No Springs November Challenge
A community-driven reformer challenge
I love exploring no springs on my reformer so much that I decided to dedicate a whole month to it. When I made this decision, my Instagram account was at its peak. The Pilates Community on the ‘Gram was really into sharing the inspirational work of others.
In my mind, November felt like the unofficial start to the holidays. I thought that by sharing our no springs posts, we would motivate each other to stop during our busy days, and take some time for ourselves (springs or no springs). Because when we take time for ourselves and recharge, we’re able to give more to the people around us. Plus, the holiday season can be tough (even lonely) for some and I wanted to find a way to connect people.
I wondered - would it be challenging? Would people be stretchy or strong? Would they share a spin off of someone else’s share? Would we “connect?”
It did all of those things. I was touched to see how people from all over the world took part and have continued to take part each year since it kicked off.
Today, I still want that original sense of community. I still want to have some fun, to connect. Because as I look back, each kick off seemed to have me writing about the challenges going on in the world, and hoping this could help us all find some kind of joy. Because Pilates has the power to transform lives. Whether it’s just the movement, or the practice of moving together.
“Change happens through movement, and movement heals.”
— Joseph Pilates
Let’s Talk About the Challenge
Once November hits and things kick off, each week will have a weekly focus. The goal is to be creative with a no springs setting on your reformer (or push through bar), and share it to Instagram. If you miss a week or post without a focus, that’s ok! You can still share, anytime! With or without the theme (just be sure to use the hashtag #nospringsnovember and tag me so I can share your post and keep the community vibe going).
The themes
Week 1 - Abs/Spinal Flexion/Extension
Week 2 - Lower Body
Week 3 - Upper Body
Week 4 -Lateral Flexion/Rotation
Week 5 - Free Style
Because this challenge was created to inspire all of us to make time for ourselves and to lift each other up, consider a shout out to someone you think might like to join in on the challenge when you post OR someone that’s already inspired you with their No Springs moves. Better yet, dedicate it to someone that cannot move right now OR could use some TLC in their life.
This should really be about our Pilates Community.
Playing with No Springs at Boston Body Pilates. Photo credit: Zayna Gold
The Pilates Community
I started using Instagram as a way to dive deeper into my Pilates. I would look for specific exercises to gain a better understanding of set ups, executions, etc. I definitely found all of these things, but I found so much more. I found a community that brought me new friendships, helped me build my own business, and provided a place to share what I love with like minded people.
However, the ‘Gram she is a changing. The community has grown exponentially. Change is inevitable. And though things from the past can never be as they once were, I do hope this year's No Springs challenge will still remind us of the gift this Pilates Community has been, and still is, for many of us.
If you decide to join in on the fun - thank you! Thank you for being a part of No Springs November. I hope you meet some new movers, and find time for yourself through movement.
Let's create something fun together! Learn more
-B
Share & follow to get the momentum going!
For any questions, please contact bonnie@bonniezeitner.com and be sure to check out my my “no springs” posts on my Instagram
