Clients’ Corner - Jennifer L.
WP: How long have you been practicing Pilates, how did you discover it, and what made you choose Westwood Pilates — and keep coming back?
I started practicing Pilates just over a year ago after a longtime friend described it as “good for the soul.” She referred me to Daniela at Westwood Pilates, whom I called the same day. I keep returning to Pilates because I feel stronger and more present, both physically and mentally, on the days that I practice.
WP: How has your body or mindset changed since you started Pilates?
My body is quite a bit stronger and more flexible than it was a year ago. My mind is clearer and quieter, and I am more centered and confident. I feel more present in my body than I ever have before; I am inhabiting it more completely and harmoniously.
WP: What’s something you can do now that you couldn’t do before starting Pilates?
I can sit up straight for extended periods of time without support. I can bend over at the hip and place my hands flat on the ground. I can carry heavy bags and boxes more easily and without risking injury.
WP: Do you have a favorite “Pilates moment” — a breakthrough, milestone, or “aha” realization?
My favorite moments are the ones when I hear my instructor, Francine, say, “Yeeeeeees.” That’s when I know I have understood the correction and am doing the exercise properly. It is satisfying, and I admit that I find myself chasing the “Yeeeeeees."
WP: What’s one exercise you used to dread but now enjoy?
When I started Pilates, my back was relatively weak, and I disliked the exercises that engage the back muscles, such as the rowing series on the reformer and the swan and swimming on the mat. Having strengthened my back over the last year, I now affirmatively enjoy the rowing series. The swan and swimming are still a bit of a chore, but I am confident I will improve and come to enjoy them, too, in time.
WP: Which piece of equipment or exercise do you enjoy most — and why?
The Cadillac and the Guillotine are the most fun because they support exercises that invert your body and feel acrobatic. I also enjoy the Pole because it provides feedback about your posture while engaging your whole body. Finally, I look forward to the occasional session with the jump board on the reformer because the exercises have a faster pace and expend more energy.
WP: How has Pilates influenced your daily life or other activities you enjoy?
I appreciate the impact of Pilates in nearly everything I do. Because my core is considerably stronger, I sit more upright and more comfortably. I am learning to shift weight away from my heels and engage my core when I walk, which reduces the strain on my lower back. With increasing flexibility and strength, I can reach and lift everyday items more easily and am less likely to injure myself when I slip or my body turns in an unexpected way. In general, I feel more attuned to my body and find myself operating in harmony with it, rather than struggling to complete routine tasks in spite of it.
WP: If you had to describe your Pilates practice in three words, what would they be?
Meditative, strengthening, gratifying
WP: How would you describe the atmosphere or community at Westwood Pilates?
The community at Westwood Pilates is supportive, pragmatic, and inclusive. Class sizes are small; private sessions are ubiquitous; and the clientele are varied in age, gender, and ability. The instructors get to know the idiosyncrasies of your body and disposition well and are adept at tailoring the sessions so that they challenge you enough to induce progress while keeping things interesting and fun.
WP: What advice would you give to someone who’s brand new to Pilates?
Choose an established classical Pilates studio to reap the full benefits of the system and keep your practice interesting. Maintain a regular schedule of Pilates sessions at least once or twice per week and be fully present during the sessions. If you are consistent and engaged, progress will come on its own. Finally, put forth your best effort, but do not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
