May I ask you a question? Can you do cow face pose? On both sides? I'll wait while you try it.

So, we were talking about this position at LiFT & FLeX, and the fact that most of us can do it on one side, but not the other. And I'm betting that the way you can't do it, is with your dominant hand at the bottom of the pose.

Why's that? 

Most likely because the shoulder on your dominant side is more rounded forward than the non-dominant because of using a mouse, scrolling on our phones/ tablet, writing etc.

In short, our bodies train themselves to be in the position we habitually put them in. And that makes it difficult to move into other positions.

What's that got to do with anything?

Our brains love habits and short cuts - it saves energy. But this can mean we fall into routines and repeat the same patterns over and over.

And then wonder why nothing changes.

It's not just cow-face.

I cannot tell you how many times people have said to me "Oh, I'd love to get fitter & stronger". And the next time I see them, I have exactly the same conversation all over again, because nothing's changed. 

It's the perfect example of insanity - doing the same things over and over and expecting a different outcome.

Want something different? Do something different, again and again and again, so the habit your brain remembers, is a good one.

Want stronger bones? Do resistance training and add some impact work several times a week.

Want to be able to do cow-face on both sides? Work on your shoulder mobility, swap your mouse over*/ use your non-dominant hand, practice cow-face.

Want to be fitter? Get a little bit out of breath every day.

Be honest with yourself.

Do your daily choices support the goals you say you'd like to achieve? Or are there habits keeping you stuck, that you avoid looking at because it's too uncomfortable?

Or are you just running on autopilot all the time?

The basics matter.

It doesn't need to be complicated or hard, just check in with yourself to find out are you:

- Moving every day?

- Going to bed early enough to get a good night's sleep?

- Getting some daylight every day?

- Hydrating enough?

- Nourishing yourself adequately?

Your challenge, should you choose to accept it:

Ask yourself the questions you know you've been avoiding about the habits that aren't helping you. Then ask:

✅ What's one thing I know I need to change?

✅ What small action will I commit to today because small steps = massive change over time?

Because your health matters and we are the sum of our regular habits. 

Does that mean you can never have a day off, or have a drink, or eat an unhealthy meal? No, our bodies remember what we do most of the time. So don't beat yourself up if you "slip".

Want help with making a regular Pilates practice one of your habits? Join our Priority Wait List here and be first to hear next time booking opens for classes