Susie's Pilates Journey!
What made you want to start doing Pilates?
I had talked about improving my fitness for ages. I have mild lordosis and my posture has always been shocking, but since starting the whole menopause journey, I was noticing how much less flexibility and energy I had as well. My osteopath had been gently suggesting that regular exercise would be beneficial, as aside from occasional walking, I wasn’t really doing anything active. So when I saw the ad for the Central studio, I decided I would give it a try.
How long have you been coming to the studio?
I did my first private session with Rayna on December 23rd 2020, before the Central studio had officially opened. My first reformer class was on January 8th 2021 and I’ve been coming ever since - including lots of online classes during lockdown! I started just doing 1 reformer class a week, but now I’m up to 3 most weeks and I hope to do even more in 2023.
What is your favourite class to come to?
I don’t know that I have a favourite, exactly. I like the fact that each instructor has their own style. My usual classes are a Monday flow class with Ilana, where she challenges my brain with the add-ons to each exercise; a flow class with Rayna on a Wednesday, where I do my best not to fall off the machine with my dodgy balance (!) and a lunch time express class with Maeghan on a Friday, where I get a quick, but often painful, workout! I also try to do some of Laura and Shannon’s on demand yoga classes.
What changes have you noticed since doing Pilates regularly?
Well, my calf muscles and biceps have some definition now! (I often joke with my husband about my “pilates arms”!) I also feel stronger. Since starting regular classes, I have had to move house, and also pack up my parents’ house and I don’t think I could have managed that with my previous levels of fitness. The main thing that I’ve noticed though, is how beneficial it is to my mental health. This year has been quite stressful for me personally, and coming to Pilates has been so helpful. Aside from getting me moving, it gives me some time out just for me and I always feel better afterwards. I had never used exercise in a therapeutic way before!
When you’re not sweating it up at Pilates Haus where could we find you?
I used to perform in a lot of local theatre shows. I haven’t done much in the last couple of years (thanks, Covid) but hope to return to it in 2023. You might also find me wandering along either Woonona or Sandon Point beaches, as I love calming “blue space” walking. Aside from that, I’m a teacher-librarian in a primary school and also a writer. (Most of my stuff is educational publishing, but I do have a picture book out in the world as well!)
What advice would you give to someone wanting to try Pilates but not sure where to start?
Book a private class. That way, you can get personalised attention while you get familiar with the reformer. You can also get used to some of the exercises before you try a group class. But really, just start, because everyone is so welcoming at Pilates Haus! I am coming up to my 2nd anniversary at the studio, and I’ve never consistently exercised this long in my life - but there’s no stopping me now!
Thanks for sharing your story Susie! Here's to 2023, 3 years at the studio and many more to come... We love you Suz!