Susan started taking private lessons in Pilates with Kimberly in the fall of 2014 and has been consistently taking lessons ever since. Originally, she was coming two days per week for the first couple of years, but she has been coming four days per week since 2016. She is faithful and committed in her Pilates practice, and she is a strong, beautiful mover. While she faces challenges with arthritis and flexibility, Pilates has helped her to improve greatly. Susan has truly experienced anti-aging at it’s finest! We can’t stop the clock, but we can keep improving at any age!
We sat down with Susan recently and asked her a few questions about her Pilates practice and how it has impacted her life!
Q: What is your favorite Pilates exercise?
A: If they were Pilates exercises, I would say Child’s Pose and Downward Dog! In the Pilates method specifically, I would say Short Spine on the Reformer and Tower on the Cadillac. They are just really good stretch exercises, and they make my whole body feel good.
Q: What is your favorite piece of equipment?
A: I would say the Reformer. There are a lot of fun things that we do on it, and it is very challenging!
Q: What is your favorite thing about Today Pilates as a studio?
A: Well, for starters, I love the dogs! But really, I like the breadth and depth of knowledge behind my instructor, Kimberly. Because she has a lot of knowledge, I feel very safe and supported in every workout.
Q: How has Pilates benefitted your everyday life?
A: I am in better shape than I have ever been! As I age, I feel better in every way. People don’t know what they’re missing!
Q: How has Pilates affected your arthritis and kept you young?
A: If I had not been doing Pilates for so long, I imagine my arthritis would not be as comfortable as it is.
Q: What advice would you give to anyone looking to give pilates a go?
A: Just do it!! You have no idea what you are missing. I would advise Pilates for everyone. Young, old, and everything in between. Most people just think it’s like yoga, which is not true. A Joseph Pilates quote I really like is this one: “A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics.” It is very descriptive of the Pilates method as a whole. Pilates can wear you out pretty quick!
Q: Any closing thoughts?
A: I have worked out for most of my life, and done a lot of different things for exercise. Pilates is the most enjoyable and beneficial of all of them!