You know what they say about changing everything overnight, right? It's basically impossible! But here's the huge silver lining to this fact: while instant change is impossible, the decision to change can happen in an instant.

Every year we make promises to ourselves to become better at an infinite list of things. We want to get in shape, meditate, become better cooks, earn more, work less, balance our budgets, spend time with the family… the list is endless.

And inevitably, maybe just one thing (if we're lucky!) gets onto our daily list and gets our attention. And if we're really lucky, we end up doing that thing often enough to make it an unconscious choice that finally becomes a habit.

But what makes one thing a choice we gladly make every day and all the other things just stuff we put off till some rosy future when we have infinite time to do it?

I think there are two things we have to do before we can make new, positive and permanent changes.First, we commit to change and second, we choose to leverage that commitment by holding ourselves accountable with the help of friends and teammates.

First, we commit to change and second, we choose to leverage that commitment by holding ourselves accountable with the help of friends and teammates.

And that's why we designed the Pilates Tonic Challenge. We want to help you make and keep your fitness commitments.

What the heck is the Pilates Tonic Challenge?

On the face of it, it's a  6-week program that starts on January 12th and ends February 22nd. You make the commitment to yourself to take 3 to 4 classes per week and take 10,000 steps each day for 6 weeks. But, there's actually a whole lot more to it than that…

The Philosophy of the Challenge

This program is about more than just squeezing in classes and getting your steps in. It’s about the transformation that happens inside and outside when you make the commitment to yourself and, with team Tonic’s support, follow through.

Our main goal with the Pilates Challenge is to help you feel what it’s like to consistently incorporate Pilates, optimal movement, and an effective stretching program into your life. Ultimately, we want to help you form new, positive habits that permanently improve and transform your daily life.

But, since it requires 3 to 4 hours a week to do this, it can sometimes feel more like an impossible dream than a realistic goal.

But here's the thing—we've found that, when you make a commitment to a limited range of time, it makes it easier to follow through. It's like a little habit sprint that has long-lasting and even permanent, positive effects.

And, when you add the support of the Tonic team and everyone else who's made that same commitment, the new habit suddenly becomes not only possible, but something you look forward to doing!

One of our previous Challengers credited the Challenge with motivating her to go from an almost completely sedentary life to running (and winning) marathons! Of course, everyone's experience is unique and there's no requirement that you reach any particular level compared to others—the challenge is only with yourself. That said, you never know what you might discover hidden away and waiting to get out when you push through your current boundaries!

This is why we created the Pilates Tonic Challenge and it's why everyone who's ever done it and made it to the end has wanted to do it again.

It's a powerful space where you can make permanent positive change, not only in your fitness routine, but in your mindset and approach to self-care and your life.

The Nuts and Bolts of the Challenge

To really have the Pilates principles and benefits of effective stretching integrated into your life, 3 – 4 hours of Pilates and stretching every week is optimal. 

You also need a minimum amount of cardiovascular work. And it doesn't have to be achieved by running and sweating! Simply walking a minimum amount every day has been shown to dramatically improve health. The Pilates Tonic Challenge inspires and motivates you to get at least 10,000 steps in every day.

Cardio Details

Every Pilates Tonic Challenge package includes unlimited outdoor cardio sessions at the studio. These sessions are not just about running! We'll have plenty of great walking sessions available too, so there's no reason to avoid the cardio!

You might be thinking that outdoor cardio sounds crazy in January/February, but it's been one of the most loved aspects of the Challenge. Not to mention how good it is for the mind and body to get outside during the Winter months.

Flexible Schedule

During the Challenge we will be adding to the schedule cardio sessions that are all walking. We also offer sessions that are walking and running,  as well as cardio sessions that are all running.

Daily Motivation

We’ll be sending daily email messages to help support and motivate you along the way. You'll also have access to a private Facebook group where we can all share thoughts, recipes, struggles and help each other get the most out of the challenge possible. It helps when you know there are others in it with you!

The Packages

(pricing will be announced on opening registration day – see below) 

This year there are 4 packages to choose from. We are offering our standard 3 and 4-hour Pilates Challenge Combo packages.

3-Hour Combo Pilates Tonic Challenge

This package comes with mat classes, reformer classes and unlimited- cardio.

4-Hour Combo Pilates Tonic Challenge

This package comes with mat classes, reformer classes and unlimited-cardio.

3-Hour Mat Class Only Pilates Tonic Challenge
This package comes with mat classes and unlimited-cardio.

Premium Pilates Tonic Challenge
This package includes private sessions, mat classes, reformer classes and unlimited- cardio sessions.

We are currently working out the final class and cardio session schedule for the Challenge, so if you don't see a class time or day that you need, let me know. We add classes for the Pilates Challenge to specifically suit your needs.

Special Bonuses

The Pilates Tonic Challenge also comes with some fun and valuable bonuses which you can find on the registration page when registration opens next week.

When Can I Register?

Registration is currently open. We can only accommodate about 25 participants, so please do get your registration in early on the 9th if you know you're planning to participate.

I'll be sending an email with more detailed information, pricing and the registration link on Tuesday, December 9 at 5am, so keep your eyes peeled!

I can't wait to see you on January 12th when we kick off 2015 with the inside/outside transforming power of the next Pilates Tonic Challenge! 

If you still have questions about any aspect of the Challenge at all, please post your question below in the comments section.

See you in the studio,

Sydney

P.S. – Payment plans for the Pilates Tonic Challenge are available. Just let me know and I’ll make sure you get set up with what you need on registration day (Dec. 9).