Inspiration of the Month-February 2019 Donny Lindell

Inspiration of the Month
February 2019 
Donny Lindell

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start? 
I started Pilates in April 2018. My reasoning for starting Pilates goes back to Memorial Day 2017.  I woke up that morning and experienced a sharp snapping sensation in my left knee and it wasn’t long until the right knee decided to join in. This turned into constant discomfort and pain.  After what felt like a million doctors visits, MRI’s, XRays and PT- I was diagnosed with a connective tissue disorder: Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS).  After learning there really is not a medical fix for this condition I was instructed to go to PT in order to strengthen my body to support my “loose” joints.   Throughout PT my physical therapists and doctors all recommended I try Pilates since it was something that would help me build overall strength.  I decided to give it a shot after my brother went and scoped out Rivercity Pilates and did a private himself. He came back to me with all the information and I decided it was worth a shot!!

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing? 
I try to go to at least 4 classes weekly, but on the days I am not able to make it to class I incorporate Pilates exercises into my morning stretches/exercises.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
Pilates has really helped me manage my pain/discomfort on a daily basis.  When I start my day with Pilates it always makes me feel so much better mentally and physically.  For those reasons I actually have decided to to the Teacher Training Program as well!!  I really feel that Pilates  has helped me so much and am excited to learn all I can and hopefully help others who may be experiencing anything similar. 

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
I really love the Roll Down or Neck Pull right now, but I have SO much to learn, so who knows what my next Favorite will be!!

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
I would say “DO IT”! Not only is it a great way to get a whole body workout but it helps you so much in your daily life!!!