On March 20th, Spring will finally grace us with her presence. The flowers, sunlight and unavoidable allergies will return. Everyone emerges from their home and prepares to go back outside for walks and breathe the fresh air.
Hamptons.com sat down with Suzette Smith, Owner and Founder of Shelter Island Pilates and Barre, to discuss her studio, spring, and how to reset ourselves for spring.
She shared, “Spring is a lighter season; we shed layers, adopt a less heavy diet, and reconnect with nature with some slightly more enticing temperatures. Once we find harmony with the season, we enter into a flow that helps us connect to our higher, happiest selves in every aspect. Our studios on Shelter Island are unique in that we offer fitness experiences at all different price points. Our expert instructors offer private sessions, duets, group mat classes, and Barre. There is truly something for everyone. Most recently, we were really proud to put our full OnDemand library into a subscription service, so for $40 a month, anyone can access our full array of workouts wherever they are, whenever they want.”
Here are Suzette’s ways to check in with yourself this season and put your healthiest foot forward, both inside and out:
1. Release yourself – Stress may be felt in your mind, but it is held in your body. Ache in your shoulders or the tightness in your hips can be a result of stress internalized over time. Incorporating exercise such as yoga or pilates into your routine can alleviate pain, help you sleep better, and lift your overall mood – regularly!
2. Reconnect – Call a friend and go for a walk outside. The combination of social interaction and exercise will have your endorphins flowing, making any winter blues a distant memory.
3. Re-energize – Switch up your workout! Add another class to the schedule, or switch gears and try something new. The “best exercise” is whichever one you like the most, and will keep coming back to. Committing to a low impact and strengthening exercise such as pilates will keep your body tuned up to do the activities that bring you joy, whether it’s golf, tennis, or gardening.
4. Reprioritize – Invest in yourself and your own well being, and physical health will follow. Try to work out 3 times a week at minimum and feel your energy shift. Quality over quantity fitness can have positive effects for years to come.
5. Realign – When the way we think, the way we feel, and our actions all align, we find well being, grace, and harmony with our surroundings. When we keep well-being as our ultimate goal- whatever “well being” looks like to you- our body, mind and spirit align perfectly.
