how pilates prepared me for fasting

It’s Day 10 of the SEEK Fast, and I can honestly say—I’m really proud of myself for making it this far.

SEEK is a fast led by Alfred Street Baptist Church, designed to gradually lead participants into the Daniel Fast. Each week builds on the last, and in the final week, the rhythm deepens into a liquid fast from 7am–7pm, followed by the Daniel Fast in the evening. It’s structured, intentional, and—at times—challenging in all the right ways.

This is my first time fasting with real discipline and consistency. I’ve dabbled before—years ago—but this season feels different. I’m on a renewed spiritual journey, and something in me knew it was time to try again, with intention.

In the past, the same two things always got in the way: discipline and consistency. I was focused on eating high protein to gain muscle, juggling school, balancing multiple jobs—you name it, the excuse was there. And truthfully, many of those same roadblocks still exist now.

The difference this time isn’t my schedule. It’s my mindset.

And for that, I have to give Pilates some credit.

Pilates has quietly reshaped the way I approach challenge.

The principles—breath, control, precision, concentration, and flow—don’t exist in isolation. If you’ve taken Pilates, you’ve probably felt how seamlessly they work together. And if you haven’t, think of it this way:

Pilates principles move like a conversation. Breath leads. The center responds. Control listens. Precision refines. And flow carries it forward.

Through my Pilates practice, I’ve learned how to slow down enough to listen—really listen. I’ve become more internally connected. I’ve learned how to stay present through discomfort and fight for every ounce of grit it takes to execute a challenging movement with integrity.

That awareness doesn’t stay on the mat.

It shows up in how I’m fasting.

My Pilates routine has shaped how I’m approaching this fast—from the creativity in the meals I prepare, to carving out triple my usual devotional time (if I’m being honest). I’m learning how to surrender old habits, not out of obligation, but for the sake of spiritual renewal.

Fasting disrupts our rhythm. Not as punishment. Not as deprivation. But as an intentional pause that asks a deeper question:

What happens when we don’t immediately satisfy every urge?

Pilates taught me how to sit in that space—how to breathe through it, how to respond instead of react, how to trust the process even when it’s uncomfortable.

And that has made all the difference.

Sometimes the preparation for a spiritual discipline comes from places we least expect. For me, it started in the studio.

What’s a routine or practice you’ve done that helped you reconnect and transform spiritually?

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