When did movement get so sensible?
You ran because you felt like running. You hung upside down just to see if you could. You cartwheeled until you were dizzy, fell over, laughed, got up and tried again. You didn't worry about looking silly, because movement wasn't something you could be good or bad at. It was just something you enjoyed.
Then you grew up. Somewhere among the emails, appointments, grocery runs and remembering to book the dentist, you became very sensible. (Don't worry, we did too.)
What's wrong with having goals?
Nothing. Now, most of the things we do for ourselves have goals attached. You practise yoga to become flexible, or calm. You go to Pilates to get stronger. You meditate because someone said it was good for your mental health. All very responsible.
And also, sometimes, kind of boring. When every class has to earn its place by moving you towards a target, it starts to feel like homework. Homework is the first thing to go when life gets busy.
Can practice be disciplined and fun?
Yes. The best ones usually are both. Movement practices can be disciplined because they challenge us and teach us to stay when things are uncomfortable. That's valuable. They should also be joyful. It's completely fine to practise for no deeper reason than that it feels good to move.
Play also changes how you learn. When you're not worried about getting it right, you try the arm balance, you wobble out of it, you laugh and you try again. That's how a practice actually grows.
How do I bring some play back?
- Try a class you've never done. If you're a yoga regular, give Barre Pilates a go. If you live in Pilates, try Dynamic Yoga.
- Take a ridiculously early class, just to see what the studio feels like at sunrise.
- Bring a friend. Every Flolo membership includes a free weekly guest pass for someone who hasn't been before.
- When your teacher offers a harder option, try it for the fun of it rather than the achievement. Falling out of it is part of the game.
- Keep an eye on our workshops and events page for challenges, masterclasses and one-off sessions that shake up the routine.
There's more on why mixing things up builds a more capable body in why your body loves variety.
So, can you come out and play?
Consider this us knocking on your door. Pick something on the timetable that makes you a little curious. Go for no better reason than that it sounds fun.