The Real Connection Between Fitness and Happiness: My Story with Groundwork Pilates

There’s a well-known quote from Joseph Pilates that goes, “Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.” It’s a beautiful sentiment—one that sounds like the perfect opening line for a book. But beyond being poetic, it’s deeply true. As someone who’s lived with a chronic autoimmune disease for the past 30 years, I know firsthand what it’s like to lose the ability to move well and how that loss can reshape your life.

When you can’t rely on your body—whether it’s to clean the house, run a marathon, or even just go grocery shopping—everything changes. Pain, whether it’s a constant companion or just visiting, makes even the smallest tasks feel like mountains. It keeps you from reaching your goals, from living fully, and from focusing on anything but the discomfort. I vividly remember those moments when flare-ups left me immobilized—unable to go to work, attend school, or even make it to the bathroom. When you’re in that kind of pain, suddenly the little things—like walking down stairs or running a quick errand—become monumental.

So, when I say that physical fitness is the foundation of happiness, I understand how big that claim is. But it’s true. It’s the bare minimum we need to navigate our days, to enjoy life, and to achieve our goals. And yet, when everything in our body is working fine, we often take it for granted. But when things aren’t functioning as they should, it feels like your whole world has been turned upside down—whether that’s due to a chronic condition or just a temporary setback.

Now, let me be honest: I don’t love working out. I’m not one of those people who wakes up excited to hit the gym every day. In fact, I don’t really understand gym enthusiasts at all. “Gym bunnies”? Not my tribe. For me, the idea of training just to train feels tedious. I’d much rather move in a way that’s fun and engaging—something that feels like a game or involves a bit of competition. A social aspect is even better. But working out alone? That’s not for me.

Yet, because of my physical reality, I’ve had to find a balance. That’s where Groundwork Pilates comes in. It’s not about grueling workouts or achieving a new personal best. It’s about learning how to move better, building a solid foundation, and creating a body you can trust—one that’s strong and capable. It’s for those of us who want to move, feel good, and enjoy life without the grind of a traditional gym routine.

If you’re like me—someone who loves being active but doesn’t love *working out*—then Groundwork Pilates might be what you’re looking for. It helps you develop a body that supports all the things you love to do, whether that’s playing with your kids, working in the garden, taking on new projects, or exploring the outdoors. You don’t need to sweat it out in a gym to feel strong and capable. A long walk, a hike, or a bike ride can be just as effective, and way more enjoyable. Movement doesn’t always need to look like a workout.

Groundwork Pilates focuses on those foundational skills that make a world of difference. It’s about reconnecting with your body, understanding how it moves, and gaining control over those movements. You’ll learn how to breathe deeply, use your muscles more efficiently, and ultimately, feel grounded and more energized. It’s a different kind of fitness journey—one that prioritizes feeling good over just looking fit.

And trust me, it really does make a difference. With time, you’ll find yourself more in tune with your body and more capable of taking on whatever life throws at you. Sure, you won’t be dripping with sweat like after an intense gym session, but you’ll feel that inner warmth, that sense of accomplishment, and a deeper connection with yourself.

So, if the traditional gym life isn’t for you but you still want a body that’s strong, reliable, and ready for life, give Groundwork Pilates a try. It might just be the missing piece to finding your own version of happiness.