The cosy season calls for cosy movement

Autumn is here in all its cosy glory—shorter days, cooler weather, that irresistible urge to curl up with a blanket and a hot drink.

Last week we talked about giving yourself permission to slow down. About honouring your body's natural seasonal rhythms instead of fighting them.

But here's what I've been thinking about since: permission is just the first step.

Once you've decided to slow down and work WITH autumn energy instead of against it... what does that actually look like?

How do you create a movement practice that feels cosy and inviting—not like another thing on your to-do list?

Because let's be honest: when it's dark, cold, and your sofa is calling, the last thing you want is movement that feels like work.

So let's make it feel like self-care instead.

Creating Your Cosy Movement Practice

Here's the truth: your environment and rituals around movement matter just as much as the movement itself.

Especially in autumn, when everything in your body is craving warmth, comfort, and gentleness.

So let's create a practice that your autumn body actually WANTS to show up for.

Make Your Space Inviting

You don't need a dedicated studio. You just need a space that feels good.

Simple ways to make your movement space cosy:

→ Soft lighting - Dim the overhead lights, light a candle, use a salt lamp. Harsh fluorescent lighting is not cosy movement energy!

→ Warmth - Keep the space comfortably warm. Have a blanket nearby for the end. Wear cosy layers you can peel off as you warm up.

→ Atmosphere - Gentle music that matches autumn energy. Think flowing, grounding, calm. Create an autumn playlist specifically for movement.

→ Comfort underfoot - Thick yoga mat, cosy socks for warm-up, slippers nearby for after.

Think about it: you're more likely to show up to a space that feels like a hug than one that feels clinical or cold.

Dress for Cosy Movement

This might sound silly, but what you wear MATTERS.

→ Wear clothes that feel good on your skin (soft fabrics, comfortable waistbands, layers)

→ Cosy socks for the warm-up (take them off once you're moving if needed)

→ That favourite jumper you feel good in

→ Whatever makes you feel comfortable and yourself

Save the "proper workout gear" for summer. Autumn movement can happen in the clothes that make you feel cosy and safe.

Create Post-Practice Rituals

What if the end of your practice was something to look forward to?

Cosy post-practice rituals:

→ Hot drink waiting - Have your tea, coffee, or hot chocolate ready to enjoy immediately after

→ Gentle stretching with warmth - Use a heating pad on tight areas while you stretch → Cosy reading time - 10 minutes with your book and that hot drink

→ Journaling - A few minutes to notice how your body feels

→ Favourite podcast - Something uplifting or interesting while you cool down

The practice becomes more than just movement. It becomes a whole experience of self-care.

And that? That's what makes you actually want to show up again tomorrow.

The 5-Minute "Fireside" Practice

Not every practice needs to be a full class.

Sometimes the cosiest movement is the simplest:

→ Pelvic Curls

→ Spine twist supine

→ All fours swimming

→ Cat-cow flows

→ Spine twist

→ Child's pose with deep breathing

Five minutes of this, in your cosiest spot, with a candle burning and soft music playing?

That's a practice. That counts. That's you showing up for yourself.

And on the days when five cosy minutes is all you have? That's enough.

Shift Your Mindset: Movement as Warmth

Here's a reframe that helps in autumn:

You're not "making yourself exercise."

You're warming your body from the inside out.

Movement in autumn is like stoking a fire. It's how you generate warmth, energy, and vitality when the external world is getting darker and colder.

When you think of it that way, it becomes something your body WANTS, not something it has to endure.

Make It Hygge

The Danes have this concept called "hygge" (pronounced hoo-gah) - it's all about creating cosy, warm, comfortable moments that make you feel good.

Apply hygge to your movement practice:

→ Candlelight or fairy lights while you move

→ Your favourite cosy blanket rolled up as a bolster

→ Gentle, flowing movements (nothing jarring or harsh)

→ Taking your time, savouring each movement

→ Making it feel indulgent rather than obligatory

Hygge movement isn't about intensity. It's about quality, presence, and feeling good.

The Invitation

This cosy season before Christmas gets chaotic—it's the perfect time to establish a movement practice that actually FEELS good.

Not punishing. Not another task. Not something you dread.

But something warm, inviting, and nurturing.

Something that makes you think: "Yes, I want to do that today."

Here's how I can help:

Our classes are designed with this cosy, flowing energy in mind. Small groups (so it stays intimate and supportive), longer warm-ups (because your autumn body needs them), and that welcoming atmosphere that makes you actually want to show up.

And if you prefer practicing at home in your cosiest space? IBP Online Studio has hundreds of classes you can do whenever suits you—complete with that same supportive, non-intimidating approach.

Either way, let's make your autumn movement practice something that feels like self-care, not another obligation.

Because you deserve movement that feels GOOD.

Stay cosy,

Michelle

P.S. This week I've been lighting a candle before every practice and it's changed everything. Such a simple thing, but it transforms the whole experience. Try it and let me know what you think! 💛

For Classes: Ready to experience cosy, flowing Pilates? Our autumn classes are designed to feel nurturing, not punishing. Click here to find your perfect fit.

For Online Studio: Want to create your cosy practice at home? Try IBP Online Studio free for a month with code - REFERRAL1 —hundreds of classes you can do in your PJs, by candlelight, whenever you need. Click here to get started.