A Little Inspiration for the Day

Plank Story: Moby Bring Sally Up

Matt will be very active with me. He will hike, kayak, and a can be convinced to run once in a very rare while or if he’s worried I’m running somewhere unsafe. While he likes movement, he loathes exercise. Pilates would be great for him, but he’ll nearly never do it. But I figured out his Achilles heel—the secret that will get Matt down on the mat. The trick involves Moby Bring Sally Up.

Last night I was inspired to sing to him, “Why do birds suddenly appear every time you are near? Just like me, they long to be, close to you.” Those were the only words I remembered, so I sang them on repeat. His face shifted to this look of angsty compassion. His cringing brow declared, “I love you, but the sound coming out of your voice is causing intense pain,” He wouldln’t admit it, but his face, and the bleeding ears, couldn’t hide the reality. At first I thought he might just not like the Carpenters. But then I realized it was me. I stopped singing and asked if he wanted to try this plank challenge I’d heard […]

Plank Story: Moby Bring Sally UpMaggie Downie2018-05-23T15:48:32-04:00

Perspective

All is right with the world with this addition to our family–now that’s a little perspective!

After a whirlwind trip to Texas to visit my brother and sister-in-law before they became parents, my family and I flew back to Logan airport in Boston and called the shuttle to take us to our car. Twenty minutes later, no shuttle. Twenty minutes later, still no shuttle.

Hangry, sleep deprived, and generally irritable, I was growing more and more frustrated with the shuttle service. In our modern world, I struggle with unnecessary inefficiency and unknowns. It’s not a trait I love about myself. Nearly twenty minutes later, the shuttle still hadn’t arrived. Each time we called, the service would tell us to stay put, suggest we wait outside in the frigid New England cold, and hang up on us. I sat down on the baggage carousel utterly exasperated.

Then I saw a man my age or a little younger walk by. He had one leg, and I thought, “Oh, I’m okay. My life is great. I can wait for this shuttle.” It was a little perspective on how good and easy my life actually was. Sadly, […]

PerspectiveMaggie Downie2018-05-16T17:34:23-04:00

Fatherly Advice

Earlier this year my best friend’s father passed away unexpectedly. Julie has been my best friend since elementary school, so her whole family played a role in my childhood, and I was grateful that even though we are all grown up her parents were still in my life. His death was news I wasn’t ready for—one of the deaths I’ve had to live through that shook me. The loss made me especially appreciative to have my father. Moments after hearing about Julie’s dad, I called mine, happy to hear his voice. This father’s day, at Julie’s suggestion, I thought I write about some of the amusing fatherly advice I’ve received over the years.

From Julie’s Dad

Mr. Wernau’s advice stands out. I’ve thought about it daily since the moment he filled my thoughts with horror. Julie and I were in high school. Her dad was driving us somewhere so we were a trapped audience. He must have been having a rough day because he announced, “Girls, enjoy every good BM you have because one day will be your last good one.” I cringed at “BM” because I detest the term, but I took his […]

Fatherly AdviceMaggie Downie2018-06-11T12:17:11-04:00

Happy Mother’s Day!

There are many reasons why I’m grateful I had the mother I had. Here are just some in honor of Mother’s Day!

Advice

Me and my mom, my mom and me

My mom has always been a great advice giver. She taught me to never let them know they are getting to you. When things didn’t go my way, she encouraged me to see the humor and the story in the event. She always encouraged me to pursue dreams without letting me think they are easily attainable.

No Pressure

My mom expected us to try our best, but there was no pressure to do better or be a straight A student for the sake of getting A’s or killing ourselves. She has always balanced work with fun and encouraged relaxation—a trait I’m still trying to learn from her. I admire her ability relax. It’s vital to our health and we don’t give enough credit for those who don’t sweat the small stuff. The older I get, the more I appreciate this about my mother. Not just because it is a good trait, but because I was born a type-A, go getter who could burn the […]

Happy Mother’s Day!Maggie Downie2018-05-04T10:52:34-04:00

Instructor Highlight: Ashley

Ashley has been a longtime member of the PE team. You can find her in Glastonbury, Rock Hill, and Newington. She teaches practically everything, but our clients love her strength classes especially.

Get to know about Ashley:

When you aren’t teaching what are some of your favorite ways to move?

Hiking, swimming, taking other classes, and strength training at the gym.

What song motivates or picks you up the most?

I don’t necessarily have one specific song but anything Pop or Hip Hop usually gets me moving.

Favorite Food?

Sushi

Time you normally crawl into bed?

I try to be in bed by 10pm.

What skill would you like to master?

Knitting or playing the guitar.

What would be the most amazing adventure to go on?

Going to see the northern lights.

Favorite season? Why?

Fall, the beautiful colors and crisp, refreshing air,

Best advice you’ve ever gotten?

Failure is part of the process of life. When something knocks you down, don’t be afraid to get back up and try again.