January Re-Inspiration – Dawnell

For many years, we featured an Inspiration of the Month—highlighting the real people who showed up, stayed curious, and made Pilates part of their lives. Those stories captured a moment in time, but what makes them even more meaningful now is what came next.

We’re excited to introduce Re-Inspirations: a chance to revisit some of those past Inspirations and hear how their Pilates practice has evolved over the years. Bodies change. Life changes. Our why for movement changes. And Pilates has a unique way of meeting us where we are—again and again.

Our first Re-Inspiration is Dawnell, who began practicing Pilates with us in 2015. Over the past decade, her relationship with movement has shifted alongside work transitions, retirement, and a renewed focus on long-term health. Her reflections are a powerful reminder that Pilates isn’t just something you do—it’s something that grows with you.

You have been practicing Pilates since 2015! How has your Pilates practice changed since you started?

Since starting Pilates in 2015, my practice has evolved significantly. When I was working from home, Pilates helped me stay mobile and counteract long hours at the computer. After retiring in 2024, I made my health my new full-time job—especially after being diagnosed with osteoporosis. Now, I aim to attend a daily Pilates session, whether in person or through on-demand classes at home. With tight hip flexors from years of desk work, I’ve found the on-demand roll and release sessions particularly effective and refreshing!

What is your why for practicing Pilates? Has that changed since you started Pilates?

 My “why” for practicing Pilates has definitely evolved. When I started, I was working from home and needed a way to counteract all the sitting and standing at my desk.  Pilates helped me stretch and feel more balanced. But now that I’m retired and have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, my “why” has shifted. Today, Pilates is part of how I take care of my body long-term. It’s not just about flexibility or strength anymore—it’s about building resilience, protecting my bones, and staying active and independent for years to come.

Do you think your Pilates practice has changed your mindset toward movement and health?  And if so, how?

 Absolutely—my Pilates practice has completely shifted my mindset around movement and health. It taught me that movement doesn’t have to be intense or exhausting to be effective. Pilates has helped me become more in tune with my body, especially after years of working at a desk. Now, I view daily movement as essential self-care rather than just exercise. Since being diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s become even more important—I see Pilates as a way to build strength, protect my bones, and support my overall health in a sustainable, empowering way.

What would you say to your younger self who was thinking about starting Pilates or maybe what would you say to yourself as you just started practicing Pilates and you were learning something new?

Trust the process and be patient with your body. When I first started Pilates, I did it to offset hours of sitting at a desk—but I had no idea how much it would improve my overall well-being. It’s okay to feel unsure or awkward at first. You’re learning a new language of movement, and over time, it will become second nature. Stick with it, because this practice will become a powerful tool—not just for flexibility and strength, but for healing, confidence, and lifelong health.

If you’d like to see where Dawnell’s Pilates journey began, you can read her original Inspiration of the Month feature from 2015 here—and see how her practice has grown alongside Rivercity Pilates over the years.