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By Jane Milliff , MMSc, PT
Every morning at 5:30 all through the winter, when my kids were small, I jumped on my stationary bike and pedaled like mad. I rode that Tunturi so much, the odometer actually turned over. But I finally had to give it up - my sciatica was unrelenting. I ran on the weekends, until my IT band got so tight, I was hobbled. Ouch. Oh, and then a stress fracture in my ankle made it tough to do anything but swim, and how could I fit that in with the kids still asleep?
16 years later...
I rode my bike 300 miles last week and climbed over 16,000 feet. We climbed Independence Pass, Cottonwood Pass, Ute Pass and more passes whose names I can't remember. Yowza. I felt tired and exhilarated, but strong. No sciatica, no IT band pain, no stress fractures - nothing. Nothing hurt - NADA. ZIP. ZILCH. At 57, I can still run up Sanitas, bike to Ward and sit in a low chair. Even more importantly, I can get out of that chair without a twinge. And my secret? PILATES.
It was 1999 when I took my first Pilates class, and I haven't looked back. Sure, I had done lots of weights, aerobics classes, hot Yoga -- I tried it all. But until I landed in Pilates, I never really knew what I was missing. My injury rate has dropped to "too little to mention" and when I have an occasional problem, my colleagues are quick to treat it. I get better faster than ever before, even as I get older.
I honestly can't think of a better insurance plan against any injury - and it's fun. I end up tired and relaxed at the same time. The breathing focus can eliminate a headache in no time. One hour a week is what I do now to keep my body happy - and I'd like to do more. But then, where would I find the time to bike and run and ski, and do all the things I couldn't do 16 years ago?
If you have never tried Pilates, do it. Beware though, you might get hooked.
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