The Secret to Showing Up

I always say the hardest part of any workout is just showing up. Let’s be real- sleeping in, staying home, and skipping your movement training is so much easier. And I totally get it. Motivation can be hard to come by, and some days, it doesn’t show up at all. 

I’ve had plenty of ups and downs in my own training practice. I’ve overtrained and burned out. I’ve hit periods where I didn’t train at all. Neither one felt great and both stalled my progress. What I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) is that consistency starts with mindset. It’s about having the tools to keep coming back, get out of bed, and show up. 

Here are five tips that have helped me (and that I hope will help you) stay consistent, more grounded, and connected to your movement practice. 

1. Schedule in advance

   Take care of future you. Block off your workouts like you would a meeting—because that’s exactly what it is: a standing appointment with your body, your brain, and your long-term health. 

   If you wait to “find the time,” it probably won’t happen. Your calendar will fill up with everything else, and movement will slip to the bottom of the list. So get ahead of it. Literally. Schedule it, protect it, and honor it like you would anything else that really matters. It’s not just exercise—it’s an invitation to step away from the noise. Think of it as non-negotiable me time.

2. Manage Expectations 

   I think motivation is overrated. Waiting to “feel like” working out is like telling an artist to wait for inspiration before picking up the brush. You’ll be waiting forever. It’s unrealistic to expect your brain and body to be hyped for every workout. There’s almost always some resistance—maybe it’s finding parking, or the mild discomfort of exercise itself. That’s normal. That’s part of it.

   The trick is to expect the resistance. Expect that you won’t feel like it sometimes. And then do it anyway. Let go of the need to be motivated, and focus on showing up. That shift alone takes a huge weight off your back.

3. Choose exercise that energizes you

   Your workout isn’t a punishment—it’s a privilege. The fitness industry loves to sell us the idea that unless you’re drenched in sweat and totally wrecked, it doesn’t count. That’s false advertising and metabolically unsustainable.

   At its best, exercise should leave you feeling more energized—not wiped out. If you’re constantly needing a nap after movement, something’s off. Sustainable, approachable training gives back to your body and your nervous system. That’s the sweet spot—not just for consistency, but for longevity.

   Strong and Steady > Sweaty and Spent

4. Get Really Clear on Your “Why”

   At this point, we all know movement is good for us. That’s not news. But when it comes to actually getting out of bed and staying consistent, logic isn’t always enough.That’s where your why comes in. Ask yourself why you’re working out. Try and go deeper than “it’s good for me.” Get specific.

   Maybe it’s to walk up the stairs without getting winded. To get on the floor and play with your grandkids. To build bone density for your future self. To feel less anxious. 

   For me, movement is about improving my quality of life—mind, body, and spirit. I’m a more enjoyable person to be around when I train. It gives me self-esteem, energy, and purpose to take on whatever else the day throws at me. That’s the “why” I come back to—especially on the days I don’t feel like it.

5. Set clear, attainable goals (& celebrate the little wins!)

   Chasing a goal, no matter how small, gives your training structure and purpose. Try setting short-term goals you can actually achieve in a month or two. Maybe it’s completing your One Hundred without breaks. Or going on two walks a week for four weeks straight.

   Setting the goal is the easy part. Staying accountable? That’s the challenge. And you don’t have to do it alone—that’s literally my job! Tell a friend, a partner, or your trainer what you’re working toward. Say it out loud. Write it down. Give it meaning, and then get after it.

   And please, celebrate your wins. Every time you show up, every rep, every walk, every deep breath at the end of a session- it all counts. I encourage you to take a second after you move and say to yourself, “I did that.” Positive self-talk creates positive feedback loops. And those loops keep you coming back for more.

For me, consistency starts in the brain. Joseph Pilates never set out to create a “workout”—he created a lifestyle. One that adapts with you, supports you, and stays with you through all the seasons of life. I find that really comforting. I hope these small, actionable tips nudge you a little closer to your movement goals—both inside the studio and out. I’m here to support you, guide you, and remind you: you don’t have to do it alone. 

Keep showing up and keep moving!