"For the love of chocolate and exercise"

In my class the other day, I mentioned to my students, “In a perfect world, we would have different props to do our Pilates exercises with.” I work at an Adult School, we’re happy to have classes, let alone props. One of the students said, "in a perfect world, we wouldn’t have to do Pilates." I was taken aback, and just went into instructing the breathing technique. (I do recommend this anytime you are not sure what is going to come out of your mouth). Luckily, I was instructing a Pilates class and this is the normal thing to do at the beginning of the class. So, a day and a half later, here is my response: who said you had do Pilates? It’s a privilege to be able to move our bodies and to have the energy and strength to exercise. If you are doing something “you have to do,” what is the benefit in that? There are an infinite number of ways we can move our bodies. Why settle for something you have to do? Do something you enjoy. Ask your body, “beautiful body, where am I holding onto the belief that I have to do something because it’s good for me?” If you don’t enjoy it, just drop it. Keep trying new things until you find something you love. What kind of movement nourishes your soul like food nourishes your body? Follow your desires; you’ll be much healthier and happier. If you want to sit on the couch once in while and eat chocolate, that’s included. I give you permission to enjoy your life, every minute of it.