Movements Afoot’s Blog

by Judith Zimmer, Senior Pilates Teacher at Movements Afoot

Without being dramatic, I can honestly say that Pilates has changed my life, both literally and figuratively. Nine years ago I had a very serious accident. As a result, I incurred three injuries to my cervical spine, four injuries to my lumbar spin, carpal tunnel, cubical tunnel and fibromyalgia. I received, acupuncture, physical therapy and chiropractic care for seven years to manage the pain. I felt my condition was hopeless, until my doctor found a therapy center that offered pilates sessions twice a week.

After six months, I had gained flexibility, strength and endurance. In fact, there was such a marked improvement in my physical condition through out that year, that it was clear, Pilates was going to be a life practice for me. I gained a fuller range of motion and learned how my body had compensated for my injury. Then as my stability and strength grew, I learned how to correct my balance and work on improving my alignment. With the new knowledge of my body mechanics and the consistency of my practice, I regained movement that I thought I’d lost forever. My doctor was so impressed with my results that he began prescribing pilates to all his injured patients. He also began practicing pilates as part of his health maintainence routine.

My injury humbled me and pilates has helped me to heal. It has given me a greater sense of control and respect for my body. My practice has developed and with it came a greater understanding of the necessity of self knowledge and individual responsibility for good health practices.

After three years of practice I became certified as a teacher. Having been a teacher all my life, I love learning. Therefore, it was a natural next step to bring my passion and profession to a new level. My intention was to learn even more and I have. I have learned to care for and respect this unique body that each of us is given for this lifetime. I continue to learn and love sharing that knowledge.