let the stress out and… PILATES IN
Hi guys…. omgosh where do we even start, right? So many of us are desperately in need of a reboot. Life has presented new obstacles, and stress levels have peeked. While my initial reaction was to hold this blog, I truly believe we all need a little something to look forward to. Positivity is so important, and now more than ever I want to start, not stop, writing. In my mind, waiting is not an option when it comes to our happiness. Let us start to navigate in a way that will bring us together with peace, hope, love and strength.
Before I dive in, I want to provide you with a little update. This is a stress-free fun zone. These photos were taken prior to social distancing. There is a giveaway, that is AMAZING btw, but the winner will have to be a little patient and understanding when it comes to officially claiming their prize. Since things have currently been in a state of unknown, the winner will have to work with any new guidelines, hours, and procedures the studio puts into place. More below, but let’s get started.
I love writing, and I am so happy to be back. I’ve been a little MIA overall lately, because my number one priority has been getting my husband back into good health. If you are unaware, back in January Mike broke his foot. This quickly meant I became a nurse overnight, all while keeping up with current work and life responsibilities. We love spending time together, so while I was asked many times, “Are you guys driving each other crazy yet?”, that was never the problem. The biggest hurdle I had to cross was the impact it took on my back. The heavy lifting quickly took a toll, and it was imperative that I kept my body and mind on track.
If you don’t follow me on Instagram, I would like to introduce you to this girl below, Callie. She is the owner of Callie’s Pilates and has been teaching me privately for over a year now. I walked into her Pilates studio last April, and since then, she has taken on every challenge I’ve continued to throw at her.
Pilates, for those of you that don’t know, focuses on correct body alignment and precise movements. I added this more frequently into my current workout regimen and witnessed some incredible transformations. I now have increased strength, more flexibility, better balance, and my overall muscle tone has improved. Callie calls these precision movements, “small but mighty”, and that could not be more accurate.
What was surprising to me, was how effectively Pilates helped me cope with stress management. Pilates forces you to slow down, which I’ve especially needed over these past few months. Physically and mentally you develop a keen sense of mind and body awareness. This allows you to be completely immersed in your workout. Simultaneously, your mind becomes calm and is able to focus on the task at hand. It’s a great release, and allows external problems to slowly fade away. When your workout is complete you feel recharged on every level.
CLICK TO SHOP
April is not only the month I walked into Callie’s studio, but it is also my birthday month. To honor our one year anniversary, my birthday month, and my return to blogging in 2020, I’m doing a blog giveaway. Giveaway starts today, April 6th, and runs through noon Friday, April 10th, (MY BIRTHDAY!). EST + US Residents only. You do not have to be local to win, but you will have to travel to Callie’s studio in Cleveland.
WHAT YOU WIN: 5 Total Sessions with Callie, at her downtown studio in The Metropolitan at the 9. It’s also a hotel for those of you who are not local.
The package includes 3 private one on one sessions, and 2 reformer classes.
HOW YOU ENTER: Leave a comment below. Simply, tell something that is currently helping you with stress management.
FOR A BONUS ENTRY: Follow Callie’s Pilates on Instagram here. (Yes, I check!)
DISCLAIMER: Due to current situations, giveaway package will be used when studio is open.
* All photos were taken prior to social distancing. *Yes, you can enter if you are already a Callie client. *Yes, you can enter even if you have won from me in the past. *All entries are valid as long as you leave a comment below.
HOW THE WINNER WILL BE CONTACTED: Winner will be contacted via email, the week of April 13th, 2020.
PHOTOS: TIFFANY JOY PHOTOGRAPHY
The Word. The Word if God is helping with stress. I don’t know what I would do without Jesus. Now more than ever I’ve needed an abundance of Word. Life to relationships to work. It has made all the difference. Yay for birthday, my treasured friend! XO
I currently live alone so during this quarantine I have gotten into the habit of early morning FaceTime sessions with my girlfriends on my phone while my laptop plays a live HIIT session. And in the evenings I’ve been making time to call all of my loved ones. Constant communication has given me a sense of connectedness and has helped me through this quarantine.
At a loss for words as to how beautifully this is written Lisa! You truly are a creative writer. Thank you for sharing Pilates, our special time we have together and the effects of “small but mighty” exercises. This photoshoot was the most fun!! I can’t wait to see who our lucky winner is and get you back into action at the studio. People like you keep us staying positive and moving forward! Love you, girlfriend! Xo
I am so happy that you are back!! I love reading your blogs and posts. What helps me with stress is surrounding myself with REAL POSITIVE people. When I’m surrounded by people like that, I have no stress.
This post is such an easy and uplifting read – thank you, Lisa! My current de-stressor is my sweet new golden retriever puppy, Ellie. She is unfailingly loving, sweet, and consistently happy! I’m sure you know the feeling with sweet Joy Rose!
Hope you are well – please tell Mike and Joy hello from me!
xo,
Meg
Wow I love your perspective on all that’s going on now – your choice to pick up the things you had to put down for a little while. I wish you the best in all you do. Have the happiest birthday. I’m also an April baby and it was definitely a one-of-a-kind birthdays this year!
You look SO great btw
So glad to see you’re back to writing and getting to know you better though it! Getting through this crazy with daily quiet times, hugs from my hubby and walks/runs. Moving my body is always so refreshing, what a perfect give away. P.S. you look AMAZING!!!!
Face timing has helped me stay in touch with my loving boyfriend. He is staying with his mother who is elderly. I love Pilates. Pilates helped me feel strong and powerful after a traumatic divorce. I felt control of my own life again. I recommend Pilates to anyone !
Hi Lisa!
You are a breath of fresh air in the midst of such a troublesome time.
Your blog has a calming effect on me and brings about a feeling of normalcy in this crazy life.
Thankyou for not holding back the blog. It feels reassuring to know you are out there. God bless you Lisa, Mike & JOY!
Oh my goodness, this post is exactly what I needed. I threw out my back at work last week and those pictures are making my heart swell! You’re glowing! I hope your birthday is wonderful.
As a person who is always doing, being on bed rest has been tough, but I’ve taken the time to slow. down. I’m diving in to my postpartum doula studies because mamas need us now more than ever. Figuring out how to be there for people from a distance has been a challenge, but I realized that this is where my love language (acts of kindness) shines!
Hi! New reader here. Always love finding local blogs to read! My stress has definitely been at an all time high as of late; however, I’m trying to enjoy the small things – my morning coffee, a good read, and laughter. FaceTime has been a life saver for connecting with family and friends! Hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy!
I just recently started following Callie on Instagram for home-based workouts during this quarantine. I am really loving what I have experienced so far, and I am happy she highlighted your blog! Can’t wait to read more.
Megan A
Welcome back to the blog….keep them coming. Whether I am working from home or in the office, brisk walks after work to note the transition from working to being at home break up the day really well for me and my honey.
What a great giveaway! I’ve been taking walks as a way to de stress and the sunshine helps so much! ☀️
YEAH! It’s always a wonderful day when I read your blog with all your positivity, Lisa! Thank you for writing just when we need some de-stressing and self care inspiration the most. Love all the pilates action shots, and your form…PERFECT!!
As the weather is warming up, I’ve found solace and relaxation working outside in the yard, cleaning up the winter debris and setting up the bird bath for my frolicking feathered friends. 🙂
Happy upcoming birthday, my friend! XO
You know my answer….walks, walks and more walks! Also window visiting with Grandma
I’m so happy to have found you and Callie and am so happy to have a blog to dig into. You are the perfect escape at the perfect time! Thank you for what you do!! ❤️
Great job as always babe. Really glad to see you back writing again. Love you tons.
something that is helping me with stress management is really reading my bible more. Also walking outside more and being outside in the sun when we get it! Especially during this time!
I have always wanted to try pilates! hopefully when this is all over I will get to one of Callies classes! RIght now im managing my stress with weekly therapy sessions and I just found out the dog runs and public parks here are closing… so I will have to replace that with something else! im hoping to start learning and writing :] happy birthday!!! xox
Thanks for an uplifting read. I think pilates with Callie is the best way to help us all live a long happy life for our mind body and soul. Thanks for spreading the love xoxox destressing this week has been starting my day by writing down 3 things I’m grateful for and letting someone know I love them
It’s so true Pilates doesn’t only sculpt your body but it also clears your mind and gives you energy and inner serenity.
Cheers to your next trip around the sun! ☀️
Sweet -I love Pilates, Happy Birthday !! (it’s my birth month too ♈️ ☀️)
It’s my bday month also. Thanks for the chance to win.
•movement is medicine•
one of my favorite wellness quotes and completely true during these crazy times. moving my body helps me cope with stress, anxiety, and just helps put me in a happier mood 🙂 just get up and move!!
Hi Lisa,
As a student physical therapist I couldn’t agree more with how much exercise and specifically Pilates can impact the body! I think what your doing is awesome and really refreshing in this trying time. I know everyone’s worlds have been turned around but I hope that by looking forward and getting back to some normalcy will help motivate people to do what’s best for everyone right now.
As always – simply amazing. You are so talented and so uplifting and spreading joy. I’m currently doing the next90challenge. It is from Dave and Rachel Hollis. It is AMAZING AND FREE. I highly highly recommend. It is telling us that we can’t control what is going on in the world right now but we can control how we see it, how we respond to it and what we take from it. Love you peaches
What an amazing blog post and giveaway!! I can’t wait to get into Callie’s studio again (but for Pilates this time)! I have personally started doing simple meditation practice every morning using the Calm app. I make my morning latte, sit in my favorite living room chair and meditate for 15 minutes before tackling my daily to-do list. Helps to clear my anxious mind and set a steady tone to the day! Happy almost birthday, my friend! Can’t wait to celebrate with you!
This is beautiful ❤️ I’m so glad to you’re back to writing!
Baking and playing with my son are keeping me sane during this time. I usually bake at night after my husband and son have gone to sleep. I turn on Netflix and just go to town! This leaves me with daytime to play with my son and connect with my husband. This quarantine has been a blessing in disguise because we’ve all slowed down and begun to really appreciate time with each other.
Ps: my sisters bday is also in April! Haha
Dealing with stress management by going on long walks, finding bliss in slowing down to enjoy coffee in the morning (verse rushing around to get to work in the am), and supporting all my favorite local businesses through instagram live workouts and too much townhall take out 🙂
This was a great read! I love Callie’s Pilates too! Working out in general has been helping me cope with the stress as of late. I was never an at-home workout person before this quarantine, and now I have learned to love it. I’m so glad so many local studios have been putting up live videos for us to use, including Callie. Even if I don’t feel like working out that day, I make sure to give myself at least 15 minutes of movement because I know I’ll feel better after 🙂
“Waiting is not an option when it comes to our happiness “… I love that line because some people forget that happiness is a choice, and believe that they need to wait for something big to make them happy, instead of appreciating all the little things that make them happy.
What is currently keeping me less stressed is having my husband home more so we can finally organize parts of our house since our renovation AND enjoy lots of family time together with our almost 7mo old daughter. She is at that age where she is noticing everything and started eating solids, so we have been loving encouraging her to explore the world around her, and watching her take it all in 🙂
Meditation ✨♀️, Music, Reading and getting outside as often as possible!☀️
Awesome giveaway! Loved your story today and learning about Callie!
Thank you for always being such a beautiful light and REAL
I actually discovered your Instagram page and blog through Callie! I am loving your blog and look forward to what you’ll be posting. What has helped me with stress during all this has been Callie’s at home workouts. It can be hard to stay motivated when you are at home for weeks, but Callie makes me not only want to complete the workouts, but makes it enjoyable! I also find going for long walks outside when the sun is shining is helping keep me calm. Thank you for bringing something fun to the social media world. I think it is easy to get caught up in a lot of negative or sad news these days and it is nice to be reminded of things we are grateful for.
You know my love for Pilates runs deep! Daily movement is key for me. It helps me cultivate a sense of gratitude for all the amazing things my body CAN do, and instills in me a sense of strength and calm when life feels like it’s going off the rails!
Laughing is also amazing when I’m stressed. Like a really good, pee-my-pants or laugh-so-hard-I’m -crying, kind of laugh.
This is a beautifully written post love! I did Callie’s challenge a couple weeks ago, and it was amazing! During this time, having others keep you accountable for things is so so so important because it’s so easy to be lazy. I have been trying to stay active and do some sort of workout every day. It’s been great to be in a routine. I have also been crafting my heart out and making all kinds of DIY projects for my blog! fingers crossed! This is an amazing giveaway!
I manage stress with working out and running! I have found nothing else helps the way exercise does! When I feel my most tired or my most burnt out mentally, and then I go for a run, I feel a million times better than before! Thanks for this give-away!!
I’ve started reading every morning before I start my day. With working for home, I have found extra time and reading helps me start the day feeling accomplished and focused. Callie’s IG videos have also been awesome! Every little bit of movement helps!
Pilates is the best thing ever and I miss it so so much! I practice at a studio in Strongsville and it has changed everything for me. Anyway, honestly my biggest stress reliever right now are walks with my daughter. She is 10, fiercely independent and smart as hell. She challenges me so much but even if we are having a bad day once we go out for a walk everything changes. She opens up and we talk about everything. I think just being outside has helped me right now. I’m so glad you are back to blogging!
Yoga! I’ve done more yoga classes the past couple of weeks than I have my entire life. Starting to really appreciate it.
Thank you for this beautiful giveaway and sharing your positive perspective! Just made the decision to postpone my July wedding and while I could of easily crawled into my bed I went on a long walk with my fiancé and remembered what is most important in life. Yes I feel sad, but I am so thankful to have my fiancé, a roof over my head and a job during these uncertain times. Taking walks with my person has been the best medicine for my soul.
I’ve been keeping my stress level under control my getting fresh air daily! Walking my dog, going for a run, or walking to a friends house to chat at an acceptable distance. I always change up the paths I take to explore new parts of town.
Love Pilates reformer and would love to work with Callie! I’ve been taking life more slowly, trying new recipes, and getting Creative with my business. Hope to win!!
Daily movement! Whether it’s long walks with my dog, Melissa wood health flows, a new workout live on IG. It also helps to pass the time. Oh, and a nice glass of wine while making a healthy dinner with my bf.
I love reading your blog and this post was no exception! You bring so much light and positive energy to the world! We are in such a weird, stressful time and with two of my kids not with me, my anxiety and stress are through the roof! Thank goodness for FaceTime! It’s helped a lot and so has watching Mass. I love this giveaway – good luck to everyone!!
My younger brother has been quarantining with my fiancé and me, and although we all have our moments of stress, he’s brought a lot of levity to the situation. We’ve also all been reading which I didn’t take as much time to do before.
So this is officially the first blog I’ve ever commented on I’m so happy to see that your back on doing what you love and helping others along the way! What helps me through stressful times?? Seeing the blessing through the valleys. I have quiet time every morning. I journal, pray, do a devotion and write what I’m thankful for. Another stress reliever for me is working out, going for a run or walk, listening to music. For me, mental and physical strength go hand.
Although this time of isolation has been hard, I’ve seen the beauty in hitting the pause button…to stop, light and candle and just be!
I hope you enjoy your special day today!
Happy Birthday Girl ❤️
Miss you!!
Great tips Lisa! I release stress by staying on a dog walking schedule. We faithfully go twice a day and follow up with a nightly hot tub soak. (The dog does not join in on the hot tub lol) Staying active it the key.
Thanks for sharing! Callie is fantastic. Even though times are stressful now, I’ve found that just getting outside for a walk helps clear my mind and alleviate stress. I also have found and tried some great new recipes in the kitchen!
This is so cool!! Pilates was life changing for me when I found it about 10 years ago. I stalked Callie when she was getting ready to open. There’s nothing better than a beautiful studio with chandeliers and champagne!! Not to mention the amazing teaching skills that Callie is blessed with. Most amazing stress reliever and body savior!!
Both of you are bright souls and amazing ladies! I’m happy to know you both!
PS I just turned 43 last month and it’s not all bad! I will always act like a teenager anyway haha. PILATES keeps you hot af!!
Xoxo,
C
1) I’ve always wanted to try Pilates!
2) Can I be guaranteed that I’ll get fit like you?!?! …joking…kinda!
3) right now my stress relief is walking with the girls….and wine… wine….wine ♀️
4) I guess the wine won’t help me with the toning part lol!
5) love you!
Currently our wonderful city and the outdoors have been helping me cope the most with stress Edgewater /rocky river reservation or even just a walk down Clifton. Waving from a far or a friendly smile goes a long way when you’re passing bye. I try to take dead breaths as I’m walking and stop to enjoy my surroundings.
I was hit by a semi-truck on the freeway over the summer and was doing Pilates after a lot of healing to then help strengthen my back and spine again and had to stop due to no longer being able to afford it, but truly believe it works wonders!!
I have been meditating to help relieve stress during this time of uncertainty and journaling my gratitudes.
Love your blogs, Lisa.
Silence has probably been my greatest tool for dealing with stress and being able to recalibrate. When life starts getting too loud, I’ll try to take a walk… or even just sit… alone… without my phone… without my iPad… for as long as necessary – until I can feel the distractions and the burdens and the hustle inside me come to a stop. I’ve learned when the noise finally stops, clarity can come in.
I also try to surround myself with strong, loving, life-giving people who allow me grace when I’m overwhelmed or stressed. They balance me, challenge me, support me, and encourage me during the wonky times.
So, for me, good stress-management requires breaking the rhythm sometimes, and also staying connected to a healthy community of family/friends.
My faith is what always helps me with stress management! So being intentional about keeping in touch with dear friends from my church has helped me maintain my calm! And our services for Holy Week are being recorded and streamed online, so that’s bringing me a sense of community during this quarantine!
Happy and blessed birthday to you, Lisa!
Hi Lisa!
I know i’m a little late to reading this and missed the giveaway but thank you for posting this. This time is very stressful with a lot of change. I am currently releasing stress by doing at home workouts and video chatting with my students between other teaching responsibilities.
Hope to see you soon!
xo Morgan