Inspiration of the Month Heather Thorpe
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When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
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I started Pilates in 2007 primarily for health reasons. For years I struggled with anorexia, which had significant impacts on my body – my weight dropped to 78 pounds my freshman year of college. Recovery from anorexia focuses foremost on getting someone to a “normal” weight while addressing the underlying psychological issues at play – for me these were severe anxiety coupled with the need to be “perfect”.
Continuing with yoga throughout my recovery helped get my energy levels back up, but I was still frustrated by feeling physically weak. Pilates helped me gain back core strength and muscle development, which made me feel empowered in my body for the first time. Today, Pilates helps manage my anxiety and is a continual source of encouragement when I think about how far I’ve come.
What benefits have you seen by committing to a regular Pilates practice?
Pilates helps manage my anxiety and has improved my breathing immensely (I have chronic allergies and impaired breathing due to several bouts of pneumonia). It also gives me a much-needed retreat from the constant demands of grad school.
What inspired you to become a Pilates instructor?
My first Pilates instructor was a friend who was working as an apprentice teacher in Santa Barbara. She needed practice clients so I agreed to be her guinea pig. Since then, Pilates has become such an integral part of my life that I wanted to share my love of it with others.
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What is your favorite exercise?
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Teaser! – whether on the Reformer, Tower, or mat.
What is your least favorite exercise?
Chest expansion, but I’m hoping it’s another exercise that I will grow to love.
What is your favorite equipment?
I started learning Pilates on the Reformer and it is still my favorite.
What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?
The benefits of Pilates are so varied and everyone can gain something from it. Whether you’re looking to improve your posture, alleviate chronic pain, get back into shape or start working out for the first time, or just interested in trying something new, Pilates is a method that is tailored to meet individual needs and will leave you feeling better than when you first walked in the door.
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