What 250 Pilates Classes Taught Me About Habits, Identity, and Real Change

Last year, I walked into my first Pilates class.

I was curious. Nervous. Completely unable to hold a plank.

I didn’t know what a reformer was. I didn’t own the right leggings. And I definitely didn’t consider myself someone who would voluntarily sign up for a 6am workout.

But the studio was close to home. And the soreness was the good kind—the kind that made me feel like maybe, just maybe, I had muscles again.

So I went back. And then I went back again.

250 Classes Later...

Last week, I hit 250 classes.

At my studio, they celebrate milestones with little plaques on the wall. When I signed my name on the 250-class plaque, Sharpie in hand, I felt something I didn’t expect:

Not pride exactly.

Clarity.

Clarity that this wasn’t a fluke.
Clarity that I’ve changed.
Clarity that 250 times, I cast a vote for the version of me I’m still becoming.

Even when it was dark and cold. Even when I wanted to stay in bed. Even when the voice in my head whispered, “Skip it.”

The other voice—the one I’ve been working to grow louder—said,

“You’ll feel better after. Let’s go.”
And she was right.

Tiny Changes Add Up

Now, I wear yoga pants all day and wake up early on purpose. I check the class waitlist like I’m refreshing for concert tickets. I even upgraded my membership so I can work out on vacation. (Who is this person?)

And here’s the thing:

I’m still not a natural athlete.
I still dread planks.
I will never look effortless on the reformer.

But I’m strong now. I can feel it.

And what made me stronger wasn’t one big change—it was 250 tiny ones.

One choice. One vote. One rep at a time.

Tiny Leadership Tip:

If you’re trying to make a change—in your work, your leadership, or your life—it doesn’t have to start with a grand gesture.

Most of the time, what we need isn’t more effort. It’s more reps.

• Find the thing that’s close to home.

• The one you’ll actually do.

• Then keep showing up for it.

Try asking:

What’s one goal you want to cast more votes for this month?
What’s one tiny step you could add to your routine to get closer to it?

Keep it simple. Keep it small. Keep showing up.

P.S. — Want More Support With Goal-Setting?

I’m writing about OKRs on the blog this month—specifically, how to make them feel actually useful (and not like corporate gobbledygook).

If you want help turning one of your goals into a real-life, human-sounding OKR, hit reply or reach out. I might feature it in the next post.

To the 6am version of you (and me),

—Kate