Posted by Marshall Eklund on Mon, Mar 29, 2010 @ 11:57 AM
"For the first time in fifty years, my back doesn't hurt." The rest of our Pilates class turned towards Barbara as she continued, "I remember exactly, because I just celebrated my son's fiftieth birthday and my back started hurting when he was born. We were celebrating his birthday when I noticed my back didn't hurt!" WOW. She attributed it to Pilates since she had tried so much else over the years. Everyone was thrilled for her and added their own stories about the difference pilates was making in their lives. Needless to say, as their pilates trainer, I felt fabulous! I've always known "this stuff works" as Marshall says (okay, that not exactly what he says, but close), but it was great to know it was working for my friends. They are my age and, quite frankly, all the years of wear and tear catches up with our bodies. I'm right there with them--I have a little of everything going on with my old body, scoliosis, osteoarthritis, joint pain, etc. I am so grateful for pilates--my chiropractor reminds me each monthly visit what a good thing it is for me. He told me last week that when his younger patients whine he tells them he has a seventy-some year old patient (that's me) who can kick their butt so they need to start moving.
Important point. We spend much our days at computers, reading, or watching TV--flexed forward, slumped or both. Pretty tough on the old back. Or the young back for that matter. A Brazilian friend was prescribed Pilates as a teenager for his back problems. It worked wonders. A lot--maybe most--of the clients who come to Marshall Eklund Pilates & Fitness are here because of back, shoulder or neck issues. If they don't already have problems, they want to prevent them. Or they want to look and feel fabulous which also happens. Personally, I love feeling "excellent" most of the time. It is so empowering.
On that note, and feeling particularly excellent, I leave you,
Judy