Elise’s Story: Relief from Pain
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I’m the Branch Manager at Community 1st Credit Union in Pella. My husband, Brad, and I and our two girls, Marlaina and Everly, have lived in Pella for 8 1/2 years.
What made you decide to try out Pilates?
I did Pilates many years ago, but never on a Reformer, and I was excited to try it. I was a gymnast growing up and I’m hyper mobile. As I’ve gotten older I’ve had issues with some of my joints- my hips especially - because if this. While my major muscle groups are still strong, my deep stabilizers have gotten weak, and in some cases, are barely firing at all. This causes me to dislocate easily and makes it difficult to do simple things like stand on one leg or bend over and pick things up off the ground. Pilates has been a great fit to target those areas and wake up muscle groups I haven’t used in forever.
What has Pilates helped you in?
I have had lower back and hip pain for what feels like forever. Since being in Pilates and strengthening my deep core and hip areas, the pain has decreased exponentially. I used to have to take ibuprofen nearly every day and have to use a massage gun in my hip and booty area multiple times a week to alleviate the pain. While I’m never completely pain free it’s at the point now that I barely notice it on a day to day basis and for the first time in years I truly believe that I will get to a point in the future where I will be pain free. I am even at the point now where I can pick things up without fear of dislocating anything or causing extra pain.
What do you love about your classes at Pella Pilates?
I love how positive the classes are. Everyone has so much fun and we are often chatting during sets and laughing together. The instructors are so encouraging and I love that since they know what my goals are they frequently throw in specific exercises to help with those. I apologize to everyone that’s ever in a class with me for all the extra hip work! I also appreciate that the instructors know that everyone’s journey is different. There are still things that are really hard for me to do and when I see that everyone else in the class is doing them with ease, Natalie is always quick to remind me that I have made so much progress from when I started and that I will get there eventually.
I always feel great after each session. I am definitely not a morning person but after the early morning class I am always so glad I did it. I always have so much more energy throughout the day and I love when I can feel the sore muscles for days after.
What is your favorite Pilates exercise to do?
I love hip work - clams, bell ringers, circles- all those. I love them because when I started I could barely get through half a set and now I can make it through every rep. I also kind of hate it a little bit because it’s hard, but I love seeing the progress I’ve made.
We are so proud of Elise and all the progress she’s made. Thanks for sharing your story with us!
