Getting out of your own way

Why We Talk Ourselves Out of Exercise (and How to Gently Talk Ourselves Back In)

Every time I think about this topic I get Lenny Kravitz 'Are You Gonna Go My Way' in my head! Not becuase I'm forcing you to think like me, but because I'm super passionate about getting everyone into the habit of regular movement. This is wired into me - I can't change it and I know how much exercise and movement has changed my world and how much better I feel for it.

Let’s be honest: we’ve all been there. We say we’ll start fresh on Monday. We promise we’ll move our body “after work.” We lay out our leggings and cue up our favourite playlist… and then somehow, it doesn’t happen. It's a very human response to change. Starting (and sticking to) an exercise routine, even something as restorative and empowering as Pilates, often feels harder than it should. Why? Because more than anything, we need to learn how to get out of our own way.

That Sneaky Inner Voice

We don’t just skip workouts—we talk ourselves out of them. That voice in your head isn’t lazy—it’s protective. It says things like:

• “You’re too tired today.”

• “You’ll have more time tomorrow.”

• “You’ve already missed a few classes, what’s one more?”

• “You’re not seeing results fast enough—maybe it’s not worth it.”

These thoughts sound logical, even self-caring. But when they keep us from doing the very things that build strength, confidence, and connection to our body, they become quiet saboteurs.

And always remember - it goes beyond the workout. You're physiology is pretty awesome and your body rejuvinates and continues to get strong even after the exercise itself is done. I'm going to write another post on the imporantace of resting, but for now, let's focus on the action!

Why It's So Easy to Quit Before We Begin

1. We Expect Motivation to Be Constant Spoiler: it's not. Motivation comes and goes, which is why we need routines and rituals that carry us through the dips.

2. We Set the Bar Too High Telling yourself you'll work out five days a week when you've barely moved in months? That sets you up for burnout and guilt.

3. We Attach Exercise to Guilt or Punishment If your workout feels like a “penance” for what you ate or didn’t do, your body will start to resist. I believe movement is a celebration, not a correction.

4. We Confuse Progress with Perfection Missed a day? Took a slower class? That doesn’t mean you failed. It means you're human.

   
   

How to Commit—With Kindness

Pilates is about showing up, listening in, and allowing the body to move with intention.

Here’s how to stay on track:

🌀 Start Small and Celebrate Five or ten minutes of movement is a win. Showing up to class, even when you're not “feeling it,” is a win. One foot in front of the other.

🌀 Create Rituals, Not Just Goals Lay out your gear the night before (I do this every day - saves such a faff in the morning). Put your class on the calendar, if you're doing online Pilates then schedule your weekly time in. Make movement part of your lifestyle, not your to-do list.

🌀 Think in Identity, Not Tasks Instead of saying “I should work out,” try “I’m someone who honours my body through movement.”

🌀 Give Yourself Grace If you miss a day (or a week), don’t spiral. Just start again. Pilates teaches us to be present—so come back to the moment and the mat.

Remember Your “Why”

We all have a Why and that Why will likely change. I remeber someone saying to me once that their Why was so they could play with their nephews without feeling stiff and rubbish. You’re here to feel strong, clear, grounded, and connected. Pilates is about showing up for yourself—not to punish, but to align.

And if your mind tries to talk you out of it again? Don’t argue. Just move. Put your feet on the mat, take a breath, and begin.

Your body will thank you and you will never EVER regret a workout.