How I Learned to Walk Differently — and Why It Changed Everything

 I used to think walking was the easiest form of movement.
But over the last two years, it became something I had to work at.

Plantar fasciitis flared up first. Then sciatica. Then a dull, persistent hip ache that made me question if I was just... getting old.

I tried supportive shoes, stretches, rest, and even pushing through it.
But the truth was, I didn’t need a new pair of sneakers — I needed a new approach to how I moved in my body.

I Had to Learn to Walk Differently

And I don’t just mean changing my gait.
I had to completely rewire how I stood, breathed, engaged my core, and moved through my day — all starting on the mat.

I went back to the basics with Pilates.
Not flashy exercises or hour-long workouts — just simple, focused movements to reconnect with muscles I hadn’t felt in years.

It felt like nothing at first.
Honestly, I questioned if I was wasting my time.

But little by little, my body started to respond.

I stopped gripping in my hip flexors.
I felt my glutes actually fire during walks.
My core supported me instead of my low back doing all the work.
And one day... I realized I went for a walk and came home without any pain.

Now, Walking Feels Like Freedom Again

I move easier.
I feel stronger.
I trust my body more — even when I’m still rebuilding.

The biggest shift?
I stopped trying to force myself into old ways of moving.
I gave myself permission to meet my body where it is now — and support it from the inside out.

If You’re Struggling with Stiffness or Feeling “Off” When You Walk…

It’s not just aging. It’s your body asking for support.

Pilates helps you build that support system — from your core, hips, and feet all the way up to your breath and posture.

And if you’re not sure where to begin, I created something this video just for you!