How Can Pilates help with other activities?, Laura story

As a dancer, who hardly gets to go dance anymore- I can say one thing about stepping back into a class. My extensions may not be as high, but my balance, pirouettes, and releves are A.O.K. Now, of course this could be because Dance is second nature. I did take it for 16years, get a College degree in it and Dance professionally for 4 years. But with that said, I haven’t done it on a regular basis for 4 years. So, I feel pretty good that I can waltz right back in and do ok. But since I am extremely bias to this subject, I will let you hear from someone else.

Meet Lisa! I loved when Lisa joined the Studio, not just because she’s way cool and totally kicked back, but also because she had done Pilates before. It made the start-up sessions even more fun! I was able to put her right in an existing group. Like, the last two clients, I am honored to have Lisa tell you herself why she loves Pilates and working out here at the Pilates Body.

“Since taking pilates with Heidi, my overall strength and posture have improved dramatically. I was regularly working out on my own with jogging and aerobics videos, but I was not seeing any noticeable difference. Once I began taking pilates, I learned to be in touch with my muscles and body movements. I was able to incorporate what I was learning with Heidi into my other workouts and I am finally seeing measurable changes.”

Thanks Lisa for being such an awesome client of mine. The changes I have seen are remarkable. See you Tomorrow for your session and in Mat class.

Carol’s Story

Today, I want Carol, to tell her story. Carol came to me, and wanted to do a mat class series. Not knowing what all she been through, I put her in a Thera-band Mat class. She did alright, but I could just see that she really needed more. So, finally, I asked her what her history is all about. I knew right away she needed way more then just a Mat class. She needed some one on one time and she needed rebuilding of her Muscles of her whole body. My heart went out to her. I wanted to help her, and with that I came up with the injury plan. With Carol, I mostly work on her core, balance and leg strength. Here is Carol, to tell you her story in her own words.

I used to be an active healthy person until a spinal fusion set me back. Nerve damage caused loss of signals to my abdominal and leg muscles. My muscles atrophied or shriveled up at a rapid rate. I was as weak as an old woman in a nursing home. Yet I needed to go back to work as a nurse! I knew it was important to not only get back in shape but strengthen my muscles to prevent future back injuries. My surgeon suggested pilates.

Carol Cherico RN BSN

Therese’s Story

Since I’m trying to get back into the swing of things….now that Noah is back in school…. I REALLY want to start blogging again. So, to help me out ease my way back, I am getting help from my WONDERFUL clients. I took my camera to the studio and took their picture, putting a face to not only their beautiful faces, but more importantly to their stories. Everyone has their own reasoning for seeking out Pilates. Hopefully, you can relate to one or more of them. My first shining face is Therese May, I have talked about her once before here. Her new found physical strength is amazing!

I will let Therese tell you in her own words:

My body was a little crooked and out of alignment but I began feeling better and better and more centered with each session. At the end of my private times with Heidi, I was learning new exercises and breathing methods that promoted my strength and well-being; I had built a trust and a bond with my teacher. BUT—I was a little nervous about joining a trio class with two other women. NOW—I have been participating in the class ever since and I am loving it. It makes me feel great as all of the exercises and habits I’ve learned have changed my life!

Laura’s Story

When I first started teaching Pilates- I thought, no brainer I will be working with dancers and it will be fun! a piece of cake… yea right, not saying that my job it tough, but it has brought me to a new levels with working with a TON of different type of people… and it has brought me out of the dance world shell…. because being a dancer… you are in your own world

Last year I had the honor and blessing to work at a Physical Therapy clinic where they had Pilates. I had been wanting to work there for years, sent my resume in and waited…and waited… Finally, one day I got a call. The timing, so I thought wasn’t perfect…. but it ended up being a saving grace and PERFECT TIMING. I had just moved my studio into where I am now, the economy fell apart and I lost 5 clients in a matter of 3 mos. So, I needed the job. This place introduced me to a new level of Pilates, working with many different kinds of injuries and People. During my time there, I had the pleasure to met and train Laura. She was kind enough to follow me to my studio and since, been taking the Pilates Mat Class. Her growth is amazing and I am truly, truly honored to have such nice words from her. Here is Laura and her story:

I began learning Pilates with Heidi several months after an above-the-knee amputation of my right leg, and it has been great for my recovery. Heidi is an outstanding instructor — patient, encouraging, and wonderful at explaining exactly how to move my body. She devised adaptations of some exercises that enabled me to work around my limitations, so I never felt left out as the class went through its routines. The core strength I’ve gained has made all the difference in learning to use my leg prosthesis, and I’m surprised by how much I enjoy doing Pilates. I highly recommend Heidi as a Pilates instructor for people recovering from illnesses, injuries, or surgeries for whom increased core strength would be beneficial (with approval of their doctors, of course). –Laura Ellingson

Thank You Laura, you are an inspiration to so many people. New heights are waiting for you in the future … Can’t wait to witness them for you