Inspiration Of The Month – Nancy Mayfield

I am not sure exactly when I fell in love with Pilates. I took gymnastics as a child, and as I later pursued a life in the theater I enjoyed challenging myself in new ways: yoga, dance, karate, Tai Chi, mat Pilates.  But like many students, my irregular schedule and lack of funds made it difficult to take regular classes, and working at home with videos quickly became boring.  As my career focus turned to research and administration instead of performing, my life became sedentary and I began to gain weight. Before I knew it, I was getting injured doing simple things: missing a step walking down the stairs resulted in a nasty sprain.  Carrying a nephew around threw out my back.  Holding my phone in place with my shoulder at work created neck spasms and headaches.  It wasn’t until I started working with a physical therapist to help me with the latter that I came to realize just how weak my body had become.  My fears of further injuries had resulted in my avoiding the basic exercises I most needed to build up my muscles and protect my joints.

I tried to ease myself back into a healthier activity schedule with gentle yoga, but after 6 months I felt more flexible and slightly more resilient, but no stronger.  The more advanced classes aggravated my past wrist and ankle sprains, and I was frustrated by my limitations.  I really wanted to revisit Pilates, but the studio I was going to didn’t offer a class that worked with my schedule.  So I started shopping around and asking my friends for recommendations.  All it took was one session with Cary and I knew Rivercity Pilates was exactly what I had been seeking.

I started with mat Pilates once a week, and experimented with trying other classes as my schedule would allow.  I was a little intimidated by the Pilates equipment classes at first, but quickly discovered that I really enjoyed the graceful lengthening exercises on the Tower. I was just starting to really make exercise a part of my routine when I sprained my wrist again, worse than ever.  In the past, this might have made me give up.  But the amazing instructors at Rivercity worked with me modify our workouts, and helped me stay positive and forward-thinking.  It took a long time, but I have gradually regained strength in my wrist and can now plank better than when I first started!  I take two classes a week, and I have been trying to work in a third, even if it means trying something difficult or new.

It sounds obvious now, but somehow it took me a long time to recognize that the only way I will get healthy is if I make health a priority.  The success of my Pilates classes encouraged me to starting working with Health Coach Amy Boelk, whom I met during an open house.  I am now combining exercise and a guided health plan to help me create the positive habits that will help me feel more energetic and stronger, and more confident. I am so grateful to Amy and the entire Rivercity staff for helping me stay focused on living a happier, healthier life.