What Do We Need to be Successful?

Success is a relative term.

It can mean the smallest step, such as getting out of bed before your alarm clock chimes, or it can mean something larger, like making your first million dollars in your business. Clearly, there is a ton of room to interpret what we call success. And often, it can all depend on your personal definition and where you stand in this moment of your life. So, don’t be discouraged if you only see small successes and no larger ones. Often, the small victories lead to greater ones.

But what attribute is necessary to achieve such success? What can get us there faster, and almost guaranteed? Well, again, most people have their own ideas and interpretations. However, there may be one characteristic which can be said to be shared by all successful people:

Perseverance.

The will to keep moving forward has, and always will be, a large factor in achieving what we call success. And no more is this attribute necessary than when trying a new physical activity.

The team at FlowMotion has become intimately involved with perseverance. We have seen its powers, witnessed first hand how the active will to keep going can fuel stepping stones, and have preached its power to almost every class we have been involved in.

Standing on a mat and performing complicated movements while balancing on the water can be a humbling experience. Newcomers can find themselves splashing alongside the mat instead of successfully standing on top of it. And this can lead to feelings of inadequacy, impatience, and an overwhelming sensation to give up on the activity.

We have seen this happen before.

But we have also witnessed those same class participants find the strength to climb back on top of the mat and try again. And then, what happens? Through their perseverance, they start to see small victories. Maybe, instead of falling in while trying to do a complicated move, they nail it. Then what happens? Their confidence grows and as a subsequent factor, their bodies become stronger, healthier, and their overall mood improves.

It can be an amazing transformation to witness.

And with this cultivation of perseverance, participants often take this new superpower to other areas of their lives. They find the will to keep going in their business dealings, their daily struggles with addictions, even in their parenting.

Before they know it, they are seeing small and large successes in every facet of their lives.

Now, we aren’t saying this is due totally to participating in a FlowMotion class. But, like any other muscle, the tissue of perseverance must also be cultivated. And that is what we are saying. A FlowMotion class can be the perfect way to keep moving forward. To keep challenging yourself and improving yourself physically and mentally. And the lessons we learn on our mats will undoubtedly translate to every area of our daily lives.

Let’s live together in our small successes by cultivating our perseverance. Eventually, these small steps will indeed lead to larger ones.

FlowMotion Fitt at Sunrise SUP

Nestled next to the state capital of Annapolis, Sunrise SUP finds its home location on the shores of Edgewater, MD. Owned and operated by Kate and Shendan Grove, Sunrise has become a major hub for water-related activities on the bay.

A few years back, the Groves began to cultivate their love of the water by pursuing dreams of opening a SUP themed business. The first step was in deciding where to open their business. Given their house borders a pristine piece of real estate on what is called the South River, a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay, they decided to begin holding lessons on their shore.

As their popularity began to grow, they set their sites on purchasing a fleet of boards. Wanting to keep their purchases relatively local, they spotted Evolve Boards at local racing events and inquired about joining the team. Evolve gladly obliged and provided the Groves with a small fleet of rental and lesson boards to which they would be able to grow their business with.

Eventually, through hard work and patience, their following grew to a point where they were able to open a physical location where they could rent boards as well as hold indoor yoga classes in a studio. Together, along with a group of dedicated teachers, Kate and Shendan now offer new and experienced students SUP beginner lessons, rentals, advanced SUP race training, SUP yoga and now the chance to enjoy time on the Big Buddha yoga pod.

For those unaware, the Big Buddha yoga pod is FlowMotion’s trademark over-sized inflatable pod allowing instructors the ability to stand and teach on the center portion while students are attached by bungees on their own FlowMotion inflatable mat. The ability to test your core while having a close interaction with the teacher is unmatched on the Big Buddha.

Sunrise decided to get in on the FlowMotion action in order to have the mat and Buddha as a supplement to their Yoga and Drumming event- and it was a great success! Partnering with Druminyasa, Sunrise held a day filled with yoga, paddling, drumming, and an elevation of good vibes! The yoga pod was such a success, Sunrise has decided to implement it into other areas of their classes. We cannot wait to see what is in store for Kate and Shendan as they continue to grow as a business and as a community staple. With our help, and with the help of Evolve, there are no limits!

Be sure to check out all that Sunrise has to offer here. And be on the lookout for our Big Buddha pod next time you are in the Edgewater area!

FlowMotion Fitt at George Mason University

One of the most exciting aspects of spreading FlowMotion stoke is our time at colleges and schools across the country. With their booming aquatic centers as well as swim teams and clubs, FlowMotion is a natural addition to the environment. We are able to help swim teams reach their peak physical conditioning by combining our unique on-mat workouts with their already taxing daily swimming routines.

A favorite spot of ours to implement this training regimen is located at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.

The combination of maintaining a strong core and balance on the mat while performing static movements with the cardio of swimming laps increases both strength and cardiac output for athletes- giving them a distinct advantage against their competition.

Taught by our ultimate bringer-of-stoke, KJ offers classes three days a week to experience a complete workout on the water. Taking place on Tuesday and Sunday, classes are held in deep water (12ft. dive well) where students will be expected to swim to the mats, climb aboard, perform dynamic and static exercises while also swimming laps in between sets. These classes are for advanced students who are comfortable in deep water. Meaning, you will not be able to touch the bottom of the pool for the duration of the class.

As an example of what we expect our students at GMU to do, check out this staple workout:
Boot Camp and Swim
Swim 50 meters
30 squats
Swim 100 meters
20 mountain climbers
Swim 150 meters
10 pushups
Swim 200 meters
5 Burpees
Repeat 3 times

But, if you are not comfortable with this type of class, there is a different offering on Thursdays.

One day a week KJ offers a FlowMotion FITT Core group where she guides students through a shallow warm-water class concentrating on strengthening the core and increasing confidence in the water. These classes are for beginners interested in testing their mettle on a brand new surface, so if you feel yourself in a state of uncertainty this is the best class to begin with.

For those living in the Fairfax area and curious about our mats, GMU is the best place to quench your curiosity. Not only do you have the perfect options in regards to class offerings, but you will be taught by our leader in FlowMotion classes and brand awareness- KJ. Discover your inner power, increase your cardio and strength, all while enjoying one of the nicest aquatic facilities in the Delmarva area. Come see why George Mason University has quickly become one of our favorite facilities to experience time on the water and exercise on the mats!

FlowMotion Fitt Program Offerings

FlowMotion and all that the mats have to offer is a relative newcomer on the fitness scene. Things like personal gyms, stationary bikes, treadmills, and other outdoor equipment have existed for decades to help people get outside, stay fit, and feel better. And what’s more, they have been very good at doing just that. But as people grow and change, it is only natural for them to look outside the norms and search for something new, something exciting, and something they can share with their friends and families.

For a few years, paddleboarding was just that thing. The ability to stand up on the water and push a paddle through the resistance brought excitement to the bellies of those participating. It was an excellent way of being in nature and getting exercise in an unusual way. Which is why it exploded as much as it did. It wasn’t just fun, it wasn’t just that you were in nature, it was also because it was a great workout. And then from there, innovation happened.

Inflatable boards began to pop up on the scene. Now consumers were able to take their boards anywhere they chose. They could pack them in their bags and shoot down to Costa Rica to paddle on sunny shores during the winter, they could take them across the continent and find themselves in southern California, or even locally to their favorite lake, river or beach. But it didn’t stop there.

Eventually, the boards continued their innovation and out of our sister company Evolve, the FlowMotion Fitt mat was created. Now the ability to enjoy difficult exercise on the water could be done so inside in an aquatic facility environment. By connecting the mats to the swimming lanes, participants now had a stable, yet challenging platform to bring their usual gym workouts to the water. With the added benefit of balance and core strengthening, FlowMotion has gained popularity.

But not everyone has heard of us and all we have to offer just yet. This is why we have decided to put down our program offerings for everyone curious about FlowMotion to see. We hope this will convince those who are still not sure about plunging into this new take on aquatic fitness to take a class and enjoy fun on the water!

Boot Camp
The first and most famous workout on the mats is, of course, boot camp. This 45 min to 1-hour workout combines cardio and strength to give the participant the most complete workout on the mat. Often involving such exercises as burpees, pop-ups, squats and pushups, these somewhat simple movements are elevated in difficulty and in their ability to burn fat and gain muscle by adding in having to maintain balance on the un-stable mat. In addition, teachers will often push their participants by having them jump off the mats and into the water (if they choose to of course) and have them climb back onto the board. This may seem simple in theory, but the strength and cardio required to do this repeatedly will push even the fittest students to their maximum effort.

As a bonus, Boot Camp classes will also integrate other equipment such as floating medicine balls, resistance bands attached to the mat, and the occasional jump rope for those who excel in balance. The classes can be tailored to the audience so the level of difficulty is measured only by your willingness to push yourself. But rest assured, by the end of the class you will feel the results of having to push yourself through these exercises while at the same time maintaining a stable core on the mat. These classes are the absolute BEST way to get yourself into the best shape of your life!

Yoga
If you are not into high-intensity cardio or strength training programs, then maybe yoga will pique your interest. Following a traditional flow, and for those with an understanding of the practice of yoga, such sequences as the Sun Salutation 1 or Sun Salutation 2 are implemented in the class, allowing students to feel the poses while at the same time challenging them on the unstable surface of the mat. If you haven’t guessed it by now, the added benefit of being in a FlowMotion class is the ability to tighten and strengthen your core while at the same time still participating in a traditional class. The surface of the water combined with the mat makes all the difference. The unique surface will give seasoned yogis a brand new challenge as well as leave beginners with a better understanding of the practice and an advantage when they take a class in a traditional studio.

Meditation
When a class reaches the end of a yoga sequence, often they are guided into what is called savasana. This pose is essentially laying down on your mat with your eyes closed and your face to the sky. Participants are encouraged to relax their faces, their bodies, and their minds into the pose, allowing whatever thoughts to arise and letting them go. Essentially, this is a form of meditation and an excellent way to relax after a physically taxing class.

In addition, such participating FlowMotion centers such as Shamrock Swim Club in Massachusetts have also decided to unhook their student’s mats from the swim lanes allowing them to silently drift around the pool as they swim in the waters of their own minds in relaxation. Also, classes can consist of an entire session where participants are taken through a guided meditation as they silently drift through the pool. It is often described as a serene experience allowing the body and the mind to completely reset to face the challenges of the next day.

Kids Parties/Summer Camps
Kids love pools. Kids love parties. Combine the two and it’s made for an exciting afternoon. Consisting of the usual layout, mats are lined up in the swim lanes and attached appropriately. From there, instructors or supervisors will guide the children through a simple, yet fun workout usually involving inflatable balls, tennis balls or other pool appropriate equipment. If the kids do not wish to participate in a guided class, they can have fun in the free-roam portion of the party or camp, where instructors will allow them to jump on and off of their mats, meeting friends on theirs, and testing their balancing limits by jumping around with others. Often, we like to throw a jump rope in the mix and see how many consecutive tries are successful. This can be a fun and engaging activity for kids as well as a great cardio exercise. Whatever is done on the mats during one of these events, rest assured the kids will leave tired, happy, and satisfied with their time on the water.

Swim Team/Dive Team Warmups
Since our classes take place in aquatic fitness centers and sometimes on college grounds, we often run into the swim and dive teams of that respective center or school. By noticing our classes, coaches were able to see the clear benefits we were providing our clientele. Understanding the mechanics involved with standing and exercising on a mat, the coaches soon became interesting in getting their teams on them to either warm-up before practice or to concentrate on certain muscle groups to improve their team’s technique and strength. A FlowMotion Fitt class can be a great supplement to any swim team if they are looking to improve dexterity, strength, and balance.

1-on-1 Personal Training
Besides Boot Camp, 1-on-1 personal training may be the best way to experience what it feels like to be on a FlowMotion Fitt mat. While these classes are tailored to the individual and their needs, they still maintain the classic hallmark of a boot camp class: cardio exercises such as burpees, jump squats, and on/offs, and strength with traditional squats, pushups, and lunges. Working individually with a trainer will increase your attention and allow the instructor to personally guide you through the workout. This will increase the rapidity clients will see in their fitness and health levels. Get outside the gym and into your body by becoming familiar with a fitness mat on the water!

Renting Mats
A major benefit of owning our mats for fitness centers is the ability to rent them to outside organizations, civilians, or for events. While this may not be specifically for participants looking to take a class, this can be a great way for an aquatic center to make additional revenue while classes are not taking place. For example, the University of Maryland has rented its fleet of mats out for campus fitness events and even pool social nights. So, for those centers with a lingering uncertainty of whether FlowMotion Fitt mats are a good investment or not, look no further than this example. These mats bring interest to an aquatic center and because of this, opportunities are almost always readily available.

And for those with a curious mind, an example of a Boot Camp workout on the water could look something like this:

Boot Camp and Swim
Swim 50 meters
30 squats
Swim 100 meters
20 mountain climbers
Swim 150 meters
10 pushups
Swim 200 meters
5 Burpees

Repeat 3 times

This simple, yet effective workout allows students to understand their bodies, how they can better pace themselves and where they are with their endurance. It’s both challenging and fun!

Conclusion
The FlowMotion Fitt mat is the next step in the evolution of the standup paddleboard. By introducing an inflatable mat to aquatic fitness centers we have opened the door for a new level of fitness and excitement. Whether you choose a traditional Boot Camp style workout, want to gently flow through a Yoga sequence, or find the thrill of working with a personal trainer 1-on-1, participants are always left feeling like they have accomplished something difficult at the end of class. And of course, they always leave with a smile on their face as well. Be sure to check out where our mats are available in your area or contact us for more information and we can guide you in the correct direction!

FlowMotion Fitt at Shamrock Swim Club

When new clients purchase our mats they are given the opportunity to bring a unique exercise program to their fitness space. Whether it be a public or private aquatic facility, paddleboard company, YMCA, yoga studio, or other areas, program directors are able to work hand-in-hand with the staff at FlowMotion to craft their own program designs and schedules. These programs may include a traditional boot camp workout, 1-on-1 personal training for individuals and sports team, kid's birthday parties and camps, and of course, just renting mats to other third party participants. A perfect example of who we work alongside and the unique flavor they bring to the mats, as well as their program designs, are the great people at Shamrock Swim Club.

Located in Milton, Massachusetts, Shamrock Swim Club purchased boards about a year ago and have watched their classes gain popularity across all age-ranges. This is due to the unique opportunity FlowMotion offers participants to experience a workout on the water with friends and family. Shamrock offers two staple classes on their schedule which include:

FlowMotion Family Fitness: a fun, family-centered workout involving a simple boot-camp flow where participants will enhance their cardio and core strength by being tested on the moving mat buoyed by the water.

FlowMotion Fit Float: a more relaxed, slow-moving and inclusive flow, Fit Float allows students to quietly unplug from the outside world by drifting silently in restorative postures followed by a serene calming section complete with floating electronic candles and warm washcloths placed over the participant's eyes. This is a great way to disconnect from the stresses of life, come back to your body, and show some self-love. Watch your stress drift away alongside the candles bouncing around the pool.

These unique offerings at Shamrock Swim Club make this aquatic fitness zone an interesting place to experience a workout on our boards. Whether you enjoy a fast-paced boot camp style or need to leave your stress at the door, they have you covered. Be sure to contact Shamrock here if you are in the Milton area and give them a huge shout out on social media. We love meeting new clients, staying connected, and creating a tribe of fitness fanatics sharing in the love of creating the healthy bodies we desire!

New Beginnings

New Beginnings
It can be said, taking pride in our bodies may shape our entire character. If we are to examine this axiom, then what is to be found? Namely, any sort of disorganization, disease or discomfort found in the channels of our bodies will ultimately find its way to our minds, showing itself in our daily interactions with the world. We may then become disheartened, not wanting to participate in the totality of life, letting opportunities float away as quickly as they become revealed. If this were to continue over time, it is possible you may find yourself in a chaotic state of mind, unwilling to break the shackles of your own anxiety, slowly sinking into a pit of depression. Now, this may seem a bit dramatic when speaking about the simple remedy of daily exercise, but this small change in our daily routines can become an alarmingly important and profound cure for whatever ails us. As Socrates, the great Greek philosopher once said, “No man [or woman] has the right to be an amateur in the matter of physical training. It is a shame for a man [or woman] to grow old without seeing the beauty and strength of which his or her body is capable.” This idea of exercising daily is especially prevalent as we fully step into the new year.

As is most often the case, people find themselves making New Year’s resolutions to exercise more, become fit, and finally feel confident in their bodies. But this is always easier said than done. Motivation is a tricky temptress. As it lives outside of our realm, flickering on screens and floating in our thoughts, it can be difficult to make tangible. And with this difficulty, we often find ourselves sinking back into our old routines, eating habits, and exercise practices. Shame and doubt begin to move back into our lives, effecting our social interactions. Our body language changes to match this familiarity and people notice this, treating us as such. We slouch over, we avoid eye contact, and we decline offers for advancement. And ultimately our bodies become the exact expression of the character we have cultivated. Maybe then, what we need is not motivation. We can essentially let that idea slide away. To replace it, we need to become familiar with our own wills.

If we can change our ideas about motivation towards having the will to achieve what we set out to do, we will automatically become more powerful. Determination and will do not fluctuate. They are a resolute understanding that what we want to achieve must be done despite us not wanting to do them. We act, despite our feelings. And as a natural result of cultivating will, we attend regular exercise and begin to actively shape our character. We become confident creators of our destinies, not passive vessels swaying in the wind of whichever way the tides take us. This is critical to understand. Wherever disorganization or depression cultivates in our lives, it will most assuredly show itself in other areas. Time will be wasted, and our bodies will grow old, blossoming pain and regret on repeat. What we want is confidence and satisfaction with our bodies and in turn, with our minds, because this makes for a much better life. And the first step in changing the way we are is by changing the way we move.

FlowMotion

Our FlowMotion classes offer participants unique exercise programs on the water to keep everyone excited and involved. The challenges met on the mat regarding balance, cardio and strength make for a complete overhaul in the way we move and see ourselves. Our instructors have seen it before. Class members will often start as shy and unassuming, unsure of whether they will be able to even climb atop the floating mat, let alone stand up. But as they overcome their self-doubt and they make their way onto the surface; confidence almost instantly blooms in their bodies and smiles spring onto their faces. Not only that, but subtle changes begin to show in their bodies as well.

Whether you choose the inward cultivation of yoga- practicing balance and breath on the water, or the outward development of bootcamp- where participants can expect to increase their cardio output and strength, students will notice their bodies being shaped into healthy expressions of their minds. Health, of course, is the key word. While our students bodies will naturally progress in aesthetic ways, what FlowMotion is about isn’t necessarily the superficial benefits of outward beauty, but the cultivation of a strong mind, a strong will, and a determination to succeed- which will ultimately be used in every facet of life, well into old-age. And that should be the aim of all exercise.

Taking pride in your body by eating healthy and getting daily exercise will shape a character you are proud of. By stepping onto a FlowMotion mat you are instantly connecting yourself to your body and the people around you in the class. The high level of challenge the water offers will boost your confidence as you progress and eventually this belief in yourself will emerge into almost every facet of your life. Therefore, exercise of your body, your single possession in this life, is of utmost importance. Let us help you cultivate the body you desire and by doing so, you will be able to create the strength of character which will catapult you farther in life, more than you can even imagine.

Surrender

Chapter 41 of the Tao Te Ching states, "Going forward then, feels like retreat." Out of context these words seem paradoxical, nonsensical, and downright false. How can one both go forward and retreat at the same time? It is impossible.

Unless you've spent some time on a Flow Motion mat. And this is where the idea of surrender comes into play.

By transferring your workout routine onto an unbalanced surface instead of the familiar feelings of a hard ground, your progress forward will sometimes feel like a step backward. Every movement is new, every reaction to familiar exercises is different, and there is no way one can cheat and use a strong side of their body to compensate. And because of this- it oftens leads to feelings of frustration and irritation. And through these feelings, some participants have the desire to give up, move on, and automatically do something they've already excelled at. Simply because it is familiar. And comfortable. 

But fear not! Our instructors will not allow our students to take such action! Instead we guide participants into the unfamiliar arena of letting go and surrendering. We know these workouts are difficult. We know they will challenge you. And we know you will feel out of your element. But we also know that every participant feels this way the first time they step on a mat, and that it is ok to feel this way! In fact, it is good. The faster you fall in the water, the faster you will learn. Because fear will no longer be guiding your actions. For in order to truly grow, to truly gain fitness, understanding, and be the person we want you to be, we ALL must learn to surrender to our current circumstances and remain unattached to any specific outcome. We must allow whatever happens in the water to happen because we will ALWAYS learn from whatever outcome comes to pass. And it is through our unattachment, and our surrender, that we gain an elevated awareness of how to improve for the future. 

See how that works for life in general too? It's amazing what exercising on a Flow Motion mat can teach you. 

 So, if you feel like you not only need to elevate your fitness levels but also need a lesson in surrender and unattachment, then take one of our classes, and see how it will begin to permeate into every facet of your daily life. 

Patience

"Patience is a virtue." 

We've all heard this familiar saying. Most often, it is told to us in our most impatient time- when we are shrouded in anxiety, angst, and anger, wondering why events haven't unfolded the way we have expected them to. We try extremely hard, we give maximum effort, and still nothing has changed. It can be beyond frustrating. But this is where the virtuous portion of ourselves must break through and stand tall in front of us. Because, it is true, patience is one of the most virtuous acts we can portray- especially in today's world. 

Technology has ruined our practice of patience. Everything is rapid pace, quick results, flat abs in in 40 mins, drive through food service, the list can go on. It can be an easy trap to fall into. If something is not rapid, if it is not fast, if it cannot work at light speed, then it is often deemed unworthy of our time. And we move on to something that can give us the quick results which we now crave.

But is this new practice healthy? Or is it possible that it has leeched into other facets of our lives- like relationships, business practices, and our exercise routines. We no longer have the idea of taking things slow and allowing them to happen. And more importantly- enjoying the process of allowing. 

So what we need to do is find a new challenge, implement it into our lives, and allow the process of change to happen through effort and patience. Which is what Flow Motion is all about! 

Our combination of balance exercises and plyometrics will not only get your body into the best shape you have ever been in, but it will also challenge every portion of your muscle groups as well as spark new connections in your brain- as every movement on water is a different one from which you have grown accustomed to through your everyday movements. 

And true, you may fall off at first. You may also not be able to do execute every movement which we are asking of you...at first. Through time, and patience, you will begin to see the changes you long to see every session you hop onto a mat. Maybe next time you'll be able to do that lunge, or that jump, or even that headstand. And true, progress may be slow, but if you stick with it, if you allow yourself to fail, and then overcome, not only will you be gaining physical prowess, but also a whole new boost in confidence. 

Let's retrain ourselves become patient once again. And watch it permeate through every portion of our lives. For that is what Flow Motion is- a teacher in one of the greatest virtues of all- patience. 

The Struggle is Real

In our modern Western society it seems we crave convenience, speed, comfort, and ease. In fact, every invention of the modern age was designed with the intention of enhancing such experiences. We connect with people with a device which fits in our hands, running on a large scale network which works with rapid pace, while eating pre-packaged food not forested or harvested by those eating it, as we self-checkout of a grocery store full of every product needed to sustain life in one building. This is the defintion of living without struggle. We are constantly coddled, bred in comfort, and we have become creatures of habit always looking for these type of experiences in every facet of our lives.

It is true though, some things in life are supposed to be effortless, free-flowing, easy and graceful. They are supposed to easily fit into the idea of who we are, what we want to accomplish, and where we see ourselves in the future. Over the years, many people have given these things different names- your calling, your fate, your life's purpose- each defining the same simple action of moving into the person we are supposed to be in order to share our gifts with the world. The struggle of being who we are, in fact, should never be a struggle. And therefore, our life's purpose should also never be a struggle. Because if it is- maybe you are not supposed to be doing it.

But, not everything in life should be without challenge. Especially your healthy habits and your exercise routine. And this is where the idea of taking the struggle out of life becomes foolish. For if we are to bring the idea of comfort and ease into our exercises then what is to be accomplished? It has been tried before- we've all seen those early color TV spots of housewives standing on a machine which shakes their glutes with a giant strap as they smile and read a magazine. (and if you haven't seen it, then that sentence is probably a bit odd- so look it up!) The machines were supposed to melt the fat off of your body without ever lifting a finger!! And while they may have marginally worked for some people- they didn't stand the test of time and have since faded away. 

And for good reason! Excercising and becoming healthy are born in struggle. They are defined by it. Because we need both the comfort and the struggle to experience life's dualities. Struggle brings with it pain, torment, feelings of uncertainty and being uncomfortable. But when it is overcome- what else does it bring? Triumph, beauty, confidence, meaning, and value- all parts of life which enhance our experience, make us wise, and bring us centered in ourselves, deeply rooted in the belief that you can accomplish ANYTHING. 

And this is where Flow Motion fits in. Every class we hold, every demo we give- we see it...the struggle. The struggle to stay balanced on the mat, the struggle to incorporate moves which seem so easy on land, the struggle to push out one more rep even though the pain is intense, and the struggle to get back on the mat when you inevitably fall off. And through this struggle we see smiles, and the blossoming of confidence, and the feelings of power eminating from our participants completing a class and wanting to take another in order to improve themselves even more. 

Yes, we crave comfort and ease. Because it feels familiar. Because it feels good. But we must make sure not to let this idea of comfort leech into every facet of our lives. It is not meant for certain areas- especially exercise. Working your body in order to see improvements in athletic performance, health, and over wellness is rooted in pain- both physical and mental. But it is through that pain where we see the biggest rewards. So stop trying to make exercise comfortable and easy. If it was- you'd still be in the same shape as when you started- simply because you'd be doing what you've always done and getting what you've always had. The struggle is real people.  But all we must do more of is...embrace it. 

Motivation

Throughout our day to day routines we all look for motivation to get us through certain tasks which may not inspire us to keep going. These uplifting messages often come from things like books, speakers, quotes, even friends. And no where is motivation more needed than when it comes to our exercise routines. We've all been there- struggling to get out of bed in the morning, driving to the gym, fighting feelings of wanting to stay at home and drink a big cup of coffee instead of sweating for an hour before work. However, it doesn't always last. These fluctuating feelings of being high on motivation and down on it can be frustrating. And can often lead to unwanted side-effects such as quitting.

But what if there was a better way? A way to let go of motivation and just be? How would that change things for you and your life? Especially when it came to getting in shape. 

Well, there is such a way. 

We at Flow Motion believe that in order to really see changes in our lives and start living with true happiness- we must move from motivation and step into meaning.

Let that sink in.

What if our purpose for being here, at this very moment, was to get in shape, feel great, and live the life we were meant to be living? What if our meaning was to not fall in and out of things, giving up, and moving onto the next? Of course, in certain situations, these actions are sometimes more than necessary. But not always- especially when it comes to our health. 

You see, the problem with motivation is that it often comes from outside sources. And anything that comes from outside of yourself- natually fluctuates. Simply because it is not sustainable. But if we can step into our meaning, our purpose, we will naturally want to live in a healthy body in order to feel great, and in order to co-create with others who are doing the same thing. If your inner thoughts and feelings change- your outside world naturally will as well. 

And that's the point- we want you to think of exercise as a way of reaching results which match your inner self. Not some outer goal of looking a certain way, or acting a certain way, which often times are just not realistic. And you know what the exciting part is? The outer goals naturally follow the level of self-love and self-purpose we have on the inside. 

That's how it works!! If you love yourself fully, from the inside out, you tend to start to make better decisions. Maybe you make a salad for dinner one night instead of ordering pizza. Or maybe you park farther away from the entrance to the supermarket so that you can walk a little farther to and from your car. Or you take the steps up your building instead of the elevator. Or maybe you decide to try something new and exciting- like a Flow Motion class on the water. Whatever it may be- because you are rooted in self-love and purpose, every decision you now make is for the good of yourself- both mentally and physically. 

And that is where motivation falls off the cliff. Because you don't need it anymore. You are now grounded in the decisions which only help yourself instead of chasing an outside, unrealistic goal. And before you even realize it- you're living the life you've always wanted to live but only dreamed about as an unrealistic ideal which may or may not come in the future. 

So let's decide today to let go of motivation and step into meaning. Once you've done that- we'll be waiting for you on the mats, ready and willing to elevate you to all new levels of health and well-being.