How many of you out there started Pilates because an injury was preventing you from enjoying something else? Of course, there are plenty of people who are drawn to Pilates because of what they see or hear, but I’m sure there are a number of you who tried your first Pilates class at the recommendation of a physical therapist or a chiropractor. I started Pilates when my physio suggested I take a break from yoga after knee surgery. It was a slow burn for me, but eventually I got really into it, and I fell in love with the Reformer, and then the Chair, and the Cadillac. At one point before I decided to do my teacher training, I was going to one or two classes a day, doing one-on-one training, and really seeing how strong my body was getting compared to my friends who were coming to class once a week at most. I also noticed how it really upped my soccer game. I was more flexible, my throw-ins were going farther than ever, and I felt solid–if someone slammed into me, I was able to hold my ground. When I trekked the Inca Trail on my first trip to Peru, I had the stamina to carry my pack for long hours and balance on those wild and crazy steps thanks to many hours in the Pilates studio.
A lot of regular clients on the roster at Retrofit have other passions–golf, tennis, running, to name a few–and Pilates helps them up their game. Our very talented instructor, Robyn Milburn, ran a marathon in Copenhagen a couple of weeks ago, and credits her Pilates practice for playing a significant role in her cross training. Clients like Julie Powers and Joan Maggisano use Pilates to keep them flexible and strong for their golf games, while Gloria Bull and Christiane Wernack train for the ski season in our studio. For road runners like Mira Gamsa, Pilates is one way to keep hamstrings and quads from seizing up while working on foot mobility. This month, our social media is going to focus on specific exercises that can help improve your performance on the court, in the pool, on the track, or wherever your interests lie.
June is often a month for challenges–we try to get a jump on the summer and squeeze in as many classes as we can in friendly competition. Some of you will remember the energy of pre-pandemic 30 Day Challenges, where people scrambled for class times and there was a buzz and a chaos to it all. I love a good challenge–I’m certainly motivated by external pressures and rewards! But more than that, I’m fond of moving in community. I love taking classes, playing on teams, and hiking with others. So, if you are inspired to challenge your practice this month, I hope you can enjoy the proximity to your peers (even online!), the shared frustrations and celebrations, the way everyone feels relief at the end of The Hundred, and a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment when each class comes to an end. Let’s move together!
Pam Ferguson
Retrofit Master Instructor
Lead Instructor/Operations Associate