Some of my clients come to Pilates because they are struggling with a health issue – from back pain to ankle and shoulder issues and more. People find they can’t exercise like they used to and need a kinder way to lengthen and tone muscles without a lot of impact on the joints. Sophie came to me exactly that way. So, I wanted to hear more about her journey and learn what she thinks of the body work she’s done.
Q: Did you begin doing Pilates for a specific reason and did it help with that original need?
A: I broke my foot several years ago and was looking for a way to exercise without having to bear weight on my foot. Pilates helped me to strengthen and tone my body during the injury and made my recovery much quicker. Before I began practicing Pilates, I was having difficulty finding an exercise routine that didn’t leave me with lower back pain. As I got older, the workouts that I relied on (running, spinning, yoga) did not work for my body. Pilates has changed my life – it’s a great workout and I no longer have any pain.
Q: Have others noticed a difference in you after doing Pilates?
A: I’ve had several compliments about my strength and tone, particularly my abs. For the first time in my life, my abs are visible!
Q: Does Pilates help you mentally vs just physically?
A: Pilates is beneficial to me mentally as much as it is physically. The breath and mind work that is part of the Pilates practice helps me to feel less stressed and anxious. I always feel better after a session. Strong, confident, happy, calm, accomplished
Q: How would you explain the benefits of Pilates to someone who has never tried it?
A: Pilates is whole body fitness – strength and cardio. It’s a great low-impact form of exercise that will make you longer and leaner, improve your posture, alleviate pain and tension, and give you an overall feeling of being more aligned and stable.
Q: How do you feel about doing it on Zoom vs in person?
A: I was initially hesitant about Zoom sessions versus in person, mostly because I wasn’t “sold” on mat Pilates. I quickly realized that mat Pilates has the same, if not more, benefits than reformer Pilates. Having a few props also helps to add variety and new exercises. I have fallen in love with Pilates via Zoom sessions. Being able to get a great workout at home in my own space is hard to beat. I don’t plan on returning to a studio!
Q: You encouraged your mom to start Pilates. What does she think about it?
A: I encouraged my mom to try Pilates several years ago. She was hesitant at first but once she started, she fell in love with it. Pilates has helped her to correct harmful movement patterns and has relieved her pain and discomfort. She’s always telling me that she feels stronger and more aligned.
I learned so much talking with Sophie, including something surprising. She really loves working out at home. And the mat sessions she thought she wouldn’t like really work for her. It may take some persuading to lure her away from Zoom sessions in the future. Maybe a piece of chocolate? Wine? Or my new private studio? All of the above perhaps, though the wine would have to wait until after the last session of the day.
