I started writing this three-part story on Friday, June 13th; a unique day. There was a full moon. Mercury was in retrograde for its second week and all hell had broken loose across the planet. It was the first of such a day in many years and the last of such a day until 2049. I probably won’t be around the next time the moon is full on a Friday the 13th. Jesh! Or maybe I might be? For this is a story about how Pilates has changed the health, life and movement of my life and that of three other women over the age of 50.
I am finishing off the post, today, July 2, 2014, after Mercury has turned direct. Communication was in fact tough over the past few weeks, and I wanted to be sure to have the story told clearly without the twisting of one fact or detail. For as women, these three are not necessarily unique. But they are extraordinarily special. Their story is not unique in terms of the changes that Pilates and quality movement training can have on one’s life, presence and being. Yet, their story is particularly unique as it is about three women of gorgeous, beautiful color, each of whom is over 50 years of age.
As a Pilates teacher, and a woman of color, with a few “enviable curves and angles” of my own, I am happy to write about Carolyn, Vernell and Alina, as like me, these three gorgeous women look nothing like the industry’s typical Pilates student, i.e., “pretty, young, thin white girls.” These are phenomenally beautiful women of color, with shapes, form, curves and definitive bodies and strength.
The other reason why I love these particular three women so much, is their energy and determination to “get it” for themselves. They each made a conscious choice to pursue an activity that was initially perceived by them to be outside of their reach. All came “blind, fresh and new” to a system and method where few role models exist for them. They embraced the work and are owning it for themselves in their own bodies. Along the process, each has developed a trusting relationship with me, as a teacher, that speaks to them personally.
Nothing could make me happier.
Pilates Over 50
Everyone and everybody over the age of 40, 45, or 50 years of age has a deeper challenge. We carry a little more baggage. We hold on to a few more old habits a little longer. We have mastered the tricks of disguise and we have found a few more ways to reason why “we can’t” do what seems near impossible.
Enter the rigor and refinement of the Pilates method and another “tough” woman that won’t allow the use of the word, “can’t” to be used in a class session. I consider myself to be a babe as a teacher. I know significantly more than my clients/students, yet I know significantly less than my own teachers, mentors and many of my colleagues. I have had the honor, benefit and humbling experience of working with and learning from some of New York’s toughest teachers and we all admit our growth and joy is never ending in the work with the human body and Pilates.
Pilates is a system of continual and constant challenge and for that reason, it never ceases to excite me and permit me to help another find a joyful way to move, stretch and strengthen themselves using the principles of Pilates as the tool. I embraced the method at 45 years of age and know that it is one of the smartest, most comprehensive decisions and personal investments I have made. Each of the three women profiled here, has made a similar, conscientious choice and decision for themselves, using Pilates as a sole means of physical training through group classes and private session training.
The Universal Similarities
Expressed Doubt
They each expressed doubt that they could do anything that you will see them do – as a part of their own workout session – in each of the videos. Each struggled and worked hard at the specific exercise shown, and continue to work for perfection as neither is satisfied with their current results.
“Bitched and Moaned”
They each bitched and moaned, some a little louder than others – sometimes upon entrance to the studio or the start of the session, (as if to lay down a gauntlet I wasn’t supposed to cross) about how hard they worked, how hard the work was, or how much they hurt from the last session. Each continued to return to master the next step, nonetheless.
Personally Challenged
Each listened intently and accepted the challenge personally, owned the work internally and got it done. Pilates helped this process. The mental challenge of moving your body with control (and following the voice and guidance of a teacher) is the beauty of the system. Controlling your mind, thoughts and movements makes Pilates feels more like a dance than exercise. The movements become fluid, graceful and freeing to the body and as you watch the individual video’s of each of these phenomenal women you will see the ease with which they have learned to move through a sequence that others find much more challenging.
I share the special distinctions about each of them in separate posts. Afterall, each of them have their own individual physical challenges and deserve individual presentation of their work in progress and process. Follow the links to the story, details and video for:
How to Begin for Yourself
Step 1 – take a step to do something different. If you continue to do the same things continually, you can and should expect the same results. Challenge yourself by taking a divergent step in a different direction. Sure, it will be hard initially, but isn’t that the point of challenge?
Step 2 – plan to get a little dirty. Allow yourself to feel a little uncomfortable. Shake up the “old you” just a tad. Bitch and moan but keep with it.
Step 3 – expect to emerge powerfully lifted. Amazingly strong. Proud and newly centered in a way you may not have anticipated.
Pilates moves you. Movement heals you.
Gina Jackson, is a classically trained Pilates Teacher and has been teaching along the Gold Coast of Hudson and Bergen County, NJ for the past fifteen+ years.
Certified by Power Pilates of New York, Gina has trained with Master Teachers Bob Liekens, Susan Moran and Brett Howard; loved workshop training with Cary Regan and Blossom Leilani-Crawford and has particularly enjoyed listening to the personal stories as told by Pilates Elders, Kathy Grant and Lolita San Miguel.
An active teacher and blogger, Gina manages a private personal training business supporting a myriad of clients, teaching all to honor their health, strength and life with the principles of Pilates at its core.