Spring Into Shape

By Debbie Lichter -

Founder of PIN-UP GIRL PILATES and

Co-Creator of ALIGN YOU Young Women’s Empowerment Workshop.

Just for being a Tribal Truth member and a dedicated leader in your community, business or network, you are eligible for a FREE Private Pilates session, and complimentary consultation at Pin-up Girl Pilates (Value $80). Call Debbie Lichter on 858.353.6162 or Debbie.lichter@gmail.com

With spring approaching, you may find the desire to do a little spring cleaning on your body and soul program. How are you coming on your New Year’s resolutions? If you’re like most of us, your resolutions are stuffed in the back of your mind and the guilt from not following through is ever-present.

The good news is that springtime gives us another golden opportunity to clear those limiting beliefs and take action on the positive practices that will help us stay on track to manifesting our greatest potential in mind, body and soul.

One area that we often get stuck is with our relationship with our body. As women we tend to objectify ourselves: We analyze our curves in the mirror, focusing on the areas we dislike and then allowing those limiting thoughts and judgments to determine how we feel about our entire being.

Well it’s time to expand the context of what we think of ourselves.

As a dedicated pilates instructor and movement educator, I am confronted, not only with my own limiting belief patterns, but also those of the women I work with. Over the years, I’ve seen profound differences in the way my clients feel and relate to their bodies before and after a pilates session. Some might walk in feeling frustrated, stressed and fat, but after a session that focuses on body & soul awareness, and aligning with their inner strength, they always leave feeling centered, balanced, invigorated and more body confident.

Mindful movement that honors your body as a complete and beautiful machine can actually change the way you think and feel about your body. From my own daily aligning practices, I have discovered 3 powerful tools to maintaining a healthy mind, body and soul.

1. Daily Movement – Whatever gets you inspired—from cranking up some tunes and dancing in your living room to hiking with a friend to yoga or pilates—do something to flush out the toxins in your body and clear your mind for at least 30 minutes each day.
2. Daily Journaling and/or meditation – Making time to reflect and be present to your thoughts and feelings is one of the best ways to stop anxiety, feeling overwhelmed and the myriad of other emotions that come up when we feed into our limiting thoughts, cycles and beliefs. Start with 5 minutes each morning and create a daily intention, through meditation or journaling, and then follow up with 5 minutes at the end of each day to reflect on the day’s events.
3. Daily Meeting – Formal or informal, whether you’re workout buddies or work colleagues, reaching out and connecting with other women in an authentic way every day is at the heart of feeling connected to your community and to the world. As my friend and colleague Cindy Silbert always says, “We as women are powerful creators.” The path for us to create a global women’s empowerment movement is to begin locally, and support each other with the big and small events of our lives. By interacting with women in a loving and authentic way every day, you open your own heart and begin to see your value and unique gifts in a new light.

“I have worked with Debbie in both group and private settings for over three years, and I have never had such a positive experience with an athletic instructor.  For me her brilliance is that she considers her clients’ intellect and emotions in addition to their bodies.  Debbie knows when I’m getting stuck because of my inhibitions and works me through a movement until I gain a new appreciation of what my body is capable of.  She is a gifted teacher who knows her craft and the art of pilates.  When I leave her studio I feel exhilarated and confident and it shows in my posture and emanates from my core, the core that pilates with Debbie makes strong.”

-Robin Stewart, San Diego