Many have asked me why I wanted to move to Arizona. There are many reasons including the sunshine, the hiking, and the mountain. I think one of the main draws for me, however, is the healthy attitude I have experienced in Arizona. If this is the only place you have lived you may not understand this. If you have transplanted from another area … maybe like me you have experienced different attitudes in different cities.

Let me explain! I did my research before making the decision to move. I looked at population levels, income levels, growth, and planned future projects. All of these spoke to the health of the city and the ability of it’s citizens to be able to afford and want Pilates. I also looked at the actual health of the population. In state rankings for Obesity Kentucky comes in 4th, Tennessee is 5th and Ohio is 14th. I have previously lived in these three states. Arizona ranks 33rd. That’s a big difference and I attributed this to an attitude toward health and activity. All four are wonderful states with lots to offer but attitude in my opinion goes a long way to creating a healthy culture.

As folks in the fitness world often discover, even the most motivated and knowledgeable fitness professional can’t make a person want to change and take care of themselves. Some of that has to come from within. What I experienced in my previous states was an attitude of when you get to a certain age (be it 30, 40, 50 or more) things don’t work like they used to and you just can’t do what you used to. What I have seen over and over again in Arizona is an attitude of I’m not letting age or an ache or pain stop me for living a full life. I love that! I find that motivating for myself!

Attitude is contagious so I want to surround myself with people who push me to go and do instead of reminding me I might be a bit slower or need a bit more recovery time. A positive, supportive and communal attitude is something I always hope to inspire at Shine Pilates. The great thing about attitude is you are in control. You possess the ability to change your attitude from a “I can’t” to an “I can” mindset. There are a lot of great shows on TV but at the end of the day I get more joy from hiking up a mountain than binging a show. That’s my happy. That’s one of the reasons I moved … a healthy attitude and place to live it out!