Tag: Blog – The Balanced Life

No matter how much we plan, prepare, or try to control, there will always be obstacles. Oftentimes, we take these circumstances as a result of us “not being good enough” or not “trying” hard enough. When life happens, many of us give up. However, obstacles don’t have to define your success. They are simply a part of the process. 

In this episode, Robin Long shares why we should embrace obstacles as part of the journey. She discusses what it means to “stay stagnant”, the biggest mistakes people make when starting a new workout routine and how to redefine our idea of success. Join Robin in this encouraging and uplifting episode! 

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

• The most common mistakes women make when starting a workout plan 
• How expecting challenges can help us find success
• Reframing our “all or nothing” mindset
• Why we should expect to fall off track 
• Life always happens but we can prepare ourselves and not get discouraged 
• The secret to finding “success” in your results 
• Embracing and reframing your idea of success and failure
• Choosing to look forward instead of looking back 

Links in this episode:

• The Balanced Life
• Follow Robin on Instagram 
• 5 Free Days of Pilates

Share this podcast episode!

The post The biggest mistake when starting a workout routine appeared first on The Balanced Life.

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No matter how much we plan, prepare, or try to control, there will always be obstacles. Oftentimes, we take these circumstances as a result of us “not being good enough” or not “trying” hard enough. When life happens, many of us give up. However, obstacles don’t have to define your success. They are simply a part of the process. 

In this episode, Robin Long shares why we should embrace obstacles as part of the journey. She discusses what it means to “stay stagnant”, the biggest mistakes people make when starting a new workout routine and how to redefine our idea of success. Join Robin in this encouraging and uplifting episode! 

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

• The most common mistakes women make when starting a workout plan 
• How expecting challenges can help us find success
• Reframing our “all or nothing” mindset
• Why we should expect to fall off track 
• Life always happens but we can prepare ourselves and not get discouraged 
• The secret to finding “success” in your results 
• Embracing and reframing your idea of success and failure
• Choosing to look forward instead of looking back 

Links in this episode:

• The Balanced Life
• Follow Robin on Instagram 
• 5 Free Days of Pilates

Share this podcast episode!

The post The biggest mistake when starting a workout routine appeared first on The Balanced Life.

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No matter how much we plan, prepare, or try to control, there will always be obstacles. Oftentimes, we take these circumstances as a result of us “not being good enough” or not “trying” hard enough. When life happens, many of us give up. However, obstacles don’t have to define your success. They are simply a part of the process. 

In this episode, Robin Long shares why we should embrace obstacles as part of the journey. She discusses what it means to “stay stagnant”, the biggest mistakes people make when starting a new workout routine and how to redefine our idea of success. Join Robin in this encouraging and uplifting episode! 

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

• The most common mistakes women make when starting a workout plan 
• How expecting challenges can help us find success
• Reframing our “all or nothing” mindset
• Why we should expect to fall off track 
• Life always happens but we can prepare ourselves and not get discouraged 
• The secret to finding “success” in your results 
• Embracing and reframing your idea of success and failure
• Choosing to look forward instead of looking back 

Links in this episode:

• The Balanced Life
• Follow Robin on Instagram 
• 5 Free Days of Pilates

Share this podcast episode!

The post The biggest mistake when starting a workout routine appeared first on The Balanced Life.

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We all need community to support, encourage, and uplift us to be the healthiest versions of ourselves. In today’s episode, Robin shares the positive impact The Balanced Life Sisterhood community has created, as well as features from 5 Sisterhood members. 

These members share what drew them into The Balanced Life Sisterhood, how Pilates has helped them become the best version of themselves, and the reasons they keep coming back and rolling out their mats every day. Join Robin and The Sisterhood in this encouraging and insightful episode.

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

• How The Balanced Life Sisterhood has created a positive community for women 
• Robin shares why she invited Sisterhood members to share their journey 
• Cynthia shares what inspired her to join the Sisterhood and what keeps her motivated 
• Erin discusses how the Sisterhood has improved her mindset, physical strength, and self-care 
• Jil reveals the positive changes she’s seen in her life from joining the Sisterhood 
• Lara shares how Pilates has healed her body and helped her manage life changes 
• Melissa discusses how shifts in her life led her to Pilates and how it improved her relationship with her body
• Joining the Sisterhood is an investment we make in ourselves.

Links in this episode:

Join The Sisterhood today!

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Working out just to lose weight can leave you feeling discouraged, unmotivated, and burnt out. However, taking a wider approach from the perspective of your health and fitness journey can change that. 

Today, Robin shares the vast array of benefits that comes with practicing Pilates and these benefits go far beyond the scale.

If you want to be proud of your health and fitness journey, and to find a routine that leaves you feeling strong, energized, and less stressed, join Robin Long in this episode to hear of the benefits Pilates has for you.

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

• Robin shares what the real purpose behind The Balanced Life is 
• Why before and after photos can be deceiving 
• Why it’s more important to focus on how you feel than a number on the scale
• Taking a wider look at your progress – beyond the size of your jeans
• Robin shares results from members in The Sisterhood
• Taking a deeper look at health and fitness 

Links in this episode:

• Join the NEW Feel Good Pilates Challenge!
• The Balanced Life Sisterhood
• The Balanced Life on Instagram

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If nothing changes, nothing changes. When you look at the bigger picture, all life changes are built up of small steps and actions. It can be easy to get overwhelmed when you try to take on too much at full-force, but that’s why taking a less-is-more approach is powerful. 

In today’s episode, Robin discusses what it means to take a less-is-more approach and how to make those small steps. She explains the importance of consistency and following through with habits so they compound over time. Join Robin in this inspiring episode to learn more. 

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

• Robin shares how she uses her vision board to ground herself 
• How to take a less-is-more approach in your fitness 
• The impact 15 minutes a day can have on your fitness
• The power of consistency 
• The compound effect of daily habits 
• Robin shares success stories from women in the sisterhood 
• How to make healthy habits and set yourself up for success 
• 4 small steps you can do today for future you  

Links in this episode:

• The Balanced Life Sisterhood
• Follow Robin on Instagram
• Atomic Habits by James Clear

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Do you struggle with side plank?

If you do, you are NOT alone.

There’s a reason it’s become the “unofficial” exercise of The Balanced Life Sisterhood and why we see so many side plank photos from members sharing their excitement when they finally reach their goal of doing a full side plank!

Side plank is a challenging exercise that requires your whole body and a lot of strength – which is why you’ll find it in many of my workouts. It’s so efficient!

It’s an exercise that many people who are new to Pilates struggle with in the beginning and work towards building up to – so be patient with yourself, trust the process, and you will get stronger the more you do it.

Also, remember that modifying is NOT CHEATING. Modifying is a way of working with your body where it’s at and building strength.

To be honest, there are days I modify as well – and I’m definitely not a Pilates beginner. So no guilt if you aren’t a beginner and choose to modify when doing side plank. It’s an amazing exercise in every progression and sometimes it’s good to go back to the basics!

So let’s dive in…

How to do a side plank

To get started, prop yourself up on your forearm, making sure your shoulder is right over your elbow. You want to create a base of support for your shoulder so be careful to not draw your arm in too close. Then lift your rib cage away from your mat to lengthen and align your spine.

To take it to the next level, straightening your top leg, but keeping your bottom leg bent for support. In both positions you’ll get great work for your full body, with an extra focus on the core!

Once you feel strong in this position, the next step is to take both legs up and into a full side plank! Continue to keep your shoulder stacked right over your elbow, lifting from the underside of your body, and pushing down into your bottom leg to keep your legs active and strong!

Feeling really strong and ready for more? For an extra challenge, take that top left and LIFT!

The side plank is a true full body exercise, you’ll work your entire body just by holding it for 10 seconds – no matter which level you are at!

Remember, wherever you are in your Pilates journey and which ever version of side plank you choose today, you’re right where you need to be.

Be patient with yourself, remember to breathe, modify when you need to (some days you’re going to feel stronger than others and that’s totally normal), and trust the process.

And if you have any questions about the side plank, leave them for me below!

xo,

PS – Looking for more Pilates modifications and progressions? Check out my Pilates exercise breakdowns for more details on popular Pilates exercises!

The post Side Plank for Beginners appeared first on The Balanced Life.

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Looking for a Pilates for Beginners workout that’s quick and effective? Look no further!

In this workout, we’ll start out slow with some breathing warm-up exercises, and then I’ll lead you through a series of strength-building Pilates exercises – modifications included!
⁠
You’ll end this workout feeling more centered, energized, and aware of your body and breath.

Come back to this workout any time you want a simple but effective routine; anytime you want to fit in a workout but are short on time; or you can even add it on to another workout for an extra kick!⁠

If you’re new to Pilates, this routine will help you become familiar with many Pilates exercises that you’ll also find in a range of our other Pilates workouts; and if you’ve been doing Pilates for a while, you can use this routine to bring things back to basics and slow down a bit to give a little extra focus on form or breathing.⁠

CLICK HERE to view the workout directly on YouTube and let me know how it goes!

xo,

PS – Looking for more Pilates for Beginners workouts? Click here for more!

The post Pilates for Beginners Workout appeared first on The Balanced Life.

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Looking for a Pilates for Beginners workout that’s quick and effective? Look no further!

In this workout, we’ll start out slow with some breathing warm-up exercises, and then I’ll lead you through a series of strength-building Pilates exercises – modifications included!
⁠
You’ll end this workout feeling more centered, energized, and aware of your body and breath.

Come back to this workout any time you want a simple but effective routine; anytime you want to fit in a workout but are short on time; or you can even add it on to another workout for an extra kick!⁠

If you’re new to Pilates, this routine will help you become familiar with many Pilates exercises that you’ll also find in a range of our other Pilates workouts; and if you’ve been doing Pilates for a while, you can use this routine to bring things back to basics and slow down a bit to give a little extra focus on form or breathing.⁠

CLICK HERE to view the workout directly on YouTube and let me know how it goes!

xo,

PS – Looking for more Pilates for Beginners workouts? Click here for more!

The post Pilates for Beginners Workout appeared first on The Balanced Life.

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We tend to put pressure on ourselves to be the best, most motivated versions of ourselves at all times. It’s important to acknowledge that motivation ebbs and flows, and we’ll always have ups and downs. 

In today’s episode, Robin shares her top tips to get motivated (because she isn’t always motivated either!) and prepare yourself for the roadblock of sluggishness. She shares how you can create an environment to rely on when your motivations are low and ways to prompt yourself into getting movement.

Join Robin and a few special guests on this journey of wellness and tune into this episode to learn how you can overcome the waves of feeling unmotivated. 

Show highlights: what you can look forward to in this episode!

• What makes it difficult to find motivation to workout 
• The biggest mistakes people make when overcommitting  
• Why 10 minutes is enough to help you break the streak 
• Utilizing community to help you
• How the people you follow can influence your inspiration and motivation 
• The importance of recognizing that motivation comes in waves 
• How imagining how good your body will feel after a workout can motivate you 
• Imagine what the healthiest version of yourself would do 
• Members of the Balanced Life Team share their tricks for staying motivated 

Links in this episode:

• FREE Workouts: 5-day Pilates Strong Challenge
• The Balanced Life Sisterhood
• Follow Robin on Instagram
• How to break the streak of not working out

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The post Tricks I use when I’m lacking motivation appeared first on The Balanced Life.

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