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Breaking Free from Rigidity: How the OOV and Pilates Help You Move and Live with More Ease

Orange cat sits on a red yoga mat, staring at a black object. A blue water bottle and red box are in the background. Cozy indoor setting.
Driffin doesn't have a rigid part in his body and neither will you after using the OOV!

Defining Rigidity and How the OOV and Pilates Can Break the Pattern


Rigidity (noun): the quality or state of being stiff, inflexible, or resistant to change.


In the body, rigidity isn’t always about stubborn muscles—it’s about how our bodies adapt to stress. Over time, we create rigidity strategies, recruiting certain muscles over and over to keep us stable. The problem? Those strategies aren’t always efficient, and they can limit our movement and cause discomfort. That's where OOV and Pilates enter the scene.



OOV, Pilates, and Breaking the Cycle


During a recent workshop in St. Louis on the Balansit—which I’ll call the cousin to the OOV—I was reminded just how powerful these tools can be in breaking rigidity strategies. If you’re not familiar with the OOV, check it out here. It’s a game changer for improving balance, stability, and movement patterns. The video above captures the OOV’s incredible potential in action. This gentleman—himself a physical therapist—was battling ingrained rigidity patterns, and in just 10 minutes, he shifted into a more balanced, efficient way of m’OOV’ing.


In the course, I held a pose on the OOV for up to five minutes. At first, my body relied on every rigidity strategy it knew. Then, something shifted—my muscle recruitment changed, my body softened into a more efficient pattern, and unexpectedly, I experienced an emotional release.



The Body–Mind Connection


A relaxed lemur sits on a wooden beam with legs and arms spread, behind a mesh fence. Evergreen trees form the background.
What I call the meditating lemur, who sits effortlessly on a wire and not holding on, demonstrates the ultimate mind/body connection.

Our bodies and minds are intimately connected. Letting go physically can open the door to letting go emotionally—and that can be unsettling.


Rigidity isn’t just physical; it can also show up in:


  • The foods we choose (or avoid)

  • The exercise we commit to (or skip)

  • The conversations we’re willing (or unwilling) to have



Sometimes rigidity gets us through a hard season—an injury, emotional overload, or intense stress. But when it starts dictating every decision, it can become more harmful than helpful.



When to Soften, When to Stand Firm


Not all rigidity is bad. Boundaries, for example, are worth protecting. As I’ve written before, keeping your distance from “energy vampires” (check out the post here) is one rigidity worth holding on to. The challenge is knowing when to keep your structure—and when to let it bend.



Support for Emotional Release


Releasing rigidity through OOV or Pilates work can sometimes bring deeper emotions to the surface. The OOV won’t “fix” everything—sometimes it’s a sign to work with a mental health professional.


Here are some trusted resources:




I keep my own therapist close for those moments when my body reveals something my mind hasn’t caught up to yet.



Your Invitation to Let Go


Red arched bridge in a lush forest setting with a waterfall in the background. Green leaves frame the scene, evoking tranquility.
Waterfall at Elohee


If you’re ready to explore letting go of rigidity while strengthening your foundation, join me for the Anchor to Embodiment Retreat. You’ll experience a mix of OOV sessions, traditional Pilates, breathwork, and the supportive power of community.


📅 May 15–17, 2026 — Elohee Retreat Center, North Georgia Mountains


Text "Words of Wisdom" in blue and red script on a black background, conveying a thoughtful and inspirational mood.
Letting Go of Rigidity

Words of Wisdom: Letting Go of Rigid Strategies



Letting go isn’t losing control—it’s allowing your body and mind to work together again. The right kind of release doesn’t weaken you; it frees you.


Things that are too rigid will break, but if you’re able to flow, you can absorb the shock and let it move through and around you. Think of the mighty oak—solid at its base, seemingly unbreakable, yet its upper branches sway and bend so it can withstand the storm.


“Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield.” – Lao Tzu

Yours in longevity, empowerment, and thriving,

Amanda Curd

Anchor to Life Pilates & Nutrition

Let’s pause, breathe, and thrive.


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