Tips to Thrive in this New Normal

You miss things about your old life. You wish you things could go back to normal. Maybe you’re not able to work the way you used to. Or, you can’t go to your favorite classes, gym, restaurants? You’re itching to get out and every day seems to be a freaking roller coaster of emotions. After 8 weeks of quarantine and 10 weeks of not being in my pre-rona life, I have found that all the things I wish I had are available to me. I mean, I am not traveling which is the one thing I miss in this “new normal” but before all this happened I wished I had “time” for a lot of things. And, now I do. We all do. The key though is to embrace it. And, that might be the hardest thing outside of dealing with the virus. Here are some of my best tips for thriving during this time:

  • Author: Lesley Logan
  • May 7, 2020
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Tips to Thrive in this New Normal - Online Pilates Classes
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Tips to Thrive in this New Normal - Online Pilates Classes

You miss things about your old life. You wish you things could go back to normal. Maybe you’re not able to work the way you used to. Or, you can’t go to your favorite classes, gym, restaurants? You’re itching to get out and every day seems to be a freaking roller coaster of emotions. After 8 weeks of quarantine and 10 weeks of not being in my pre-rona life, I have found that all the things I wish I had are available to me. I mean, I am not traveling which is the one thing I miss in this “new normal” but before all this happened I wished I had “time” for a lot of things. And, now I do. We all do. The key though is to embrace it. And, that might be the hardest thing outside of dealing with the virus. Here are some of my best tips for thriving during this time:

Embrace it! Seriously, you can try to swim against the stream or you can flow with it. Which one is easier? I am going to tell you right now that it is much easier to focus on what you can do in this time than what you not able to do anymore. And, you may find yourself surprised at what you like about the changes you have to make.  If you miss something so much ask yourself how could you do it in this new normal? You just might be surprised!

Get back to your vision board.  Yep, what does your future look like? Is that still possible? Chances are yeah! Just not the way you wanted. And, you might even surprise yourself with new details you want to add. At the beginning of this time Brad and I sat down and each wrote down what we wanted in the next 12 months. What we want is still a stepping stone to our bigger picture vision. And, on a faster timeline because why wait?! Will it be easy? No. But, because we know what we want we can work backwards to today and make decisions on what to say ‘yes’ to and what to say ‘no’ to. What to reconfigure and get creative to make happen and what to let the pandemic takeaway.

Get a little selfish. I am not talking about the kind of selfishness where you hoard toilet paper. I am talking about the kind of selfishness where you get clear on what you need to be happy and energized each day. Your friends may want to talk to you every day on the phone but that doesn’t mean that makes you feel awesome. So, pay attention to what is bothering you and create boundaries to allow yourself to have those friends and family in your life but in the times, days, and way that allows you to be the awesome version of yourself. For example, I can only do so many calls and meetings in a day. If my work takes all of those then I cannot add a friend call. So, if I want to have time for my friends then I have to be mindful of what I say yes to. Or, I have to have more friend calls on one day and none on another.  I also do not like to engage with people before 7 am. Not because I am not a morning person but because I am and that time is really special to me. So I do not get on social or my texts and emails until 7 if I can help it and I enjoy 2+ hours to myself each morning. And let’s be honest, does that sound selfish? No, it sounds like I am being honest with what I need to be me. So, go ahead feel like you’re being selfish but then remember that you’re honoring what you need.

Be careful of what you let in your ears. What podcasts, tv shows, audiobooks do you need to feel like you can take on the day? Or, get a good night sleep? The shows I can watch at night have shifted especially since the quarantine. I am binging out on comedians or even 80’s and 90’s movies I know end on a high note. I am listening to podcasts by people who are DOING IT! They are not lamenting about what they can’t do they are talking about what they can and will and are doing. The books I am reading and listening to are teaching me something. If you are struggling with feeling good each day do an inventory about what you are listening to and watching too. Maybe you just need to swap some shows out and keep the vibrations high!

Keep exercising!! Get more steps in than you’re used to. Get a workout routine in place and keep it. Even on the days, you don’t feel like it get your move on. There is a massive difference between the clients I teach and the friends and family I talk to who are working out daily and those who are inconsistent. Grab your calendar and write down what movement you are going to do each day. And, why not do Pilates with me? My online classes include accountability and a fabulous community!

I could go on and on but it is easy to get overwhelmed during this time. So, give these a try and let me know which ones are working for you and if you’re struggling with something I didn’t share let me know. Maybe I have a suggestion!

This is a very weird and unprecedented time. But, it doesn’t have to be a time where you lose who you are. It doesn’t have to be a time where you are waiting for this to pass. What if this time could be where you become even more yourself? What if you could come out of this thriving?

xx~LL

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.

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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 💋