Embody Pilates: "What brought you to Pilates?"

"I'm 65 years old and I kept twisting & turning my ankle, falling down, hitting my head, losing my balance, even walking on a flat surface. I was having coffee one day at Good Earth and I saw the word "Balance" in Embody Pilates advertisement in the newspaper and I walked down there right away."

"How did you start Pilates?"

I started with Pilates 101 and before I even finished, I had already signed up for the Joseph Pilates Challenge. 

What were your initial impressions of Pilates?

Within 4 weeks of Pilates, I was able to go  walking 17 kms....I did not fall, did not need a cane and my group had to follow me. :)

I did 2 Joseph Pilates Challenges, now signed up for a third and have been coming consistently for just about a year.

What has Pilates given you?

I feel as though I have a power over walking now.  I don't have to think if there is a crack in the cement or if the pathway is too narrow, I can walk straight.

It has improved my energy level.  I can walk 5 kms no problem and I can walk 2 more kms no problem....it feels easy now. I sleep well. I cannot tell enough people..... I was so sleep deprived before, but since doing Pilates, sleep is a pleasure and I feel good.

Can you describe the atmosphere of a class in Embody Pilates?

First of all, everyone is smiling.  You can tell, everyone is happy to be there.  Secondly, when you lay down on the mat, you notice the floor and studio are clean.  Cleanliness was very important to me. It's been nice to meet new people. When I come to class, even though I feel as though everyone else is better then me, it's ok, because I follow them and I learn from them.  Everyone is very supportive.

I tell my friends, even if you don't know what is wrong with you, you can't put a finger on it, when you come here, the teacher will tell you exactly what to do.  It makes it a no-brainer and the results are unbelievable.  As soon as you get off a Pilates machine or mat, you feel straighter.  It's difficult to explain, but I tell everybody as soon as you leave, after an hour, you're different.

We love having you Yolanda!  You're an inspiration to us all! :)