We are well into the month of August and things seem to be slowing down a bit. Summer party invites are winding down, folx are wrapping up their travel plans, and everyone is ready to settle into some late summer/early fall structure (whether you have kids starting school or not). The summer has been lovely, but I am definitely ready to be back on a regular schedule!
This week, I'm introducing you to Megan, one of my co-hosts for the September retreat, showing you my favorite workout pants of all time, and talking about consistency.
Megan Spencer King, Retreat Co-Host
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I met Megan almost a decade ago at an Oakland yoga studio. Her playlists can put a smile on the face of any young Gen X'er/elderly Millennial, her energy is contagious, and her classes, whether they are barre, Pilates, spin, or yoga, are so unique, challenging, and FUN! She is a true gem in the wellness space.
I was a Class Pass member at the time and followed Megan all over Berkeley and Oakland taking her classes. It didn't matter what it was, if she was teaching it, I was taking it!
It didn't take me long to move from her fitness groupie to true friend. Megan has been a huge supporter of me getting my barre certification and one of my biggest inspirations for getting the training in the first place.
Megan is currently the group fitness manager at one of the San Francisco Equinox gyms. Her members get to experience her one of a kind class programming and infectious joy for movement every day and I'm excited for everyone joining us at the retreat who will get a little taste of her magic. She is going to bring so much love, care, and experience to the retreat. I can't wait for you to meet her irl.
There are still spaces open for the retreat next month. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Use code: ERICA for $150 off.
If your gym, boutique studio, or class is not accessible, it's going to make it hard to stay consistent. Studies show that if you have to travel over five miles or roughly more than 10 minutes, most folx won't show up consistently. Even if the community offers movement that you love, if you have to brave a half hour or more of traffic or drive to another city, the chances of you making it a regular thing will be lower.
The umbrella of accessibility covers distance as well as “can my body do this?” We need to experience consistent small wins to keep us moving forward. If you are leaving class feeling defeated because you can't keep up, there are no variations being offered for advanced movements, or the messaging does not align with your personal values, the class is not accessible for you.
This one might be the easiest to discern, but the hardest to accept. Many of us have been programmed to think exercise equals pain (physical and sometimes emotional), an hour of torture we check off 3-6 days a week in exchange to be “healthy.” But when we reframe what movement should be for us and approach it with the expectation that it should bring joy, what we accept from a class or instructor might shift.
Do you leave every session feeling depleted or are your workouts helping boost your energy and mood? Are you feeling stronger and able to tackle life's physical challenges with more ease or do you struggle with constant random injuries? Does your instructor empower you or are they perpetuating toxic diet culture? Do you feel a sense of inclusion and belonging in the community?
There are a myriad of reasons why you might not vibe with a wellness space, but the bottom line is, if it's not sparking joy, it's ok to look elsewhere. You don't owe anyone anything. That joy will help bring the consistency you're looking for.
Have you ever considered that you actually are quite consistent, but just a little too hard on yourself?
Maybe your goal is to move five days a week, and you've been consistently putting in four for several months, but coming down on yourself. This is when you give yourself the grace to step back and acknowledge the fact that you have been consistent all along and are realistically doing what is sustainable for your life in this moment.
Trust that you are always doing your best and that your best looks different day to day and week to week. Give yourself the same grace you'd give a loved one having similar feelings about not doing enough.
Pass it on…
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Do you know someone who is looking for an inclusive wellness community who would appreciate FBW content and classes? Please forward this newsletter on to them.
