Why I chose Pilates…
It all began in 1992 with a chronic knee injury that caused persistent pain and instability in my right knee, eventually leading to multiple dislocations over the years. Despite consulting with various trainers and specialized knee doctors, I struggled to find answers to the many questions that arose from my condition.
I struggled with an array of issues related to my right knee: it felt consistently unstable, and I often sensed a "shortness" on that side. Despite consulting various personal trainers who suggested that one leg might be shorter than the other, and athletic trainers who recommended strengthening my inner thighs to address the instability, I received no satisfactory answers. A specialized knee doctor proposed a "lateral release" surgery, claiming my knee caps were too small and my iliotibial (IT) band was overly tight. I wondered why these problems had emerged suddenly and why I experienced a twinge-like sensation in my knee when walking on uneven surfaces, similar to rolling an ankle.
Trusting the expertise of the specialist, I underwent the surgery. In hindsight, I realize now how misguided that decision was, though it took me 20 years to fully understand the consequences.
So, what exactly is an iliotibial band release? Simply put, it involves detaching the IT band from the knee cap, or patella, to allow the knee cap to realign more centrally with the knee joint.
Fast forward to 2012: I’m now a wife and mother of two beautiful girls, living in a charming town where everyone knows each other. Having completed a half marathon and several triathlons, I still faithfully use my "Thigh Master" daily to strengthen my inner thighs. When a Pilates studio opens up just down the street, my curiosity gets the best of me, and I decide to give it a try.
My first class was on a Pilates Reformer. Within minutes, I felt a tear rolling down my cheek. The experience was astonishing—effortless yet challenging, requiring intense concentration, with my legs trembling throughout the session. It was unlike any training I had ever experienced. After class, I asked the instructor about her journey into Pilates and whether all the classes were like this. She shared her story and recommended I try a few yoga classes and a Pilates Mat class before we spoke further.
Over the next month, I followed her advice. The yoga classes were enjoyable, often feeling like private sessions when I was alone. However, none of the yoga practices compared to the profound effect of that Pilates Reformer session. The Pilates Mat class, on the other hand, was a revelation. Despite my previous endurance training, I struggled with basic exercises like the “single leg lift and lower.” Even lifting my own leg off the floor was a challenge, and performing the same movements while side-lying was incredibly difficult. My body and mind were pushed to their limits in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I was completely hooked.
Months went by and to my own surprise I found myself skipping over my daily “thigh master” routine without even really noticing I wasn’t doing it anymore. My knee pain was a thing of the past, I felt trimmer and more defined. I was calmer for sure, and those of you who really know me, calm and quiet are not my middle names. I always had a project, an idea and at that time I was involved in everything that revolved around my girls. I was extremely busy but I never wanted to miss one of my Pilates classes. I was very excited to go to class as I wanted to “feel” what I was capable of doing.
It wasn’t long before my instructor approached me about a Pilates Mat training course she was offering. I eagerly signed up, knowing that I wanted to become a Pilates instructor. The rest, as they say, is history, and if you've taken a class with me, you know how this journey unfolded.
As for that leg length discrepancy I’d been told about—well, it turned out to be a misconception. The personal trainers I worked with at the time had no real answers, and simply strengthening my inner thighs didn’t resolve the issue; it merely postponed it. The real cause of the discrepancy was the IT band release surgery I had undergone. Although it initially helped with my knee dislocations, the IT band tightened over time. This created a misalignment in my hips and shoulders, tightening my right lateral line and leading to further complications, including dislocations in my left knee.
This unexpected journey into Pilates was a serendipitous discovery that transformed my understanding of the mind-body connection. It strengthened me from the inside out, realigned my body, and revealed strengths and flexibility I hadn’t known I lacked. Committing to higher education in movement and experiencing such profound changes in a short time was nothing short of incredible. I became a passionate advocate for Pilates, believing that everyone could benefit from its transformative effects.
My goal is to teach, educate and move every BODY I possible can into a pain free, mobile lifestyle. It is possible and with a little discipline (and commitment) along with patience we can make the impossible, possible! Let me show you how!
