Pilates for Athletes: Paige’s Testimonial
For today’s client feature, we have Paige!
Paige is a Restoration Ecologist, an Olympic Weightlifter, and just recently got married. She is full of energy, joy, and enthusiasm! Read more about her Pilates experience below.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your job!
“I am a Restoration Ecologist specializing in the Tallgrass Prairie ecosystem. I run a small business here in Iowa doing a variety of ecosystem services. Freshwater mussel relocation, beaver response services, woodland restoration, and of course prairie work! I currently train and compete in Olympic Weightlifting, and I also got married in November!”
When did you start with Pella Pilates?
“July of 2022. I joined with the primary goal of making friends (I am from Southern California, but moved to Pella after living in Ames for many years and didn’t have friends in Pella yet), strengthening my stabilizers for weightlifting, and correcting coning I developed over the years of improperly using my abs.”
Tell us your Pilates story!
“In Olympic Weightlifting, I qualified for USA Nationals last year and was really struggling with core stability when maximal weight was overhead (being just a bit more wobbly than my fellow competitors). Stability has been my goal since I had my shoulder reconstructed five years ago, due to a traumatic dislocation while competing in a different sport. Prior to Pilates I had been trying a variety of accessory exercises and stability protocols but nothing had worked quite to the effect I wanted.
I got married in November, so from July to November (which is also busy season for work) I took some time off of Olympic Weightlifting specific training to do a mix of CrossFit, functional body building, and Pilates and focused those 5 months on correcting my core and getting it engaged. (As Natalie would say, “finding that connection!”)
To say the least, after 5 months of Pilates I have seen dramatic differences in my lifting AND my work. My core is the strongest it’s ever been and it is moving correctly, rather than coning which was a terrible habit that took a few months of pilates and hard work to fix!
“I have never been happier with my stability, and I know I’m just getting started and will continue to build on this foundation that Natalie has helped me create!”
What are some specific ways you have seen improvement?
“Better stability and ability to go longer distances handstand walking, less wobbling when overhead in the Clean & Jerk and Snatch (the Olympic Weightlifting movements), significantly stronger obliques when shoveling or raking soil at work. Also, I feel more relaxed & happier with my core strength (which, might I add, one can NEVER have too much of!!!)”
How do you feel after a Pilates session?
“AMAZING! The breathing part of Pilates relaxes me SO much and makes me feel so grounded!”
What do you love about your classes?
“I love the people, Natalie’s bright and sunny smile, I love the way she challenges me in class, and I love that the classes are small so there is a lot of individual attention.”
Thank you for your beautiful testimonial, Paige! We adore you and are so glad you’re a part of Pella Pilates & Wellness.
If you are interested in learning more about Pella Pilates or joining a class, fill out the New Client Inquiry Form.
