45 Classes Later

When I started Pilates in the US nine months ago, I walked in expecting the standard deal: a reformer, sore muscles, and a lot of focus on my form. I was ready for the workout, but I didn’t expect to learn so much about keeping things interesting.

Today, I hit 45 classes. My core is definitely stronger, but honestly, the biggest takeaway has been seeing how much effort goes into keeping the energy alive.

Keeping the Vibe Alive

We often think of fitness as a grind, a repetitive cycle of reps and sets. But the team at my studio flipped that script entirely. They didn’t just teach a class; they curated an experience.

Every single month, the studio transformed. The team had to get creative to keep the decor and the vibe fresh, and the result was that no two months ever felt the same.

I remember walking in one week to a full “Take Me Back to the 90s” takeover. It wasn’t just a Spotify playlist; the instructors were decked out in neon windbreakers and scrunchies, the lighting was nostalgic, and the exercises were perfectly timed to the beat of 90s pop hits. Holding a plank is painful, but holding a plank while syncing your breath to the Backstreet Boys? That’s a vibe.

Then came Fall, and suddenly the studio was covered in autumn leaves, making it feel cozy despite the sweat. Halloween was even wilder with “deadly” challenges, color codes, and trick-or-treat stations. It turned a tough workout into a game you wanted to win.

Why Creativity Matters Everywhere

This experience got me thinking about how we define “creativity.” We usually reserve that word for artists, designers, or writers. We think creativity belongs in a gallery or a marketing meeting.

I realized that creativity is actually the secret sauce of consistency.

If they had just run the same standard class for nine months, I might have quit by class 20. But by injecting creativity into the routine, they made the hard work feel like a celebration.

This applies to every walk of life.

In our jobs
You might be working with spreadsheets or code, not paintbrushes. But how you present that data, how you solve a recurring problem, or how you organize your team meetings requires creativity to keep engagement high.

In our relationships
It’s easy to fall into a “dinner and a movie” rut. Creativity is the effort to plan a surprise, try a new hobby together, or just change the scenery.

In our daily grind
Even chores or errands can benefit from the “90s playlist” treatment.

Creativity isn’t just about making things look pretty, it’s about making things work. It is the tool we use to stop the mundane from becoming monotonous.

Reflecting on my 45 classes, I’m proud of the physical progress I’ve made. But I’m even more grateful for the reminder that a little bit of imagination can turn a difficult challenge into something you actually look forward to.

Here’s to the next 45 classes and to finding ways to bring that “Halloween Challenge” energy into the rest of my life.

 

 

Storyteller