As the days get shorter and the air a little crisper, you may find yourself feeling a bit different. If you’re like me, you love the cozy sweaters and hot drinks that autumn brings. But for some, the change in seasons also can lead to a little less motivation to get out and move our bodies!

I know, staying active when the weather outside is chilly and dark is hard. I get it. But here are a few tips to help you stay motivated and incorporate more movement into your life as the season changes:

Schedule Your Workouts: Treat your Pilates sessions like any other important appointment. Put them on your calendar and commit to showing up for yourself. Consistency is key and having a set time for your workouts can help keep you on track.
Workout in the Morning: It might be tempting to hit snooze, but getting your workout in early can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. Plus, exposure to natural light in the morning can help regulate your circadian rhythm, which is particularly helpful during the darker months.
Find an Accountability Buddy: Sometimes, we just need a little extra nudge. Find a friend or join our Soar Pilates community where you can encourage each other to stick with it, even on those days when motivation is low. Trust me, it makes all the difference when you know someone’s rooting for you.
Make It Fun: If traditional Pilates sessions aren’t enough to pull you out of bed, mix things up! Try a new workout, play some upbeat music, or reward yourself with a cozy post-workout treat like a warm tea or latte. The key is to associate movement with joy, not obligation.
Practice Gratitude: On the days when it’s particularly hard, take a moment to think about one thing you’re grateful for in your body. Maybe it’s the way your legs support you through challenging flows, or how your breath centers you. Focusing on gratitude can shift your mindset and make movement feel less like a chore and more like an act of self-love.

Pilates is all about the mind-body connection. Unlike some other forms of exercise, Pilates encourages you to tune into how your body is feeling. This mindfulness aspect can help you better understand your emotional state and give you tools to manage it. On days when you feel off, spending time focusing on your body and breath can help ground you.

So, why Pilates in particular? Sure, a brisk walk or a run can lift your spirits, but Pilates offers something more: balance, flexibility, and mindfulness. Pilates doesn’t just work your body; it nurtures your mind. It’s a full-body workout that improves your core strength, flexibility, and balance—all while fostering a sense of calm and connection.

On top of that, Pilates is adaptable. If you’re having a low-energy day, you can opt for a slower, gentler session. If you’re feeling stronger, you can ramp it up. There’s no pressure to push beyond what you’re capable of, and that’s one of the reasons why Pilates is so effective—it meets you where you are on your wellness journey!