February 2026
Hello Pilates People, and welcome to February!
I’m so curious how January has been for you all, and how many of you used Megan’s assessment to reflect on your overall health and lifestyle balance. Did you find it helpful or eye-opening in any way? Has it helped you make any changes or create new habits?
I was not surprised to find that community was the area where I could be more intentional. I really enjoy quiet time at home. It is easy for me to pass on a social invitation to spend time with my husband and daughter or work in my garden. I have a few very close friends, but we don't talk every day or see each other every week. Spending time in the studio, surrounded by mentors, peers, clients, and students, often feels like all the additional community that I need. However, I can't help but wonder if this is enough. Can work, which is naturally depleting in some way, also be replenishing? Do the fulfilling days balance out the more draining days? I find that so long as I am consistent with the other pillars of health (movement, mind/body connection, nature, sunshine, and breathing), finding community through a job I am passionate about works for me.
Community is one thing that I have loved about Pilates from my very first class. Previously, I worked from home, exercised at home, and found my favorite recreational activities there. I didn’t realize until beginning Pilates how much I was craving a bit of community. I quickly began to look forward to my two weekly classes, not only for the exercise and sense of centering, but for the other clients who shared the studio with me. Even though we only chatted for a few minutes before or after class a few days per week, we grew a bond and elevated one another's energy simply by sharing the same room. Now, as a teacher, I feel many of my clients share this feeling, and it makes me so happy to help provide it to them.
After assessing my personal relationship with the community, I began to wonder why community is so imperative to overall health anyway. I was surprised by what I learned. A Harvard study, begun in 1938 and ongoing today, continues to reveal that good relationships keep people happier and healthier, and that loneliness leads to an earlier decline in health and brain function. They report that satisfaction in one's relationships at age 50 was the single greatest predictor of health at age 80.
Those with a strong sense of community tend to exercise more regularly, eat a healthier diet, and sleep better. They tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, a lower risk of obesity, and a reduced risk of stroke, dementia, and anxiety. Growing up within the cultures and values of a strong community fosters a deeper sense of identity and belonging, a stronger purpose, and greater self-worth. Having a safe and supportive community reduces stress and improves overall quality of life.
Community is woven into every essence of our being; it’s intrinsic to humankind. High-quality, low-conflict relationships inspire, empower, and uplift us. Confidence grows. Happiness follows. Positivity and gratitude build on themselves, and overall life satisfaction rises. This is health, and it’s self-perpetuating.
