Inspiration of the Month
April 2017 — Cheryl Johnson
When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?
Several years ago Peg Schollmeier started things off by telling me how helpful Pilates was for her and that I should give it a try. A little while later I did an introductory session with Carey, but still I did not start a regular practice of Pilates. Last spring, Shelley offered me private classes as part of her instructor training. I could feel how it worked my lower abdominal muscles.
But, I still did not start participating in classes or continue a regular practice of Pilates partly because of being out of town and somewhat because I was a little nervous doing the mat classes as I was worried I wouldn’t do the exercises correctly or keep up. Around Christmas, I signed up for the Pilates mat class package and decided that I had to commit to doing Pilates regularly. I had an upcoming trip in February to Machu Picchu and Galapagos and I wanted to be able to enjoy this active trip. They promised me I would feel and see results and I have! My goal was to do a teaser at Machu Picchu!
How often do you practice Pilates and what type of sessions or classes have you been doing?
I try to do 4-5 mat classes a week and I’m not sore after doing this many classes!
What benefits or improvements have you noticed in your body and life from doing Pilates?
I have been told all of my life to stand up straight and had trouble doing so. Now, I know that the secret to this is not throwing your shoulders back, but in engaging your core, especially your lower abdominal muscles and doing the “abdominal scoop”. I noticed in everyday movements that I feel myself engage my core now in order to bend over and stand up, picking up grandchildren, and in balancing and carrying things.
Importantly, on my trip I noticed how much easier it was to hike on uneven ground, jump out of and pull myself back in dinghies, and climb multiple steps. I am in general much less achy as I get up in the morning. I feel better than I have in a long time!
Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?
I love the feeling of Swan and how it strengthens my back. The Pilates exercises have so many different components and variations that as I have become more familiar with them I find I can concentrate on aspects to improve and push myself with each exercise. Shelley has been so patient and encouraging in stressing over and over the fundamentals and how to do them correctly in her classes. Combining mat, barre and dance with Nancy is fun and brings out my inner ballerina. Carey’s morning class pushes me to do more including incorporating the challenging “stretcheze band” and the big ball with the Pilates exercises. I have never been bored with a “routine” class.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing Pilates?
Do it! I love the supportive and encouraging atmosphere at Rivercity Pilates. You will see so many benefits. I did reach my goal and was able to do a teaser on Machu Picchu with all kinds of people watching!! A teaser that still needs work, but I did it!
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