The compound interest of physical exercise
Invest in your body today: more consistency, and the invisible power of small daily decisions.
Everything we do has compound interest over time. Think about how it feels and what happens when you take care of your skin every day, when you eat nutritious food daily, when you drink alcohol too often, or when you always put off that chore that bothers you. Everything, absolutely everything, accumulates, the good and the bad, and if we keep doing it over time, the accumulated effect multiplies. The thing is, since daily changes are invisible to us, we don't perceive them while they're happening: we only see them when compound interest has already worked its magic and the change is truly noticeable.
Just as when you invest 10 and earn 1, the interest on the next investment is calculated on 11 (meaning it already includes the interest you earned the first time), the same applies to physical exercise and most -if not all- of the things we do daily.
By exercising your body a little each day, you're putting a coin in the piggy bank of life. If you do something like Pilates or PSP, even if you use resistance or weights, if you want, you can do it every day. The immediate effect is relief and vitality, and slowly but surely, you'll also begin to feel changes in your mood, your mobility, your strength, and your looks.
The Domino Effect
Why does a workout like the one I propose work? Why are the PSP Method and the Pilates Method the pillars of my own training?
Exercising mindfully, first of all, releases tension and expands your breathing capacity: your spine and rib cage move better, enabling greater and better oxygenation of your entire body. This, in turn, improves your posture, and better posture allows for greater freedom of movement. This ability to move optimally works your muscles and joints at their peak, allowing for better blood circulation and toxin elimination, which in turn results in brighter, smoother skin.
From the outside, you see a toned, harmonious, and vibrant body because internally, all its gears are working in its favor. And the same is true in reverse. This happens by maintaining your routines and habits over time. Going back to where we started: it stems from the compound interest of what you do every day. Undoubtedly, it's not a "quick fix," but it's a real one that amplifies over time.
"Rome was not built in a day." Patience and persistence are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor. Practice your exercises with fixed and unalterable determination that will allow nothing else to sway you from keeping faith with yourself. - Joseph Pilates, Return to Life through Contrology
My Success Story (and why you don't have to suffer)
I'm 46 years old and have dedicated almost 20 years to physical exercise: Pilates has been my primary form of training since 2006 (and I've been a teacher since 2008) -at that time, it transformed my body, toning my legs and slimming my waist without weight loss-. I incorporated PSP in 2018 due to chronic pain, achieving superior intrinsic strength that changed my life: it optimized my movement and elevated my training. Surfing entered my life in 2009, and although I practice it as an amateur, it has had a strong impact on my lifestyle, personality, and physical and energy needs.
By applying the PSP method to Pilates, I train the body in a complete, functional, and harmonious way using: isometric holds (contracting a muscle to its maximum and holding it for a few breaths), eccentric work (the force exerted during the return phase of effort), a focus on natural breathing, and maximum performance in each exercise. That's the foundation of what I do every day. I like working with my own body weight because it feels organic and gives me immense results with a lot of enjoyment. And since I can do it anywhere, it sustains my practice wherever I am.
I also like training with the Pilates reformer, free weights, and equipment that provides resistance, although in the last 5 years -due to my nomadic lifestyle- I've trained almost exclusively without equipment. I'm telling you this so you know it's a myth that you can't build strength without lifting weights: your weight, gravity, and the resistance you create when you move are enough, as long as you work to the maximum of your capabilities (and maximum means going as far as you can with control and proper form).
Imagine, then, everything your body is capable of achieving when you build such a solid, intelligent, and conscious foundation.
What I'm proposing is a lifestyle: like cleaning and tidying your house a little bit each day. Yes, I do a deep clean weekly, but it's the daily routine that makes the difference. And that's what I practice and recommend in terms of physical exercise: do a little bit every day.
How to win your workout week (step by step)
To achieve this, don't rely on motivation; create a system:
Plan your week and plan each day: Choose which days you'll exercise -if not every day- and at what time. Try to choose a time of day when you're not tired or distracted (ideally in the morning, because your body isn't carrying the day's fatigue or worries) and block out those times in your schedule.
Get ready and into character: Your physique du rôle, as the French say, is important. Don't underestimate the power of clothing: put on that outfit that makes you feel comfortable, strong, and beautiful. Dressing for the occasion is the quickest way to signal to your mind that the workout has begun and instantly switch gears.
Use the two-minute rule: The first two minutes are the hardest. Once you're changed and have stretched out your mat, you're all set. (Like when you're too lazy to shower because you're tired, but you know the after-shower feeling is amazing).
Be consistent with your schedule: Try to do it at the same time every day to create a routine that your body and mind can get used to. Routines create habits, and habits don't develop in 21 days like we've been led to believe.
IMPORTANT: Give yourself at least 3 months. You'll start seeing changes in the first few weeks, but you'll internalize these routines over time, and that's when you'll see and feel the compound interest of physical exercise.
“If you faithfully perform your Contrology exercises regularly only four times a week for just three months as outlined in Return to Life, you will find your body development approaching the ideal, accompanied by renewed mental vigor and spiritual enhancement.” - Joseph Pilates
Want to train with me?
My membership was born during the 2020 pandemic. Up until then, I taught and practiced Pilates reformer, Pilates mat, Athletic Training (designed by me), Yoga Fusion (also developed by me), gave Thai massages, surfed a lot, and participated in a functional surf training program. I was exhausted, obviously.
With the pandemic, I switched to teaching/doing just one Pilates class a day, applying the PSP Method and nothing else, and I've never felt better. I then added interval training with cardio and weights when the lockdown became too much, and I used them again during my time in Mumbai, when going for walks and surfing weren't options.
What I propose is a smart way to exercise that is kind to your body, adapts to your needs, and evolves as your body responds. That's why this week I'm offering an exclusive 3-month membership for the price of 2: the exact amount of time you need to establish the habit, transform your energy, and fully prepare for my upcoming surf trip to Costa Rica. If you'd like to take advantage of this offer, click the button below and send me a WhatsApp message.
You can see what the membership includes at this link.
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