Meet Vikki

5 years STRONG with VIKKI!!

1. What first brought you to Pilates Haus? 

I was in my mid/late 50’s, and besides walking my dog, was doing very little exercise. I had always suffered sciatica and lower back pain but had starting to feel aches and pains in other areas of my body plus had noticed some lack of balance and strength which really scared me. I was starting to feel old! A friend mentioned looking into Pilates so after a Google search I found a new studio in Fairy Meadow was opening – Pilates Haus. The best timing ever! Only 2kms down the road so why not give it a try. I was so nervous about going so booked a private session with Rayna first. She was so welcoming and calmed my nerves and gave me instructions on the basics, so I didn’t feel stupid in my first group class. And here I am 5 years later! Best decision I have ever made!

2. How has Pilates Haus impacted your life?

I had sciatica and lower back pain. I had put up with that pain for over 15 years! All the other aches and pains have also gone, and I feel so much stronger and I also feel my posture and balance has improved. The only pains I now get are good pains … the sore muscle pain. I have never enjoyed any form of exercise so never thought I would say this, but I actually look forward to attending my classes (well most of the time lol). I had joined gyms and had other fitness memberships over the years, but I could never keep at it. Often paying for long memberships but never going. Pilates Haus is the only membership I have stuck to and continue with … which is amazing to me! Along with the health and wellbeing benefits, Pilates Haus is a fantastic community, and I have made some great friendships with other members and trainers. 

3. What’s your favourite Pilates Haus memory?

This is something really weird and I can’t explain it or why it happened, but it was a Flow Class with Shannon. We had just started our double leg footwork warm up and the music was up loud, and for some reason I got all choked up andteary. In a very happy emotional way, I just felt so good. Maybe the endorphins were pumping but I have never felt like that with exercise and that moment will always stick with me.

There are lots of other good memories, like being in Covidlock down and doing the online Teams classes using wine bottles as weights and of course the social events. Rayna mentions wine and I’m there! I haven’t missed a function yet!

4. What keeps you coming back?

What keeps me coming back is knowing that if I stop my classes, I know the lower back and aches and pains will start creeping back in and I never want to feel like that again. It’s also the friends I have made at Pilates Haus. Rayna and her team are wonderful, and I look forward to seeing everyone at class. Even though we work hard, it’s great having the chats before and after class and sometimes having a laugh (and a sing) during class. 

5. Advice to anyone wanting to start at Pilates Haus?

I know you’re nervous and that’s ok, we all were. At Pilates Haus, it doesn’t matter your age, your size, your level of fitness, everyone is made feel welcome and special. If you give it a go you will never regret it and it will be the best decision you can ever make for your health and wellbeing. As the Nike slogan says, Just Do It!