I started Pilates around 2010. That was the year that I hurt my back when I was gardening. I went to a physio and they told me I had a weak core, tight hip flexors (the muscles near the top of your thighs), lazy glutes... I was 26 and thought that I was in pretty good shape as I went to the gym regularly and looked after myself. However, I also had an office job as a lawyer and worked 50+ hour weeks. The physio suggested I try Pilates. And I've never looked back.
When someone asks me why I do Pilates, I say it's because of previous back pain. But the answer is more complex now that I'm an instructor. One, it's my job so I want to be able to demonstrate exercises to show clients what I mean. Since meeting my beautiful 95 year old client last year, I'm also on a quest of longevity, that is quality of life in my later years. I want to be strong and mobile and live to my 90s if I can. That means building and maintaining lean muscle mass, strong bone density and good balance. All possible with thanks to Pilates and some weights.
But one reason I never say is "it's about getting better at Pilates". Which is interesting because when someone plays golf, for example, they want to get better. Hit the ball further, have a better swing, feel fitter as they walk the course... it's not that way with Pilates. Well, at least for me.
Sure, there's something exciting about nailing a more challenging exercise and the mental benefit that comes with a win is worth celebrating. But when I lift heavier weights (or use heavier springs) on a bicep curl, I don't think about the success of that exercise. It means I can carry heavier grocery bags up the stairs. Or when I improve at rotation-based exercises like woodchop, to me, this is about turning around safely to pass my kids something in the backseat of the car and not twinge my back. I now have stronger muscles around my spine and feel stable performing this daily movement.
I recently ran into an old Wellspring client who no longer attends classes anymore. My timetable wasn't suiting her work but she knew she needed Pilates so she purchased a reformer for home. She told me that showing her Pilates exercises had changed her life. She now does Pilates at home 3x a week by herself and hasn't needed to see the physio in over six months! This bought me so much joy. If a client doesn't want to come to my studio anymore, that's ok! But keeping up your love of Pilates means the world to me. My influence over her life means she is feeling strong, is confident working around her medical conditions and able to do the things she loves like camping and hiking without pain.
I hear stories like this every week in the studio about how Pilates is changing your lives. I will never get sick of hearing what you have to say! From improved back pain despite sleeping on an airbed out camping for a week to finally being able to touch your toes - these are all wins that I will celebrate with you.
I asked one of my clients Alison, why she started Pilates and what it means for her life. This is what she said…
I have come to Pilates later in the life journey than most, now fully retired and into my seventh decade. The turning point was on Australia Day this year when I attended my first class with Holly. In late April, I was embarking on a hiking adventure exploring Karijini National Park with its unique and stunning gorges, in the remote wilderness of Western Australia. I was aware that this adventure was at the upper limit of my capacities and in order to enjoy it I had to work on my core strength, flexibility and balance.
In the beginning I felt a complete novice with Pilates movements and in many ways still do. In the past, as a busy professional, my fitness priority was primarily cardio; running and jogging, ever more slowly as the years progressed. Now it is walking!
Almost six months into the journey, Pilates has added a whole new dimension to my level of fitness, health and well-being with the holistic components of movement, flexibility, core strength and balance. Indeed, it is the old truism, all things are connected.
It comes as no surprise that the physical impact of the aging process heightened my understanding of how essential Pilates exercises and movements are in managing day to day activities and enabling participation in some of my life passions. These encompass enjoying the great outdoors, walking, gardening and golf. Carrying bags of potting mix and stepping backwards out of a garden bed with a plant in one hand, is not so easy today as it was in my 40’s! I am aware that an injury can be life changing.
Hence, I thoroughly endorse Holly’s raison d’etre for a commitment to Pilates, not to be better at Pilates movements, rather what it enables. I love it and it is a new fitness adventure. Longevity is a goal not of itself but with quality of life. It is never assured but as the science and research data attest, there is much that we can do to be on a proactive pathway, enhancing our physical and mental capacities, enjoying the present moment and being grateful for the journey.
Remember, doing Pilates is not about getting better at Pilates, it's about getting better at doing the things you need to do, and love to do.
So, here's your reminder again - consistency is key. It's only by turning up and doing the work, that you will feel the difference. I can't make you come to Pilates (although some of my Wellspringers love an email reminder when I tell them they haven't booked any classes this week!) but if you turn up, I will help you with the rest.
Till next time Wellspringers,
Love Holly
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