Let's talk about the nervous system AND how it affects your body as well as how you set, reach, and achieve your goals…especially this time of year...

The holidays are designed to bring us closer, to do activities, engage, interact...the sense of community is really what literally creates the SPIRIT we all love...

But then COVID happened. And here we are a few years later…not only do we have to navigate this time of year in a different way (more on that in a bit) but it’s super interesting to focus in on how all these factors can weigh down our nervous system…

This last week in the studio, on the calls, in the programs...we've been going over setting goals.

Asking ourselves,

"What do I see for myself in the next few months?" What do I crave this year in a good way...what feels like it's calling to me?”

All great things to explore BUT what's interesting is just how much the nervous system plays a part in the HOW we set, reach + achieve our goals...

In fact, studies show that a nervous system that is calm, regulated and pleasantly excited with healthy aspects of adrenaline + cortisol actually creates a positive environment for change.

A LESS SUPPORTED NERVOUS SYSTEM (SYMPATHETIC) IN YOUR PRACTICE FEELS + LOOKS LIKE :

Scared of injury or to re-injure the body
Cautious to push physical body; unsure if it can handle it
Disappointed with a general “can’t do what I want to do” feeling
Frustrated with desire to change but feeling held back when setting goals
Physically resistant to new stimulus (routines etc) loss of body + mind integration

A SUPPORTED NERVOUS SYSTEM (PARASYMPATHETIC) IN YOUR PRACTICE FEELS + LOOKS LIKE :

Psyched to try new things
Feeling safe and supported by our physical bodies
Excited by change and empowered to set new goals
Physically responsive to new stimulus + body mind connection
Training supports nervous system development so the brain knows how to use the new ranges of motion and movement patterns

But when our bodies experience ongoing stress, (injury, unresolved trauma, stress of less social activity, or feelings of boredom) the nervous system begins to live in survival mode…we cannot live our best lives in this state.

Now, our bodies do go through several “state changes” during the day. And that’s normal. But when we go back to what’s OPTIMAL, that’s a different conversation.

Because if we can anticipate how you react to different things, we can find ways to nourish, support, and “trigger” responses to support our goals...setting and reaching what we want becomes much more FUN, doable and empowering.

HERE’S A SIMPLE CHECK-IN

To see what state your currently in…(try this again when you feel “stressed out” and notice the difference…pretty crazy!)

Well, when we talk about setting goals + we’re in an optimal state, the brain + body are ready to take on new challenges and receive.

When we don’t know or are in a state of “settling for sameness + fear of what’s next,” maybe it’s time to do a self check in + explore…

Without judgement...we can begin to ask,

“What inspires me right now?”
“What feels fun?! Motivating?”

When we look at ourselves as more than just a “30 or 90 day fitness goal,” we can begin to integrate. Because...once we get our power back in one area, other parts of our life re align too...and our physical practice is such an awesome place to start because the results are quick and tangible!

That’s why I’m consistently talking about integrating :

Breathwork
Journal reflections
Nutrition
Managing + reducing anxiety
Sleep
Customized routines to serve your needs + goals

These all support a STATE OF PLAY within our body.

This is your system’s BASELINE to feel safe, empowered + supported to work WITH you to get your desired outcome.

NEW YEAR GOALS CALL

This is what we explore in our call together.

In my two programs it’s critical that :

I customize the workouts, because your levels of “stress” (real or perceived) are different than someone else's + your baseline is also different than “Jane’s.”
I include different modalities to support and nourish different aspects of your system. The breathwork, for example isn’t going to give you the abs, but the calm state will lower your cortisol and balance your hormones….putting your body in a space to receive, learn, and maintain the changes that your customized routine is offering you.

I get asked pretty much weekly what the different options are...And the truth is, the programs are bespoke for a reason…because everyone it is different.

But as a overview, here’s what I’d recommend.

AT-HOME CUSTOM PILATES PROGRAM

If you’re a self starter and you can motivate yourself...The AT-HOME CUSTOM PILATES PROGRAM is perfect for you.

You get:

Three, 20 minute workouts that provide audio, visual, and written support
Want to remove the confusion of what to do
Awesome way to actually see results (It takes just 20 minutes per day…yes, really!)
Great if you are short on time and want to stay accountable

6 WEEK ONLINE PROGRAM (WITH 1:1 WEEKLY COACHING)

But if you’re really feeling like you want the 360 degrees of support, both from weekly customized coaching, the interactive elements to keep you motivated and on track...and want to discover what’s REALLY holding you back from the body + life you’re really craving…

You’ll receive:

1:1 coaching for even more support + accountability
Great if you want to work on body issues at a deep level so you can safely get results without so many hurdles or set backs
Really want to empower your body to work WITH you instead of against you
Want to align your super lean + strong body with a clear and purposeful mind — and have the tools to get you there

If you’re curious about what a customized plan would look like for you, claim your New Year Goals Call! I’ll be hosting them until Dec. 22nd.

There are so many ways to create a supportive system for yourself…let’s chat about that. Here’s a link to book in with me.