Strength isn’t just about upping your weights in the gym or holding your side-plank with ease. And stability is more than nailing your dancer’s-pose for that perfect beach insta shot (without face-planting in the sand). Whether on your yoga mat, in the gym, in Pilates, or out in the world, strength and stability are about resilience, balance, and the ability to face challenges with ease and grace.
Why strength matters
My own relationship with strength has evolved over time (Hi, it’s me - Jess!). When I was younger, my strength goals were often about aesthetics. Now, as I mature, it feels more important to maintain strength as a way to prevent injury and support my body as I get older. That’s part of what has inspired me towards Pilates in recent times. I love how it challenges my strength and stability in new ways. It's been really beautiful to feel that shift as my practices begin to focus more on my internal world than my external one.
Of course, building strength isn’t just about physical fitness - it’s about feeling empowered in your body and mind. My fellow Humane Yoga teacher, Anjie, shares a similar sentiment: "Aside from yoga, I go to the gym 3 - 4 times a week for strength training and cardio exercises, balancing these with yoga sessions in between. Incorporating both into my routine has been incredibly beneficial for my overall strength, stability, and endurance."
Life can be demanding, am I right?! Work, family, responsibilities. But when we feel physically strong, we can handle those demands with more energy and presence. As Anjie puts it, "As a busy working mum, maintaining this balance has become more than just a fitness routine; it’s a lifestyle. It helps me feel stronger, more energised, and more present for both myself and my family."
Finding stability, on and off the mat
Stability isn’t just about core strength or holding those fancy balances - it’s about grounding yourself so you can move through life with more confidence and ease. Robyn, our lovely Humane Yoga Founder, shares her approach: "The practice that’s had the biggest impact on my strength and stability has been a combination of Pilates, Yang yoga, walking, Yin, and meditation. Pilates and Yang give me physical strength and core stability, but walking clears my mind and helps me reconnect with nature and rhythm. Yin teaches me to slow down and listen, and meditation is the glue - it reminds me where my true centre is."
Strength looks different every day
Let’s be real - strength doesn’t always mean pushing harder. Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is choose rest. Sometimes, stability means knowing when to soften. Real strength is the ability to meet yourself where you are, without judgment, and move from that place with kindness.
This April, we’re inviting our community to explore what strength and stability means to you. Because - when we feel strong and steady within ourselves, we can move through the world with more clarity, calm, and confidence. It’s an on and off-the-mat adventure!