Think of exercise as an opportunity to learn about your body. What hurts; what feels good? In the world of fitness we have all these “rules” about how to run better, stretch deeper, etc. Sometimes it’s good to experiment with your body and what it likes.

Sometime today get down on the floor and try different stretches. Which ones do you like? Do you hate? Experiment with positions that feel good, not just what you’ve been told is right. Let your body do what it wants to do.

When we do Pilates the moves are very specific and you hold your body and move your muscles in very precise ways. For a change today, try to find a moment when you just move and stretch you body in a way that feels good. Don’t worry about whether you are in proper alignment.

Stand, sit, do whatever feels good and move your body in a way that gets you an incredible stretch. Move slowly and if something doesn’t feel comfortable don’t do it. Try to find the position that you get the best stretch for you back, your shoulders, your quads, and your hamstrings.