Added to a new “self care” playlist. Skeleton was skeletoning - I loved feeling my bones move so freely, spine & ribs decompressed big time. 🩻 😮‍💨 thinking about my dog’s biiig stretches, realizing how his bones lift and spread. No wonder he does it so often, feels great !!

Almost didn’t do this one bc I thought “ok, stretching only today?? 🙄” as if it’s not valid, old “fitness mentality” kicking in. Maybe it’s bc I’m in my luteal phase - but in general, so hard on myself way too often! This was a practice in reminding myself that I deserve to feel good. I am worthy of a big ass stretch. Done before bed in pajamas. But got warm! Had to remove my wool sweater I was wearing lol (not to sleep but to keep warm). Much love, Ruth 💜💜

My pleasure Luna!! You are so kind, such a gem 💎 and deserve to enjoy your movement practice. You show up so frequently, progress will occur no matter what. I appreciate being able to nerd out with you 🤓 🧠 💗

Happy new year queen!! 💕

Thank you!! He is, I think because his breed is a working/sled dog he loves having a “job,” and feels extra bonded to me after. Does Valentino like to go on runs? 🏃

Ok ok this was so nice !!! Loved all the encouragement you gave also rooted in movement science. You have a gift for delivering facts with sweetness and always embodying that quote, “you catch more bees (bad b’s?! 😉) with honey.” 😘 happy new year!! 🎆

These are great questions! My answer as a fellow instructor and someone who has been doing Ruth’s videos for several years:

First, you’re doing a great job!! And I understand what you’re saying. Pilates is a system of movements and they all work together to build. Ruth’s classes incorporate a lot of variety, but if you break down move by move, many are actually quite similar shapes in different variations and amounts of load. That said, the Pilates repertoire has 100+ exercises. And so many variations & choreography haha. Plus Ruth’s creativity to incorporate dance, strength training, and more. I find l her videos challenging in various ways. Regardless of what “level” you’re at, and, our bodies are different every day based on hormones, weather, energy - totally normal - even if you are an experienced mover. :) this movement style requires a lot of brain work prioritizing mind/body connection. Sometimes the mental adaptation / mindset can feel harder than the body adaptation, totally normal.

Most videos are a full body workout and move the spine in all directions, incorporate balance, mobility, flexibility and strength. It all works together. But say you’re really strong, yet lack mobility. That can make things challenging for a you in different ways than if you were very mobile but had less strength.

In the grand scheme of things, your mind, muscles, body is getting stronger as a whole even as you work through new patterns.

Totally valid if you’d rather focus on repeating certain movements though, as repetition is key to learning. But no stress if things aren’t “perfect” if you choose to keep doing more variety. You may also be surprised if you move on then return to a certain video in a few weeks to measure progress, and see that you have “improved” by continuing to move in general. Also, I believe the Weekly Schedule chooses videos with movements to build on and balance different muscle groups.

Time is key. It can take our muscles / tissues months to map new movement and adapt in the most efficient way. Always a nice test of patience learning new things. :)

The benefit of moving at home is you can take your time with each video as needed. But I think if repetition makes you feel better, her circuit strength videos are really great for that, as many incorporate fewer variety of moves! As well as the “foundations” series, that’s a great way to get a feel for many of the shapes we work with. The videos with more choreography or “flow” will prob take more time to adapt to since it’s very specific and integrating movements as a whole, building up to the sum being greater than its parts.

Feeling successful / having a positive movement experience is very important, and that looks different for everyone. Some people like getting their butt kicked even if they didn’t do things perfectly. Others want to “nail it” for at least some moves. Or sometimes it’s just showing up that makes people feel successful. I think it’s important to honor what stokes that in you, and keep that positive reinforcement going!

Be gentle with yourself and rest when you need. Trust your body to adapt over time. Injury from too much too soon is the #1 thing that inhibits ppls movement progress. RPS revealed my hips were pretty rough, due to some pre-existing injuries. I was in pain after hip work for months, some deep restructuring was happening. I would keep moving tho doing videos to focus on other body parts while my hips needed rest. My pelvis/hips were so strong and mobile after a year, all my mentors when I started my pilates teacher training were impressed. Trust that it will come in time! Long game.

I hope this helps. No matter what, you are doing great!!! ❤️❤️❤️

Sadie yasssssss 🙌🏽

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥 so good!

Oooh I loved this one! So great after a run, loved the footwork and hip work… and all of it. I really enjoyed finding softness in my body and letting it be free. A nice break from often feeling so controlled. Like, I found agency in the surrender and freedom, if that makes sense? Also a great reminder that wherever our bodies are at is fine. We all have a unique imprint. Being able to move in all the ways is great -and- it’s fine wherever we land before & after. My hips started sticky and ended way more mobile. I feel a strength within me that is more effortless and less rigid, adaptable for whatever the day brings. Nice!

Thanks for a great class 🫶🏽🫶🏽

🫶🏽 hope you are having a nice week so far Frances!!

Thank you Ruth! Oooh 20-30 !! Can’t wait 💪🏽😍