Pilates Inspiration – Serena

Inspiration of the Month: Serena Stier (72 years old) February 2012

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?   In 2007, my sister in Washington D.C. treated me to a few sessions with her Pilates trainer.  After having done weight training off and on for some eight years with a coach and managing to injure myself regularly, I decided I must switch to Pilates.

For some three years I worked with a young Pilates instructor who also taught dance.  I enjoyed feeling so much stronger and integrated and relieved that these improvements came without injury.  We work one on one swiftly.  She gave up her Pilates practice to concentrate on dance, which led me to Rivercity Pilates.

When I began at Rivercity Pilates with Carey I learned to breathe differently and move slowly at my own pace.  Imagine my delight at discovering that this kind of work seems to strengthen me even better from my core out- Thank You!

Why do you do Pilates and what are the benefits in your life?
Pilates helps me sit straight, walk more firmly and move with greater ease.  Moreover, because Carey is constantly varying what we do, I don’t get bored.  I miss it greatly when I’m away and am delighted upon my return to Pilates that “muscle memory” gets me going swiftly again.

How has Pilates changed your life?
I am much more able to pick up and move objects I would have not attempted in the past.  I delight when my husband imagines something is too heavy for me, and I manage just fine

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment?
For me, the best part of the Rivercity Pilates equipment is the variety.  The best part of the experience is my coach, Carey, who always seems to see what I’m not doing quite right and manages to correct me so gently I hardly notice.

What would you say to someone thinking about starting Pilates?
I cannot emphasize enough how important I think Pilates is for any person to gain and maintain maximum flexibility, confidence in movement, and healthy breathing regardless of their age or gender.  As someone seventy-two years of age, I especially recommend it as a preventative and antidote to the special challenges of growing older.