Why Simply Showing Up Matters Most
By Hannah McKimm
When it comes to movement, consistency really is the most important ingredient. Not intensity. Not willpower. Just the act of rolling out your mat and showing up, even for five minutes, again and again and again.
So many people believe they need to feel motivated to work out. But motivation is a bit of a myth when it comes to setting up healthy habits. It naturally fluctuates depending on your mood, your energy levels, your hormones, your schedule, and about a thousand other things. So if we rely on motivation alone to get moving, we’ll always be waiting for the stars to align, and that very rarely happens.
So what’s the secret? Routine. When movement becomes something you just do, not something you have to negotiate with yourself about, it gets easier. Over time, it becomes a habit, one that actually supports your body, mind and energy levels, rather than draining them.
Forget Willpower, think Routine
Willpower can only get us so far. The more we try to force ourselves into doing something, the harder it becomes to keep up. The trick is to reduce as many friction points as possible so that it really is easy to get your exercise done. When we attach movement to a consistent time of day, a certain cue (like putting the kettle on, or finishing work), or even a weekly planner, it becomes part of your day to day life, like brushing your teeth or making your morning coffee.
This is especially true with Pilates. Because it doesn’t require an hour-long class or a big burst of energy, it’s one of the easiest forms of exercise to make part of your daily routine. Even 5–10 minutes is incredibly effective when it’s done regularly.
Why Consistency Works
Every time you repeat a movement pattern, you’re reinforcing a pathway in your nervous system. That’s neuromuscular control, aka your brain and body becoming better at communicating so that your movement becomes smoother, more efficient, and more automatic. Pilates is a skill, a bit like learning an instrument, so it’s the regular repetition that achieves progress and gets you to your goals.
With consistent practice, you begin to:
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Feel muscles switch on more easily and effortlessly
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Notice improvements in posture and alignment
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Experience better balance and control
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Recover faster and move with less discomfort
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Feel mentally clearer, calmer and more focused
These are the results that come from consistency, not from pushing yourself to your limits, but from returning to your mat regularly and moving with intention.
The Real Secret to Progress
Progress doesn’t come from perfection, it comes from repetition. You don’t need to “smash” your workouts or “go hard” to get results. You just need to show up, even when it’s not perfect. Even when you’re tired. Even when your class is cut short.
One class a week is better than none.
Five minutes of mindful movement is better than 30 minutes of scrolling.
A few deep breaths and pelvic tilts are better than waiting for motivation to magically appear.
Consistency is about doing what you can, not what you think you should.
How to Build a Sustainable Routine
Here are a few ways to help movement become a regular part of your life:
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Schedule it like an appointment: block time in your calendar or write it down on your to-do list.
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Keep your mat visible and leave your equipment out: if it’s out of sight, it’s out of mind.
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Choose short classes when you’re short on energy or time: our minis are perfect for this.
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Celebrate the small wins: take a moment to feel that satisfaction for getting it done and remind yourself of this feeling next time you can’t be bothered.
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Forgive skipped sessions: whether you miss a class or a whole month, this doesn’t undo your progress. Just come back when you can.
You’re Building More Than Strength
By showing up consistently, you’re not just building strength or flexibility, you’re building a routine that is the key to a healthier and happier you. You’re proving that you can care for your body even when life is full, and that movement can be something that supports you, not something that adds pressure.
So the next time you feel the pull of the snooze button or the end-of-day fatigue, remember that some movement is always better than none. Just roll out your mat, press play and let your routine do the rest.
Han x