Congratulations Jodie on being a Pilates STAR!!

Never underestimate the strength of the quiet achiever! Jodie has been a regular practitioner of pilates for approximately 2 years. Jodie manages bouts of back pain and some movement limitations from a postural condition called Kyphosis. For consistency, dedication and the ability to come back from each back pain setback, Jodie we celebrate you!

Jodie, you've been coming to pilates classes for a long time now, what keeps bringing you back to the mat each week?
For the results and it makes you feel good. I can feel how strong and stable it is making my core and my back.

Can you describe how you feel when you are working out and going through each of the exercises?
I feel focused entirely on the activity, making sure I am doing the correct movement and getting the breathing right.

What are some of your favourite exercises and why?
Pelvic curls for the articulation through the spine. Planks, it pushes you and you can set yourself a challenge. I also like the clam series and ab curls.

With your specific postural type (kyphosis), which exercises do you find most challenging?
Swimming preparation and flight. Being rounded through my upper back and shoulders I find it impossible to get my arms off the mat. I also find the exercises with the band that work between my shoulders very challenging.

We offer a lot of stretching in the class too - which stretches are some of your favourites and why? (gluts, hamstring, child's pose, neck, hip flexors etc)
Hamstrings, I know they need stretching and I have no excuse not to do them in the class. Child’s pose is also good especially after a challenging set of exercises, great chance to refocus.

If you could improve one thing in our classes what would it be? 
Nothing, the classes are great.

What are some of the changes you have noticed in your body since starting?
Strength and stability of my back and core, also overall strength and tone.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about trying pilates out for the first time?
To just try it out, I put it off for too many years!

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