When Louise wanted to start Pilates with us for the first time we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to follow her transformation- what would she enjoy, what would she struggle with, would she achieve the results she set out to achieve? Take a peep into her personal journey below:
I joined Mayfair Wellness on Monday the 8th of September after I search the internet for a while specifically for Pilates. First impressions always last, referring to the warm and friendly reception as well as very helpful service I’ve received in joining Mayfair.
During my assessment with Jeanne I was actually shocked by the photo’s of my ‘before’ and ‘after’ and a bit sceptical if Pilates is really the answer? However, going through the assessment I’ve become more aware of my body and then started looking forward to my first class!
Needless to say, after this one session I am much more positive and really looking forward to get rid of my back & neck problems. Initially I’ve thought I would not keep up with
the rest of the class and was afraid that I will hurt myself. However, Jeanne’s calm
voice & influence led me not only to ‘feel’ the motions, but also made me aware of
learning my body in a totally new way. I am really looking forward to tonight’s class
and the rest of the week!
4 days down the line and I’ve already discovered the difference in normal workout
classes at the gym vs pilates. In gym you do not really focus or listen to your inner
body where in pilates you are aware of your body during the whole exercise w.r.t.
breathing, the intensity of each move and how far you can actually push your body.
Your chances of getting hurt in the gym is higher, in Pilates you’ll receive non-stop individual attention and your chances of getting hurt, is less. This week was quite an experience and lovely journey – in only a few days I’ve really learnt a lot of new things as well as being more in touch with my body.
The 2nd week of my Pilates classes was a frustration due to the fact that I could not
attend any of them! I had to lie down flat on my back for two days as a nerve pinched
in my lower back, very bad for someone who kicked off with such enthusiasm
However, the wonderful Jeannie from the studio has supported me emotionally
throughout the week and I knew I simply must have faith – it WILL eventually get
better!
I’ve started this week working out very slowly and listened to my body as my instructor Jeannie has told me. The nice thing also was to work out with Karla, my osteopath
who presented the class. They’ve treated me as if I was the most important
person in the studio (well this is how I’ve felt ) and it was such a pleasure to have
both in the class, directing me what to do and what not. The words “listen to your
body” still echoes in my ears and I keep on repeating them in my mind all the time.
I’ve come to realise don’t just go with the flow, or be scared to fall behind the rest of
the class but ONLY to listen to my body – it went fantastic last night and I feel quite
positive for the next two days’ work outs!
Pilates for the week of 6 October was a ball! From being only a handful on
Monday to being fully booked on Wednesday made the classes so much more
enjoyable – Monday we’ve received a lot of personal attention and were taken
care of by Jeannie. Wednesday it was more difficult due to the fullness of the
class, however for the first time I did not feel I am the only one with back problems.
There were others as well, sharing the same pain and discomfort as I do and we
could therefore relate to one another. So nice to hear that they are also happy to be
there as they’ve found the right place for their problems! So for Louise’s back
(that’s me), I could feel a bit of a relief in relation to the previous week and hope to
carry on like this to the next week!
This week’s attendance in relation to last week went so much better as I’ve felt
more flexible and could have done much more with my body since I’ve started.
It’s only the ‘planks’ which for some reason I cannot even try doing! The moment
I lift myself up, I can feel the pressure in my lower back. However, I am
positive in stating that I will be able to eventually master this exercise, that’s for
sure! The combination of doing the beginners class together with the intermediate
also helps a lot in the sense that the one teaches you a lot on how to
use and concentrate on the core muscles, whereas the other is more of an intense
workout. After a class like this you can actually feel up to which point you have
pushed your body and whether you are comfortable with it. If too much strain,
it will obviously be best to slow down and go back to the beginner’s class.
Thanks to i.move studio for understanding our bodies!
