Pilates and Scoliosis -- it works!

Wow, a random meeting was such a blessing! I was doing a free demo in Honolulu. (Great location, great equipment, and I learn constantly there, from coworkers, owner, and clients.) In walked a young lady who asked for some info, so I gave her my card. She must have actually visited the website because she called and said that she'd like to try my program.

So, I invited her to try my Saturday morning class as my treat, so she could see what we did. No previous Pilates experience, but very strong and body aware. Took cues easily and kept up with a ballerina, and two long time Pilates enthusiasts. No small feat, I can tell you that.

Well before starting, I asked if she had any injuries or things that I might like to work around, and she said Scoliosis. BINGO. I am so stoked for any opportunity to help someone with this abnormal spinal condition -- which can create chronic pain and also makes women much more likely to get an osteoporosis fracture. A whopping 75% of women 65 and older with Scoliosis, have it, according to research by Stott International.

So, since that was the dominant challenge, I modified the exercises for everyone in class so they could experience the benefits. It's a different kind of challenge -- harder in some ways. I made everyone focus on some specific exercises for the spine to explain how everyone benefits -- in particular, it's the "articulation" of the spine which makes Pilates a stand-out. We did all kinds of articulations, many versions, and I also explained that they could do those same exercises at home lying down, sitting, etc. Tools for life. And I also gave plenty of work for the arms, legs, shoulders, feet. A full body workout that was fun and never boring -- there are literally thousands of different exercises and variations. And endless ways of communicating that information.

I was lucky to have brought my own spine to a normal range. I can't give exact promises to anyone, because there are many causes of Scoliosis, and some are unknown ("idiopathic.") However, I am very confident in saying that Pilates will absolutely help the spine to some extent. I've worked with retirees with severe Scoliosis. They don't expect to get to a normal range, but they enjoy Pilates because it helps prevent things from getting worse, and they are strengthening the "core" muscles -- our entire foundation for: (1) movement, and (2) supporting the spine.

So, after the group class, the young lady was very pleased and asked about options. I let her know that the private session is where the real "therapy" exists becuase we could focus on every little twitch and tweak -- as she could tell, I went from person to person giving little touches, so I'm not able to give everyone 100% of my attention. I basically look for anyone who might have trouble on a given exercise -- an injured ankle for instance or a quizzical expression -- and I also give more generalized cues for the entire group.

I'm confident that she'll be back -- gonna shoot her a message with a thank you!