I adore waking up early. For me, it’s the time of day where I have the freedom and space to ask myself what I need for that day.
I can give myself what feels like the bonus of free time without considering anyone or anything else. I’ve always been an early riser. It’s my golden time of calm. What I do during this time changes and flexes depending on my prior day or the day ahead. It feels like a secret indulgent time that I try to protect where I can. I know if I do this, I will be a better version of myself for the rest of the day and future me. It doesn’t feel selfish because everyone else is still sleeping or resting. So, I either sneak into my studio for mat work or equipment movement, or I head straight downstairs for early calm and cuddles from Mojo, my pup. I’m so happy knowing there are no demands on me in that slice of time. It is strictly protected time.
What if you put your needs first and then designed and created your day around those needs? Could that possibly work? Initially, I came up with many excuses and blocks as to why I couldn’t. I’d find myself wiping surfaces, folding laundry, or aimlessly scrolling, unaware that my ‘time for me’ had drifted by. I’d repeatedly think, “I’ve no time,” “I can’t,” “That’s not possible.” But after reading some amazing books and becoming more aware of how I actually spend my time, I decided to consciously choose how to spend it. That sentence alone is so considered—time truly is a currency that we’re given every day, and we choose what to spend it on. As Einstein said, “We actually make time.” And we do. How many times have you not considered how you spend your time?
I’m by no means an expert, just a curious practitioner trying to grow and refine how I spend my days. I’m learning as I go and am grateful for every promised new day, allowing me to refine how I spend my time a little more.
My morning routine ideally starts at 5:30 am, depending on the day, but Sunday is always later. It sets the tone for the rest of my day. I’ve created a blend of rituals and habits that adapt due to life’s demands, but they are essential for preparing my mind and body for the challenges ahead.
Pilates is functional movement, so I know it helps me do life better, whether today or tomorrow. I intend to be stronger for tomorrow. Pilates is an ideal addition to any morning routine.
My Pilates practice supports both physical health and mental clarity. It creates much-needed space in both my body and mind. I love the emphasis on the deep connection of movement to body, breath, and balancing my imbalances.
Starting the day with Pilates for me offers numerous benefits. First, it awakens the body gently. Unlike high-intensity workouts, Pilates focuses on deliberate movements that gradually warm up the muscles. This can be particularly beneficial in the morning when our bodies are still stiff from sleep. Engaging in a series of Pilates exercises helps increase blood flow, enhance flexibility, and reduce the risk of injury throughout the day.
Incorporating Pilates into your morning ritual also boosts mental clarity. The practice requires concentration and control, encouraging mindfulness. By focusing on your breath and the precise movement of each muscle, you can clear your mind of lingering thoughts and start the day with a clean slate. This meditative aspect of Pilates helps reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and focus that can carry you through even the busiest days.
Pilates is a full body workout. It strengthens the muscles in your centre by focusing on the two-way stretch, which is essential for overall stability and posture. A strong centre supports your spine, reducing back pain and improving balance. This foundational strength can positively impact your confidence and presence throughout the day.
Pilates is adaptable to all body types and fitness levels. It’s not competitive—it’s just you versus you from the previous day. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, you can tailor your morning Pilates routine to suit your capabilities and personal movement goals. This versatility ensures that you can continue to challenge yourself and see progress over time.
Establishing a morning Pilates routine doesn’t require much time or space. A 20-minute session on a mat at home can be incredibly effective. As you become more familiar with the movements, you can customize your routine to target specific areas or align with your personal fitness goals. Even if you only have five minutes, you can make it work.
For me, integrating Pilates into my morning routine is a powerful way to cultivate healthy habits that influence my day and encourage a self-care approach. Embrace Pilates as part of your morning ritual and experience the transformative benefits of this practice.
My Ideal Morning Routine:
• Water
• Pilates
• Breathing, Music, Meditation
• Ritual of Tea/Coffee/Supplements
• Dog Cuddle
• Journaling and Visualizing My Day
• Iced Shower or Plunge
• Family Prepped and Out
• Dog Walk in Sunlight or Rain
• Breakfast
• Review of My Day Ahead
• Clients Arrive / First Session
My biggest tip is to start small—just start with part of the habit, not all at once, and layer it in. I love the book Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg and The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, which talks about upper limiting if you want to explore more about how to create a morning that works for you.
Your routine and desires will, of course, be different from mine and will always evolve to match your needs. Let me know how you get on, I can't wait to hear how this could possibly help you and we can share tips together.