Member SUCCESS Story
How long have you been doing Pilates?
I've been doing Pilates since the day the Central studio opened in Jan 2021.
What made you want to start Pilates?
I had been doing yoga for years and always believed Pilates wouldn’t hit the same, how wrong was I! But conventional group exercise was not for me and when I saw a studio near my home opening, I thought I’d give it a go. Being an extroverted introvert- I want people around me, but I want to do my own thing so this is the perfect fit.
How many times a week do you attend?
When work or travel isn't in the way, I try to come most days. Worst case, I aim for 3 times a week, but I notice a difference in how I’m feeling both physically and mentally if I don’t make my usual classes
You have an inspirational story of overcoming a HUGE health crisis and coming out the other side, do you mind sharing a bit about that?
In 2017, I was diagnosed with Stage 3C Inflammatory Breast Cancer at 33 years old. This type of breast cancer accounts for about 1-5% of all breast cancer diagnoses and the survival rates aren't much better. I underwent 4 months of chemo, countless surgeries including a double non-skin sparing mastectomy, 6 weeks of radiation and 12 months of clinical trials. I managed to tick off every rare side effect to every treatment which resulted in multiple hospital stays, but dying was never an option I entertained despite it being the only one given to me at the start.
How has Pilates helped your recovery?
Physically, Pilates has increased my shoulder and chest mobility and it helped me recover from my most recent surgery within weeks instead of months- there was a time when I didn’t think it would be possible to easily raise my hands above my head. Pilates has also helped me reconnect my mind and body, when you spend 5+ years in fight/flight mode the two become disconnected- I’ve learnt to breathe through difficult movements and just breathe in general.
What changes have you noticed since attending classes regularly at Pilates Haus?
I feel stronger, I sleep better and I am a lot more positive about my body image which was really difficult after losing a large part of my femininity.
Do you have any advice for anyone going through a similar situation to your story?
You need to be your own biggest advocate, if you don't like what they say, get a second option, because no one person has all the answers.
You are stronger than you think. You have gotten through every bad day in your life and you are still here so you got this!
Even if you don’t find yourself in a similar situation- burn the candle, do the thing, show gratitude and tell people you love them