7 Tips to Get Back to Your Practice

“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

- George Eliot

I’m walking down Monkland and I feel like a lion.

I feel 10 feet tall. Strong. Present. Aware. I feel wide awake and full of joy. Ready to take on my day!

I’ve just finished a fantastic barre class and I feel expanded.

It’s funny, because when you aren’t in a place in your life when you are exercising, the last thing you want to read, is an article about exercise. But when you rediscover the ecstasy of movement – you want to shout it from the rooftops!

The pandemic was a challenge for everyone in different ways. For me, it came at a time when I was navigating brand new motherhood. I held a lot of emotion in my back and hips. As I wrote here, I think I was in physical pain for two years straight. On top of it all, my favorite barre teacher moved away.

Even though I walked every day and kept up with my toddler, I missed the studio. I longed for the synchronicity and support of the group. I wanted to get out of my house - and I desperately wanted to feel like a dancer!

Even once it felt safe to go to the studio, it still took me time to get back regularly. I had so many mental blocks. I was out of practice. My routine and sleep were all over the place. To follow a schedule felt foreign. To commit to something felt futile. I felt so stiff at times. I was very intimidated to be around people that knew what they were doing, and what to expect. Getting back to class after the pandemic was like trying to reroute a big ship while navigating rough ocean waves. It was heavy and daunting. Desire wasn’t the issue. It’s like I had conditioned myself to stay away from people and potential germs so well that fear was playing tricks with my mind.

Everyone is different. Some people built a makeshift gym in their home. Some people bought a stationary bike. Some people did online classes. None of that worked for me. I’m a person who needs a really great teacher. I’m a person who needs a buddy to get started. I need to have fun.

I did my first class at the studio in May of this year. After many stops and starts, I am proud to say that I now do one class a week consistently. One of my goals for 2024 is to try more classes. I’d like to commit to one class every Saturday morning, and to trying something new each week.

It helps that I’ve started seeing results. My body feels more buoyant. I see muscle tone on my legs again. I love that I feel stronger. It reminds me of when I started barre the first time, that amazing feeling when you see how fast your body reacts. How it remembers.

I want more of it.

So, to any of you who feel disconnected from your body, or are out of practice for whatever reason, if you feel intimidated to start; I’m here to say from personal experience:

1 – It’s never too late to start again. I know that it can feel monumental to get to class. I know. Just try. Start with one class.

2 – Let it be what it is. Not every class is ecstasy, obviously. Sometimes I leave feeling worse than when I arrived because the class was really hard – but it’s ok. The next class will be better.

3 – There is a class for you. If a class is miserable, try something else and maybe just go back to it later. If you just want to lie down, we have that option. If you need something gentle, try a Yin class or Hatha class. Just try. No judgement.

4 – You don’t have to make a bunch of changes all at once. I am a person who can lack patience. I want immediate results! I want to change all my habits in one week! It simply doesn’t work that way as a working parent. Or as a working student. Or as any interesting person who leads a busy life. Do what you can, one step at a time, and see what happens!

5 – Be kind to the person in the mirror. After class, when I am all sweaty and have that messy workout hair, I look at myself in the mirror and say WAY TO GO. You did it. Amazing things can happen when you show up. I’ve cried after class because it felt so good, or because a piece of music moved me. I’ve yelped in pain in class. I’ve whooped out of pure joy in class. (I’m not the only one). My reactions are all over the place. Expect the unexpected. It’s all ok, you are not alone. Go easy on yourself.

6 – Value what you can do. I heard a great quote recently about parenthood. “If you have 40% to give today and you give that 40% - You’ve given 100%”. I think the same is true during class. If all you can do today is child’s pose, so be it. You can be a lion another day. Maybe just showing up is what you have to give today. That has value - so way to go!

7 – Ask for help. If you’ve had an injury, a personal challenge, or if you are intimated to start, whatever it is - ask us all your questions. I promise there will be someone to help guide you. Ask a friend to come with you! That’s what got me to start going regularly. We found a class that we both love, and afterwards we go for brunch. It’s a win-win situation. Other times I go alone and that’s also great. I’m always greeted by a friendly smile from someone in the class. Sometimes, the person smiling is me.

Whatever the story is that’s running through your mind, or whatever your situation is, honor it. But don’t let fear stop you.

Being back in class reminded me that when you play incredible music, are instructed by a real pro (who also makes you laugh) – it’s no longer exercise – it’s fun.

Wherever you are right now in your life, it’s the right time to begin.

By: Angelique Gay