What Pilates Taught Me About Showing Up — And the Limiting Beliefs That Keep Us Stuck

Twice a week, no matter what, I go to Pilates.

Before Yom Tov.

Before a wedding.

Sometimes even when I’m sick.

My family already knows — unless something dramatic is happening… I’m going.

We’re a small group, five or six women, same instructor, same room, same time. And honestly?

It changed my life.

More energy. Less aches. Better mood. Stronger body.

If you asked me to choose between fancy food and my Pilates membership… bread and butter wins. Pilates stays.

That’s how important it is to me.

Not because I’m so disciplined.

Because it’s scheduled.

Because I paid.

Because it’s simply non-negotiable.

I don’t debate it.

I just show up.

There’s a woman in our group — let’s call her Miri.

She only comes once a week.

And in her own words:

“I’m heavy. I’m so out of shape. I really should come twice.”

We all encourage her. The instructor encourages her. Especially the Friday class — that’s the stretching and mobility work that would help her the most.

She agrees with everything. She wants it. She knows she needs it.

And then she says:

“I just can’t come on Fridays.”

She’s not busy. Shabbos cooking is mostly done Thursday. Nothing dramatic is happening.

She just… can’t.

Like Friday has a force field around it.

In her mind, exercise simply doesn’t happen that day. End of story.

No flexibility. No discussion. Just a rule her brain made years ago.

Standing there listening to her, something hit me.

This isn’t about Pilates.

It’s about belief.

We all do this.

We create invisible rules… and then we live trapped inside them.

And this is exactly what I see with sleep.

Every. Single. Day.

People come to me exhausted and frustrated and say:

“I can’t fall asleep before midnight.”

“I’m just a bad sleeper.”

“My brain doesn’t shut off.”

“I can’t sleep without pills.”

“I’ve always been like this.”

They say it with such certainty, like it’s biology. Like it’s permanent.

But most of the time?

It’s just a Friday story.

A belief that got repeated so many times it started to feel true.

Sleep isn’t only chemistry.

It’s structure. It’s rhythm. It’s showing up.

Just like Pilates.

But not in a rigid, boot-camp kind of way. Not perfect. Not strict.

The clients who move forward fastest aren’t the “perfect sleepers.” They’re the ones who decide they’re ready to show up for themselves.

They have a plan.

Maybe not a tight, color-coded schedule — but a rhythm. A direction. An intention.

They choose their sleep the same way I choose Pilates.

Not every night feels easy. Not every night feels convenient. But it’s not a debate anymore.

It’s simply:

“This matters to me. So I’m doing it.”

Whether it’s deciding to wind down earlier, giving yourself a breather, moving your body, asking for support, or just setting a gentle intention in your mind of when you’ll rest — it’s the choice you make for yourself. One small, consistent action that says: my health matters. My sleep matters. I’m showing up for myself. Night after night after night.

And that quiet consistency? That’s what changes everything.

Sometimes the biggest shift isn’t a supplement or a new trick.

It’s gently asking:

What if Friday isn’t the problem?

What if the story isn’t true?

What if you actually can sleep better — with the right support and a simple plan?

(If you missed it, I wrote more about this idea here → https://www.chevymermelsteinsleepcoach.org/post/sometimes-you-don-t-need-a-vacation-you-just-need-a-break-from-yourself

And if you’re reading this thinking, “Okay fine… I know I need this… but I have no idea where to start…”

That’s exactly why I exist.

You don’t need to figure it out alone.

Sometimes the bravest, most practical step is simply booking the call and saying, “Help me make this my Pilates.”

If you’re ready to finally show up for your sleep, you can grab a time on my calendar here:https://calendly.com/chevymermelstein/30min

No pressure. Just a conversation.

Bread and butter optional.

Sleep included 🙂