Pilates Soulful Sunday: The Weight We Carry

Thoughtful Pilates session exploring how posture can reflect the weight we carry.

We often talk about carrying weight as something physical. We think about the shopping bags, the suitcase at the airport, the extra weight around the body, or even lifting heavier resistance in our training. But some of the heaviest things we carry cannot be seen.

Sometimes we carry old conversations. We carry disappointment. We carry guilt over decisions we made years ago. We carry worry about tomorrow before tomorrow has even arrived. Over time we become so used to carrying these things that they simply become part of our posture, part of our breathing and perhaps even part of our personality.

As Pilates teachers we often see this physically. Someone walks into the studio and the shoulders sit slightly higher than they need to. Breathing becomes shallow. The chest seems closed. Movement feels guarded. We may look at the body and think about muscles and joints, but often the body is telling a bigger story.

Pilates teaches us that movement can create change, but it also teaches us awareness. Before we can change anything, we first have to notice it. We have to recognise what we are carrying.

As we come towards the end of this week, perhaps ask yourself a different question. Not what more do I need to add? Not what more should I achieve? Instead ask, what am I still carrying that I no longer need?

Sometimes strength is not found in holding on tighter.

Sometimes strength comes from putting something down.