Welcome to Move to Nurture Pilates, a space dedicated to helping midlife women reconnect with their bodies. Today, we’re focusing on a vital aspect of self-care: sticking to the exercise routines prescribed by your health professional. These exercises are designed not only to improve your physical health but also to enhance your overall well-being. Let’s dive into some nurturing tips to help you embrace this journey with love and dedication.

1. Create a Spa Moment at Home – make exercises stick

Before you start your exercises, set the mood to make the experience enjoyable. Think of it as creating a mini spa moment at home. Light a scented candle or use a diffuser with your favorite essential oils. Aromatherapy can significantly enhance your mood and relaxation levels. Lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus scents are fantastic choices to invigorate your senses and prepare your mind and body for exercise.

Consider playing soft, calming music in the background. Music has a profound effect on our emotions and can help turn a mundane exercise routine into a soothing ritual. When you approach your exercises as a time to pamper yourself, it transforms the activity into a delightful experience rather than a chore.

2. Surround Yourself with Beauty – find pleasure in your exercises

Your environment plays a crucial role in motivating you to stick to your exercise routine. Place a beautiful pot plant where you can see it while you exercise. Greenery can be incredibly uplifting and bring a sense of calm and connection to nature. If you don’t have a green thumb, a well-chosen poster or painting can have the same effect. Choose something that inspires and uplifts you—a serene landscape, a piece of abstract art, or a picture that evokes happy memories.

If you’re lucky enough to have a view, position your exercise space to take full advantage of it. Natural light and a pleasant view can significantly boost your mood and motivation.

3. Keep Your Equipment Visible

One of the simplest yet most effective tips is to keep your exercise equipment where you can see it. If you need a yoga mat, resistance bands, or a Pilates ball, don’t stash them away in a closet. Instead, place them in a spot that you pass by frequently. This constant visual reminder can help nudge you towards your practice.

Think of your equipment as part of your home decor—a beautiful yoga mat in a corner can be just as stylish as it is functional. By keeping these items within easy reach, you’re more likely to incorporate your exercises into your daily routine.

4. Celebrate Every Achievement

Every time you complete your exercises, take a moment to celebrate your achievement. Acknowledge the effort you’ve put in and recognize the positive steps you’re taking towards better health. It doesn’t have to be a grand celebration; even a small gesture like a cup of your favorite tea, a relaxing bath, or a few minutes of quiet reflection can be incredibly rewarding.

Positive reinforcement is powerful. By celebrating your successes, no matter how small, you build a positive association with your exercise routine. Over time, this can help solidify your commitment and make the practice an enjoyable part of your daily life.

5. Use Discomfort as Motivation to stick to exercises

Experiencing discomfort is often a part of the healing process, and it can be a powerful motivator. Instead of seeing discomfort as a barrier, try to reframe it as a signal that your body is communicating with you. This discomfort can be a reminder of why you started these exercises in the first place—to improve your health and alleviate pain.

Visualize your life without the discomfort. Imagine the freedom of movement, the joy of being pain-free, and the vitality that comes with a healthier body. Use this vision as motivation to push through the temporary discomfort and stay committed to your exercises.

6. See it as an Opportunity for Deep Self-Nurturing

Finally, approach your exercise routine as an opportunity to nurture yourself deeply. This is your time to focus on you, to listen to your body, and to care for it in the most profound way. Midlife is a time of transition and transformation, and it’s essential to honor your body and give it the attention it deserves.

Think of each exercise session as a gift to yourself. It’s not just about physical benefits; it’s about creating a space for self-care, healing, and rejuvenation. Embrace this time as a chance to reconnect with your body, to understand its needs, and to nurture it with kindness and compassion.

Conclusion

Sticking to the exercises your health professional has given you can be a transformative journey, especially when approached with a nurturing mindset. By creating a spa-like atmosphere, surrounding yourself with beauty, keeping your equipment visible, celebrating your achievements, using discomfort as motivation, and viewing the process as deep self-nurturing, you can turn this routine into a cherished part of your life.

Remember, you deserve this time for yourself. Each step you take on this path is a step towards better health, greater well-being, and a more profound connection with your body. Embrace the journey with love and dedication, and let Move to Nurture Pilates support you every step of the way.