The Importance of Learning Something New

“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”

-Pablo Picasso

Laura G. Altman’s Core Align 1 training at The Movement Study in New York City

“Ok you're up!” Laura, our teacher-trainer said.

It was an early Sunday morning, the beginning of what would be 2 days of intense training on a new machine for the studio. I was the last of the small group of Pilates professionals to volunteer.

The machine has two separate carts that slide on tracks like skis. With light resistance the track feels like ice, and with more it loads your movement giving you a satisfying or challenging resistance.

In front of the two moving carts (usually for your standing feet) is a tall ladder with multiple rungs to choose. (see photo)

“Ok hold on to the ladder here, and step up. One foot at a time. You’ve got this,” said Laura.

Hands a bit tense, and neck holding,  I reminded myself that several others had just done this without any major mishaps, and took a breath.

“Now press out,” she said,  “This is called the Statue on Wheels. Remember: keep your head over your feet.”

I pressed out and slid back in a bit too quickly, trying to find my balance.

Pause. Then I went again.

“Keep your eyes forward. Find your feet.”

There it was: my body lit up with a sensation between floating and stabilizing.

After a few minutes and exercises later I could see how this machine could wake up not just my balance, but a whole studio of our clients needing new input.

Laura guiding Theresa’s foot as Margi looks on.

Experts in the mind-body field say that it is important to our health to bring new stimuli into our field. We can get stuck in a rut, and lose our plasticity. This is particularly hard as we get older and new things don’t feel safe or appropriate for us. Private sessions and mat classes are great for waking up old exercises. A teacher may add a new prop or give a new cue for an exercise you already know well.  But you can seek other opportunities like the Core Align machine, a dance class, a drawing class. Look for things that open you up to new ways of moving and seeing. Habits we may want to change sometimes lose their grip when we start to swim in new waters.

With the right support, the new things can be fun and healthy.