Judith has been coming weekly to my Seated Pilates class for the last 6 months. I wanted to know what Judith liked about the class and why she had made it a regular part of her schedule. We got together for a coffee and this is what she told me.
I came to the Seated Pilates class on the recommendation of a friend who comes and loves the class. I enjoy coming because I feel like I am making progress. After covid, I was having difficulty breathing. My breathing had become shallow and I remembered having done Pilates years ago, how much it helped with breathing. I now make a conscious effort to practice stomach breathing. I can sing again and have rejoined the choir.
As an older person with Arthritis, I noticed things are beginning to creak and freeze up. I find the gentle controlled way you instruct us to use various muscle groups very good. I had not realized how frozen my ankles were. Now, after a few sessions, the exercises are not so difficult and my ankles have more mobility.
I am a quilter; I make silk wall hangings that require detailed hand stitching and machine work. It uses the whole body. With arthritis in my hands, I can keep going as long as I am disciplined, and stop for breaks and do the exercises that help. I find myself naturally doing the exercises that I remember from class while watching tv, subconsciously.
I like the level of the seated/standing class. It is something I think I can continue with for many years. You give us good advice about working safely, knowing our level, giving alternatives, and working up to it.
The class is gently structured and I feel like anyone could join in without feeling it was too hard. You correct us in a nonconfrontational way, with gentle reminders without being singled out so you don’t lose confidence. It is 45 minutes of my week that I look forward to and enjoy. If I have had a day when I am low in energy, I feel like I can come along and just do what I can. As someone who has never done sport, it is nice to feel like you do not have to worry if you are not the best at it.
I like exercising in a group and meeting people. At our age, a lot of us are on our own. It is important to make a social element to everything we do. I like the social get-togethers we have too.
I am very grateful to Judith, for letting me share her story about why she loves seated Pilates. If Judith has inspired you to try out a class please get in touch to find out how you can get started.
