I am a healthy, strong, 59 year old woman. However, that hasn’t always been the case.

Throughout my life, I had inherently poor posture structure and mild scoliosis. I developed significant back pain and my friend recommended I see her chiropractor. After a few visits, that chiropractor recommended I try a Pilates mat video.

I didn’t know what Pilates was but started doing the video everyday.  At first I could only do 20 minutes, but that steadily turned into 50. After only three weeks of Pilates work, my back and body pain disappeared. I was getting toned and stronger. Eventually I went to a Pilates studio and participated in the equipment classes in addition to doing videos.

However, in 2011 I developed a virus that resulted in a rare form of cardiomyopathy/heart failure. My heart became enlarged and was unable to pump blood effectively. 

It was then that I discovered what it felt like to be a 99 year old.

Again, I turned to Pilates. Initially I was so weak that I needed to learn about using breath work to help me engage my core muscles more deeply to begin getting stronger.   Eventually over time I was able to add more difficult work and over the course of a few years, I recovered enough to live a normal day.

Today I am hooked on Pilates, so much so that I feel compelled to share it with others, especially those who have back issues or are recovering from a prolonged or serious illness. My own pain and illness have become my greatest teacher, and led me to another one of my passions: working with the senior population.

If you’re recovering from an illness, are older or have a chronic health issue, I truly know how you feel. Others may have studied or read about your problems, or think they know how it feels to be in a recovery or building state, but I’ve lived it.