Creatives are made to walk and do pilates

As a self-proclaimed creative, I find that I spend the majority of my time in a cross-legged sitting position. This is not good for circulation, posture, or overall health, but it has become my habit. And it’s most comfortable to me.

But as much as I love my time spent reading, writing, and in deep contemplation, I love being young and free and don’t want to lose my mobility or bodily independence. And whoever says beauty is meaningless doesn’t know what they are talking about, because I care about that too.

To counteract my languorous lifestyle, I partake in long walks and pilates. And I think all other creatives should too. Both of these forms of exercise are low-impact and won’t take your concentration away from your creative endeavors.

Walking

There is nothing to lose from walking. It improves sleep, boosts mood and energy, and maintains overall fitness. But the best part is that walking can be done anywhere at any time. Put on your favorite flowing dress–you can layer it with leggings, gloves, and a scarf in colder months–and get outside. Romanticize your walk wherever you are. I live in rural farmland and I can never get enough of watching the birds, the cows, the trees, the clouds. It is truly a mediative and quickly transformative experience. It turns your average day into the most wonderful adventure. It is that simple.

Additionally, walking gives inspiration for nature writing, poetry, and simply gives you the peace and quiet to ruminate on plots and preexisting ideas for your novel–or whatever creative project you are working on.

There are many times that I have conceived concepts for posts on this blog when out on a meandering walk.

Pilates

Similar to walking, pilates enhances our mobility, strength, and flexibility. And it corrects our atrocious posture.

There are plenty of pilates videos on the internet that you can follow along with from the comfort of your home with no need to socialize or pay for a class that you’ll end up not wanting to attend when the time comes around.

As previously mentioned, pilates is a low-intensity workout, but it will warm you up after a few hours of reading under a tree or writing at a desk.

I find that 10 to 20 minutes is the perfect amount of time to dedicate to pilates. It is not much of a time commitment, so it is easier to disrupt your creative process when you feel the pull of movement. Also, if you need several breaks while you work/create, a few 10-minute pilates sessions spread throughout the day is more than achievable. And it makes you feel so lovely and glowing.

Although I admire those with the self-discipline to run three miles every morning or lift heavy weights, I abhor the heavy-breathing and over-exertion that comes with it. If you are anything like me, you will find that walks and pilates are the perfect solution to bettering yourself and the quality of your life while not draining the energy you need to practice your craft. ♡