Pilates Inspiration of the Month – Dan Lusche

Dan Lusche- January 3012 Inspiration of the Month

When did you start Pilates and what inspired you to start?

I started Pilates now almost two years ago. I did not know much about Pilates. My friend Sophie Joly, who also takes Pilates classes, can be very motivating. She did not quit asking me to try it. I decided to be open-minded and I came, and stuck with it.

Why do you do Pilates and what are the benefits in your life?

Once I had tried Pilates, I realized how much it helps for my posture and mobility. It is simply a pleasure to see this kind of improvement. When I started, I had a tiny tear in my Achilles. I had a hard time walking pain-free. The strengthening of my body as a whole has improved it so much that I now consider running again, which I had quit due to the injury.

How has Pilates empowered your physical body?

I would definitely say that I noticed how much the breathing technique affects the control of the body and the possibility to obtain body strength. It is a good experience to observe how slight changes (actually whether I do it right or wrong) in how I do the exercises affects the outcome. All the instructors are so skilled in guidance that I have better learned to pay attention to the correct position of my arms, legs, etc. during a particular exercise. I am much more in control now. I think I can summarize the physical improvements that the various parts of my body as a whole are improving in terms of flexibility and strength.

Do you have a favorite exercise or piece of equipment (or both)?

I like the exercises that I have problems with because I can find out whether I am able to improve. I need that challenge. For instance, doing the Saw in mat class. I also like the exercises with the ball. Those are hard and good for me. Per aspera ad astra as the old Romans said, freely translated as through persistent exercise to reach the stars.

What would you say to someone thinking of starting Pilates?

It is worth a try, and if you like to be in charge of your body and like improvements, you will enjoy it. Be open-minded and persistent. From nothing comes nothing.