As a Pilates practitioner, I work with a wide variety of people who choose to do Pilates for vastly different reasons.  However, one of the constants throughout the years is a steady stream of people who have been told there is nothing more that can be done for them medically or that the pain they are experiencing is unexplained.  The only solution offered to them is pain relief medication and the people I see are searching for something more than a lifelong dependence on medication, that in many cases, isn't even an adequate solution.  This is where Pilates comes in and offers hope to these people and this is why Pilates is often considered "the last resort".  They may get relief from other therapies but it's only temporary so if Pilates doesn't work for them, there is nothing else left for them to try, which is a very daunting prospect.  Fortunately for the vast majority of people that I have worked with over the years in this situation, Pilates or...

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One of the reasons I'm so passionate about Pilates is because there are so many different aspects to it.  Relieving stress and anxiety is just one of the many amazing benefits Pilates provides.  Pilates breathing techniques are powerful and I use these techniques myself to stay calm when I'm dealing with stress.  I've lost count of the number of clients who have also successfully used their Pilates breathing to restore calm either for a one-off situation or to control ongoing anxiety.  Deep breathing triggers a physiological response that helps to calm the nervous system and quieten the mind.  It's not only the breathing techniques that help restore calm but the combination of breath and movement when we practice Pilates allows us to relax and go within and focus on staying in the present moment.

I wish I had known about Pilates during my teen years.  The relaxation aspect would have been so helpful in dealing with all the challenges teenagers...

When Kathy started Pilates with me in January last year she was dealing with ongoing, painful knee issues and was extremely motivated to find a solution and become pain-free.  She had already been attending a Pilates mat class for about 18 months when she came to me but she felt she needed additional specific strengthening to assist her condition to avoid surgery or delay it as long as possible.  As an active 69 year old grandmother of 6 young grandchildren, including a set of twins, she wanted to be physically strong and fit to enjoy caring for and playing with her grandkids, without constant pain.  She also enjoys challenging walks and travel so knee pain was really preventing her from living her best life possible.  Kathy continued her mat class and followed JS Mind Body Pilates Online, my online studio, initially with exercise suggestions from me.  She was extremely diligent with her Pilates practice and she...