Move it or Lose it!

A Love Letter to Your Body

For the past 22 years, I’ve been making a living telling people to move their bodies — and I’ve loved every minute of it. Funny thing is, this wasn’t my original plan. I came from a marketing and event planning background, which meant I still bossed people around but more about where to place their logo on a mailer or seat their guests at an event. But then chronic back pain barged into my life, uninvited, and sent me searching for answers.

Enter Pilates.

I had always been an athletic, gym-loving type, but pregnancy revealed just how cranky my low back really was. Pilates was my “aha!” moment — a movement method that not only got me out of pain but transformed my body into a leaner, stronger, more capable version of myself. It was like I had found the cheat code to feeling good in my own skin.

This revelation hit me in my early 30s, and it was so life-changing that I couldn’t keep it to myself. Naturally, I did what any Type A, overachiever would do: I got certified and opened my own studio.

Now, keep in mind — in 2013, Pilates wasn’t exactly a household name. It was more like a whispered secret passed around among celebrities, dancers, and those hip enough to know what a “reformer” was. Once the fancy folk started posting about it, Pilates finally got its moment in the spotlight. And deservedly so — Joseph Pilates, who dreamed this whole thing up back in the early 1900s, was clearly ahead of his time.

I share my story because Pilates was my gateway drug into a life of intentional movement, body awareness, and overall wellness. Moving your body isn’t just about muscles and calories — it’s brain chemistry! When you exercise, your body releases endorphins — those magical little neurochemicals that make you feel happier, calmer, and just a little more unstoppable. They reduce pain, lower stress, improve sleep, boost mental health, and basically do everything short of folding your laundry.

The best part? You don’t need a prescription, a co-pay, or a trip to the pharmacy. You can create this happy cocktail yourself — for free. (Okay, maybe not entirely free if you pay for a class, but can definitely be cheaper than retail therapy.)

Over the past two decades, I’ve worked with bodies of all ages — from 11-year-olds just learning where their elbows are, to 88-year-olds proving that movement truly is the fountain of youth. Every single person has taught me something: that moving with intention and paying attention to your body is one of the most powerful things you can do for your health — physically and emotionally. Pair that with eating real, nourishing food (the kind that actually grew somewhere, not in a factory), and you’ve got a recipe for a stronger, happier you.

Now, here comes the motivational pep talk portion of our program…

Starting a fitness or wellness journey can feel like hiking a mountain in flip-flops. It’s intimidating, and no two journeys look the same. The most important thing is consistency — but let’s be honest, nobody wants to keep doing something that feels like punishment. Find something that actually lights you up.

Hate the gym? Go outside and walk, hike, bike, or dance in your kitchen. Need to quit sugar? Don’t punish yourself with kale-only desserts — cut back slowly and find healthier swaps that still make you smile. Want some guidance? Hire a trainer or coach who listens to you and respects your unique body and goals — not just someone who hands you a cookie-cutter plan.

And if you’re already on your path but feel stuck, find the next thing that challenges you — a new class, a new teacher, a new goal.

Most importantly, be kind to yourself along the way. This is a journey you take with you. Be forgiving when you fall off the wagon, and celebrate loudly when you hit a milestone. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress.

Because somewhere in there is your best self — and they’re just waiting for you to give them a chance to shine.

Be well. Be happy. Be you.

To be continued

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