18 Mar Pilates Has Helped Us Build a Healthier Lifestyle
We asked real people to tell us about the benefits they’ve experienced through their Pilates practice: how it’s re-shaped their bodies, improved sports performance, and increased day-to-day strength.
Here, Jim Maguire explains the reasons that prompted him to take to tried and tested practice and the health benefits that both he and his wife have experienced as a result.
Why?
I had two Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) events within the previous 10 years, with the first resulting in a pulmonary embolism. Both were triggered by or linked to calf injuries.
I travel extensively on both long and short haul flights as part of my job, so it was important to address the underlying cause of the DVT.
Your Body Awareness Now?
The weekly stretching and targeted “working out” of my injured calf has been a key aspect of the Pilates experience for me.
My wife started working out at FLEX first, mostly to address her back problems. The weekly sessions have significantly improved our physical condition and, equally as important, given us a better understanding of what it means to live a healthy lifestyle.
Both of us are from California and whilst it’s somewhat counterintuitive to think of being in a studio to bring us back to more outdoor activities, Pilates has in fact spurred us to get out more, stretch more (planes, living room floors), eat healthily, breathe correctly and improve our posture. Generally, my suits have been a more comfortable fit as well.
Best Benefit from the Practice?
The best benefit has easily been my improved health, as measured by the results of my last two annual health checkups. In essence, my wife and I have built a more active, healthy lifestyle around our weekly Pilates sessions. And, as Sabrina and I had children a bit later in life, there is the added benefit (one hopes) that over time our healthy lifestyle today will allow us continued engagement with our currently young children for many years to come.
