretch (and even your Roll Up and Knee Stretches Off).

Chair: Please have a foam roller and a balance pad available. We are going to challenge your balance safely.

xx-LL

THE CALM BETWEEN THE STORMS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

What Storms you ask? Well, Thanksgiving (USA) just happened and we’re kicking off the big Holiday Season right away. Let’s use this week’s Mat & Reformer classes to connect to our breath, center from the powerhouse, and find a little calm.

On the Reformer, we’ll be working to make Running more than that exercise you do to stretch your calves. And on the Mat well alter some of our traditional breathing patterns for a calming challenge!

You won’t need any special props, just your fabulous, Deep-Breathing selves!

See you in class,

Tami

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

THE BOSS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

In the states its the week of Thanksgiving which means a lot of things to do and little time for you. And whether you live in the states or not I wanted to give everyone an excuse to leave any room so they can "meet with the boss" aka take class!

And you are the boss! The meeting is with you, your practice and OPC! Tell people The Boss called. They'll let you go and they'll totally understand that 30 min is a legit time to talk to The Boss.

The prop needed on the Mat: Pillows or a bolster or ball. I'm thinking about things you might have in any bedroom to take a call.

Reformer: if you happen to have access to a Reformer this week YAY! The Reformer is going to be the boss. The sounds it makes, the way it feels, its got feedback for ya!

See ya in class,

xx~LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, pillows or a bolster or ball and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

TINSEL AND TEASERS

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

This week we’ll focus on Teaser because we can! It’s hard! And when in need a pretty great party trick.

The end of the year brings lots of parties you want to go to, some you have to go to and some you wish you could get out of.

Let this workout be and excuse for not going to a party or as a prep for the party trick you might just need!

Props: On the Mat and Reformer a theraband for your Tinsel!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, a theraband and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

SLEIGH THE DAY

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

Sleigh or Slay? This time of year we say both!

Reflecting on the year and recognizing all of the work we put into our practice hopefully feels like we slayed the year!! Now we are getting ready for the holidays and heading into a new year so we can sleigh and get it done!

This week I want you to feel like you can do your very best with each exercise! Meet your body where it is, have fun and dont judge how it goes! There are always those exercises you aren’t sure about, but today you just have to go into it saying, I WILL SLEIGH this one! Lets do this!!

No props needed for these classes!

See you in class,

Mindi

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

HORSES HORSES HORSES

Online Mat & Reformer Pilates Class Descriptions:

If you are a lover of the Reformer chances are you have little love for the Horseback. I don't blame you. It's not that fun. If you're on the Mat you probably have no idea what this means…

And that's ok! Horseback is like a seated Teaser but harder!

On both the Mat and Reformer we will be playing with how to connect to this exercise, prepare for it and find a Horse that works for us!

Props: Mat, have light weights nearby

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

MAT EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self, have light weights nearby and a mat!

>> Wondering what mat I’m using? You can find out more here.

REFORMER EQUIPMENT NEEDED: Your awesome self and a reformer!

>> Wondering what reformer I’m using? You can find out more here.

JINGLE BELL ROCK

Online Mat, Reformer, Cadillac & Wunda Chair Pilates Class Descriptions:

There are some Rocking Moves in Pilates! This whole month we’ll be getting our Jingle On as we use each piece of equipment to prepare for and expand on those rolling & rocking postures. Bring that holiday spirit, let's rock!

Mat - no props needed
Reformer - Reformer Box and Pole
Cadillac - no props needed
Chair - no props needed

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋

Super STAR

ONLINE MAT, REFORMER, CADILLAC & WUNDA CHAIR PILATES CLASS DESCRIPTIONS:

Did you know that a Superstar has definitions surrounding it that call out words like “prime attraction”, “prominent”, and “public appeal”?

I’m laughing as I write this description because this month’s theme is about the exercise STAR and I think these words are usually disassociated with that exercise! LOL!!!

If you hate doing Star, never wanted to try Star, or have no idea what Star is - these workouts are for YOU!!
If you love Star - I’d love to know why, but also - these workouts are for YOU!!

Throughout the Pilates method there aren’t many exercises where the side body is the main attraction, which is interesting because we need to use our side body to do some of the first exercises we learn. Rolling exercises, Roll Up, and Push Up/Planking - all need to call on your side body muscles to help you do the exercises.

Our focus this month is side body work to help you not only be a SuperSTAR and try STAR, but to help you connect to these muscles to do all the other exercises.

Let’s have FUN this month and forget about the stigma STAR may or may not have :)

Equipment needed:

Reformer = the box

Cadillac = no props needed!

Chair = no props needed, but you might want a yoga block to prop up your pedal

Mat = no props needed!

See ya in class,

xx-LL 💋