Pilates, Tradition, and Making Space for What’s New

As We Celebrate Memorial Day: Pilates and the Power (and Limits) of Tradition

Who and What You Remember on Memorial Day and Does It Serve You?

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, I find myself reflecting on tradition—not just the red, white, and blue kind, but the deeper rituals that root us. For my husband and me, Memorial Day is the tradition of heading up to Clayton, Georgia to celebrate our anniversary—25 years this time (cue the silver confetti). But this isn’t just a blog about barbecue or travel—it’s about how tradition shows up in Pilates, in menopause, and in the way we choose to live, move, and evolve.

The Tradition of Pilates—When It Serves Us and When It Doesn’t

Definitely NOT in the Classical Repertoire!

Pilates is steeped in tradition. Some teachers follow Joseph Pilates’ original work to the letter—the exercises, the exact order, the classical sequences. And to a degree, that has value. Repetition creates muscle memory. Familiar structure builds skill and confidence.

But here’s the thing: not every body thrives within rigid tradition. Joseph himself was an innovator—he didn’t create all the apparatus and variations we use today by staying inside the lines. So why should we?

At Anchor to Life Pilates, I meet you where your body is. I use the equipment not to check off a workout list, but to improve the way you walk, climb stairs, get off the floor, and feel at home in your body. The method serves the function—not the other way around.

If that kind of personalized Pilates piques your interest, hit the button below. I’d love to chat and see how we can work together.

Contact Me!

Traditions Around Menopause—Let’s Break a Few

Breathwork Can Be Key In Menopause

Now, I can’t publish a newsletter without touching on menopause—because that’s another area where tradition has failed us. Traditionally, women were told to “suck it up.” Push through. Stay quiet.

Bull crap.

Why suffer through the most transformative decade of our lives when we could thrive through it? Yes, there are symptoms we can’t fully control. But there’s also power in what we can manage: our strength, our breath, our mobility, our mindset.

Pilates is one of the most effective tools we have to reclaim our bodies and our energy. Add in a little breathwork(check out the video above), stress reduction, and a mobility plan that actually meets you where you are? You’ve got a recipe for thriving—not just surviving.

If you’re new to this or just curious, my free 10-day Pilates Primer is the perfect place to start.

FREE 10 day Primer!

When Tradition Grounds You....

Words of Wisdom: When Tradition Grounds You… and When It Boxes You In

Let’s get real: tradition can be beautiful. It can give us a sense of identity, joy, and purpose—like our annual trip to Clayton and our favorite anniversary dinner spot. (Which, fun fact, is under renovation this year. And yes, I’m a little bummed.)

My Husband, David, and I at our Favorite Restaurant in Clayton, GA

But tradition can also keep us stuck—especially when we cling to it so tightly we miss the opportunity to try something new. That closed restaurant? It’s pushing us to explore another part of town, maybe find a new favorite. That’s tradition evolving, not disappearing.

So this Memorial Day weekend, honor the past. Celebrate the lives that shaped you. And also—give yourself permission to try something new. Even if it’s as simple as a different side dish at the barbecue or a new way to move your body.

Speaking of which…

Upcoming Events

Alpharetta Farmers Market – June 7

Come by and say hello! I’ll be raffling off a Functional Movement Screen and Pilates goodies. Booth will be near Never Enough Thyme.

Anchor to Embodiment Retreat – May 15–17, 2026

Registration opens June 1—check your inbox that day for the early bird link! Set in the gorgeous North Georgia mountains at Elohee Retreat Center, this weekend will be all about strength, clarity, and taking the leap. Don’t miss it.

Elohee Retreat Center

Now It’s Your Turn

What are your Memorial Day traditions? A backyard barbecue? An annual hike? A quiet moment to remember a loved one? I’d truly love to hear. Hit reply or drop a comment in the Facebook group and share how you honor the past while embracing what’s new.

Let’s pause, breathe, and thrive together.

Yours in longevity, empowerment, and thriving,

Amanda Curd

Anchor to Life Pilates & Nutrition