When I started taking Pilates I was overweight (a
life-long battle), but more importantly, out of shape.
I began in October of 2006 with a mat class, and I
found that I was able to do very few of the exercises.
After a couple of months, I found myself getting
stronger and decided to accept the Absolute Pilates Challenge,
which involved taking 3 classes per week to make a
significant change in your strength and tone. This
was the way Pilates was always intended; it was
believed that you couldn’t truly see substantial
benefits with only one class per week. I was glad I
had started with one session per week, but I was ready
to move on.
Three classes per week have made for definite
improvements in my physical condition. When my
Pilates program started, I was unable to walk with
ease because of arthritic problems with my hips and
knees. Absolute Pilates has strengthened my leg muscles to the
extent that the majority of my knee issues are no
longer a problem. Core strengthening has enabled me
to move without the pain and hesitation I once felt
with hip problems. In fact, I no longer even think
about my hips as the pain is completely gone. When I
move, it is strength in my abs and lower back that
keeps my carriage erect and takes a lot of the
pressure off my hip joints.
An added bonus, the exercise has energized me and
helped in dropping unwanted weight ….. 70 lbs!
Everyone needs some type of physical activity to feel
their best. Absolute Pilates has worked well for me. I’ve
strengthened a lot of my problem areas and have better
tone to my muscles. I have noticed that my legs and
hips have slimmed down more than at any other time in
my life due to this toning. I still have some weight
to lose and inches to trim, but I am confident that
Absolute Pilates can take me there.
Bonnie Westbrook
August 2007, age-56
