Why I created the Fall ALIGN 31 Day Program
- Sep 13, 2024
- 3 min read
The October ALIGN program was born in 2018 from a massive realization: there isn’t just one thing that makes me feel my best. After working through major life changes, like we all do, I came to understand that my personal growth and evolution required a combination of three key practices that kept me sharp, strong, and confident—Pilates, Meditation, and Journaling.
Pilates, while often recognized as a mind-body practice, does so much more than just train the body. It requires an intense level of focus and connection between the mind and muscles. This practice pulls you out of the swirling chaos of daily thoughts—like to-do lists and worries—and drops you deeply into your body. In those moments, your mind quiets, and you get a mental break. It’s pure peace. Teaching Pilates quickly became my passion, but something felt like it was missing.
After I would move my body to the point of physical exhaustion, I’d lie on the reformer and meditate. That’s when I discovered Vipassana meditation, a practice that taught me to truly feel—every cell in my body, every wave of energy—and to understand what those sensations meant. This deeper connection to my body also introduced me to my Higher Self, the only person I compare myself to.
During those moments of meditation, I’d be flooded with important messages and insights, ideas, and thoughts that I wanted to remember. After each session, I would grab my journal and write everything down.
I realized that this routine—Pilates, meditation, and journaling—left me feeling profoundly connected to myself. And that’s when it hit me: this is what my studio was missing. This trifecta of practices was pivotal in my own journey of self-love and success, and that’s how the ALIGN program came to life.
Leading my students through this same practice has been a humbling and rewarding experience. I’ve witnessed so much expansion in the lives of those who commit to this framework. It’s become a powerful, annual reset that we all need as adults. I absolutely love the timing in October—fall brings a natural sense of reflection. While most people resonate with a New Year’s reset, October ALIGN has always been my key.
What I find most fulfilling is looking back at previous years and seeing the progress. ALIGN has given me a deeper appreciation for my personal path, which has taught me to navigate challenges with hope. It’s also helped me loosen my grip on perfection, be kinder to myself, and enjoy life more fully.
So, what exactly is the October ALIGN program?
The program is designed to help you complete 16 progressive Pilates workouts in 31 days. These can be done either in-studio or virtually through our at-home Mat Pilates classes, or even a combination of both. Why 16? Because by moving every other day throughout October, you’re giving your body the gift of consistent movement, which it craves. Pilates heals, strengthens, and lengthens your body. And if you’re feeling too sore or tired, we’ve provided recovery sessions that will count toward your goal. The program is designed to be both gentle and effective, so you feel amazing by the end.
Along with the physical component, you’ll also complete five guided meditations, each one tailored to a specific phase of the program. These meditations will help you relax, connect to yourself, and create space for your evolution.
Every morning at 5am, you’ll receive a journal prompt in your inbox to get your mind going. Many previous ALIGNers have found journaling first thing in the morning—before the day takes over—to be an incredible way to process their thoughts. While journaling isn’t mandatory, it’s truly the glue that ties everything together. You’ll be amazed at what flows out onto the page.
And perhaps the best part of ALIGN is the community. We’ve created a private group where all participants come together to discuss their experiences, offer support, and connect on a deeper level. It’s a safe, judgment-free space where we can show up as our true selves and encourage each other’s growth—something many of us are missing in our adult lives.
As we gear up for the next round of ALIGN, I’m filled with gratitude for this process, this community, and the ability to support you in cultivating self-love. This is my life’s mission, and I’m committed to spreading this practice to as many people as possible so they, too, can live their best lives.
Consider this your personal invitation to join me in this 31-day path to clarity, strength, and self-love.
