Inspiration of the Month- Nancy Roberston

Inspiration of the Month
July 2014
Nancy Robertson

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
I started after taking a free lesson with Cassie, who had been my law school intern several years ago. I had always wanted to try it and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I am the Executive Director of a domestic violence/sexual assault center that serves twelve counties and is extremely stressful. Cassie’s knowledge of this work was helpful in my being able to talk about the challenges of the week during my lesson.

How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?
I have been doing one private lesson per week since last May. I would love to do classes and lessons more frequently but I drive from either Oskaloosa where I work, or Des Moines where I live.

What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
I often say that I should be paying for therapy in addition to my lesson because that is what I feel like I get from my sessions. The opportunity to work the stress out of my body is extremely beneficial. My core strength is greatly improved and I get great satisfaction from being able to do a movement that was extremely difficult when I started. I am often questioned about the fact that I make an hour and a half drive for my lessons but I feel like it is worth it both for my physical and mental health. Having to make that drive I really make my lessons a priority. I believe it is the one thing I do each week that is strictly for me. I think if I were doing Pilates in Des Moines it would be easy to say I’ll go tomorrow, and then never really get there.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
I really enjoy the work on the Cadillac.

What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
It is a great workout for the body and soul. Try the complimentary lesson and see what you think. It isn’t something you have to do three or four times a week in order to see results.