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
Posted by Marshall Eklund on Wed, Mar 17, 2010 @ 06:32 PM
The students who come to Marshall Eklund Pilates to become STOTT PILATES® certified trainers never fail to amaze and inspire me. This stuff is no walk in the park--it takes dedication and willingness to put in the time and effort doing the hard work of learning the material and actually getting it "in your body". There is SO much to learn, no matter what your background.
I've spent the last few years as Marshall Eklund Pilates Studio Educational Coordinator and am in total awe of the incredible people who come through our program. They are simply the best. They come from all walks of life, with such a variety of backgrounds and education. We have taught personal trainers, dancers, yoga teachers, physical therapists, chiropracters, and students with health, beauty and business backgrounds. We have studio clients who have become so aware of the benefits of the work that they go through the courses to gain a deeper knowledge. We have acquired a great international reputation and have fabulous students (you know who you are) from The Philippines, Brazil, India, Kuwait, England, Canada, Mexico, Greece, and Italy to name a few.
Many of you were drawn to this program because of what you have heard about STOTT PILATES and Marshall's phenomenal education program and our Instructor Trainers. Good choice. Some students are becoming Pilates Trainers as a new career, some are adding new skills to existing portfolios. Some just love pilates and want to share it with others. A surprising number of our students choose pilates because they have personally been healed by the work after injuries. Many--maybe most--have made significant sacrifices to be in the program.
I totally love coming into the studio and seeing current and past course students studying their craft--practicing with each other, reviewing the material, observing our talented staff and taking mat classes, private and semi-private sessions to refine their skills. Not everyone has the luxury of being able to put in that kind of time at the studio and has the even tougher job of doing it in some other fashion. You are all amazing, if I wore a hat it would be off to you. If you know me, you know I'm a gusher--that said, even gushy-sappy words fail me in acknowledging how very special you are and how much I love and respect you all. Go forth and heal the world, little ones. Okay, how about just go out there and kick butt. You are terrific.
Judy