Meet Di
Full name: Di
Age (optional): 53
Occupation / lifestyle factors: Baker
Date you started Reformer Pilates: Jan 2025
How often do you attend classes or sessions? 3 x weekly
Di's Story
Background and Motivation
What first motivated you to start Reformer Pilates?
After a year of osteopathy on my shoulder, practitioner suggested pilates, 1 2 1 initially and then classes.
Had you tried any other forms of exercise before starting Pilates?
All sorts over the years, aerobics, bootcamp, pt sessions
What were your initial goals when you began Reformer Pilates?
Strength to help reduce pain in shoulder, better posture, and a general tone up
Initial Condition / Injuries
Did you have any existing injuries or health conditions when you started?
Arthritis in shoulder, pain for a year
How did it affect your movement, daily life, or training?
Pain almost constantly, affected work, sleep and just general life.
The Pilates Journey
What kind of sessions or exercises did you focus on in the early stages?
After a few 1 2 1 sessions with gentle rehab exercises and more focus on my posture and working positions.
How did your body and confidence change over the first few weeks or months?
The reformer classes felt quite alien at first, but made much better by the lovely instructors and general relaxed vibe of the classes.
Did you notice any improvements in your posture, strength, flexibility, or pain levels?
The strength increase was quite marked after starting classes regularly, and really noticed the tone up. I was nervous at first because I had pain, but teachers help you adapt to make sure you don’t aggravate anything.
Changes
Were there any “breakthrough moments” in your Pilates journey (something you suddenly could do, or a big change you felt)?
One day I was massaging my shoulder and was concerned that it felt quite hard, I worried that I had done something to it, but when I looked at myself in the mirror I realised it was muscle and sure enough I had it the same on the other side!
Current Progress and Maintenance
How do you feel physically and mentally now compared to when you began?
I feel I can stand up taller, more conscious of my core muscles as I go about my usual routines
Are you continuing Reformer Pilates as part of your routine?
Oh yes!
If yes, what keeps you motivated?
Just love the classes and how they change each time, keeps it fresh.
Reflection and Feedback
What has been the most valuable part of doing Reformer Pilates for you?
Finding an activity that can work for you when you are feeling great and want to challenge yourself, but still help when you feel lacking in energy and only want to go at a gentler pace.
How would you describe your overall experience in a few sentences?
I have loved finding such a special place to come and exercise and am inspired by other people of all ages in the classes.