When Life Says “Stop”
- Leanne
- Oct 4
- 3 min read
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about why I started Mobilates, why I changed it to a not-for-profit, and what it truly means to me.
When my wife died, it changed everything. She had an incredible healing business that made such a difference to others, but when she passed, her work disappeared with her. That hit me so hard. I didn’t want that to happen again.
So when I made Mobilates a Community Interest Company, I made a promise to myself that it wouldn’t depend solely on me. I wanted to build something that could live on, with or without me. Something sustainable. Something that mattered.
Finding purpose in pain
Back in my twenties, when I was really unwell, I needed something that didn’t exist. A safe, adapted form of exercise designed for people like me, those living with long term health conditions, persistent pain, and fatigue.
People who felt like they’d lost all hope and were missing out on life.
I didn’t just need movement. I needed connection. I needed to feel understood. I needed purpose.
No amount of crafting or distraction filled that void.
I created Mobilates to fulfil the things people like me needed the most, it became the thing I needed most and, over time, it’s become that for so many others too.
Building something that lasts
That’s why I turned Mobilates into a not-for-profit CIC. I wanted it to be something that could continue, even if I couldn’t.
It means I’ll never be rich, but that was never the goal. My goal has always been to help people enhance their quality of life, to feel joy in life again, even on the hard days.
Listening when your body says “enough”
Right now, I’ve had to listen to my own advice. My body has said no more.
When your heart starts showing signs it’s had enough, you have to take that seriously.
Even the smallest things, teaching a gentle bed Pilates class or checking a few emails, have become too much.
So, for now, I’m pressing pause. I’m giving my body the time and space it needs to heal.
It’s not easy stepping back from something I love this much. But one of the most powerful things about Mobilates is that it’s not just mine anymore.
It belongs to Da Mob - the incredible teachers, volunteers, and members who bring it to life every single day.
The power of community
Just recently, one of our members hosted a body-doubling session on Zoom. Lisa started it off with a chat, then everyone did a Bed Pilates recording together.
It was such a simple but beautiful thing. Proof that when we stop, everything doesn’t fall apart. The community carries on.
Mobilates is built on that spirit. Adapting. Supporting. Showing up for each other. Reminding each other that rest is not failure - it’s part of healing.
Taking time, not giving up
So while I take some time out, I want you all to know that Mobilates is still here. Still moving. Still helping people find strength, connection, and a sense of belonging.
And I’ll be back... when my body’s ready.xxx
Mobilates CIC provides inclusive, adapted exercise for people living with long term health conditions, chronic pain, fatigue and disability.
We create safe, welcoming spaces to move, connect and build confidence in what your body CAN do, whether you join a class in person, online, or from your bed. We’re led by lived experience and powered by community. Together, we’re redefining what movement can look like.
💗 Join Da Mob: www.mobilates.com
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