Once More with Feeling: The Value of Repetition
When anniversaries come around, it’s natural to reflect on the days, months, and years that add up to the overall achievement being celebrated. In the case of Retrofit’s 25th Anniversary, we can’t help but marvel at just how many of our clients continue to practice Pilates with us after so many years!
There’s real power in repetition. When it comes to physical exercise and our bodies, repetition is the key to building muscle memory. Over time, movements that were once completely foreign or quite difficult for us become automatic and precise. Repetition helps solidify technique and makes it easier for us to recall. Repetition allows us to fine tune our actions, and become more mindful and aware. Haven’t we all had the experience of being in class, doing an exercise that we’ve done many times before, but hearing or feeling a cue differently, and unlocking a mystery about the exercise that allows us to take it to a new level.
Repetition also increases confidence. There’s a reason we encourage new clients to take our Core Principles or Precision classes before diving into Power Reformer, even at higher levels of fitness, because breaking exercises down and performing them over and over creates a familiarity and ease that makes it possible to then tackle more complex advanced repertoire without abandoning our most basic movement principles.
Additionally, repetition strengthens neural pathways, promoting the connections between neurons in your brain, which facilitates faster and more efficient transmission of signals related to movement. This neurological adaptation is essential for skill acquisition and retention.
As an instructor, I have had the privilege of observing long time clients demonstrate some of the most challenging exercises in the Pilates canon with the ease of a pro. Just last week, we tackled Semicircle, Tendon Stretch and Long Back Stretch in the Power Reformer class, and veterans of Barbara Grant’s morning classes rocked them without breaking a sweat!
Repetition helps establish consistency and routine, which is vital when it comes to long term progress. Regular repetition reinforces discipline and commitment, which leads to better functional movement, strength and overall mobility–in other words, success!
As Joseph Pilates said, “Correctly executed and mastered to the point of subconscious reaction, these exercises will reflect grace and balance in your routine activities.”
Congratulations to all of our clients, past and present, for committing to a Pilates practice and making Retrofit part of your journey! Whether you’re just starting out and setting new goals, or you’re interested in deepening your practice, in honour of Retrofit’s 25th birthday, let’s celebrate our milestone achievements! Follow us on social media for insight, exercises and helpful tips!
See you in class!
Pam Ferguson
Retrofit Master Instructor
Lead Instructor/Operations Associate
