Waveforms Spotlight: Judi M. – Graceful Aging through Pilates

Contributing author: Courtney Cerniglia

For many of us, we move through our day with full energy: long days of work, errands during our free time, running at 100%, little time to breathe. For those of us who relate to this, we often also apply it to our physical well being. Our get-it-done mentality complements powerful weight lifting sessions or fast spin classes. We exert the energy and reap the reward, leaving with accomplishment and like we “did something.”

This approach has its place in a healthy lifestyle, but if you find yourself attacking every workout with maximum exertion it will eventually lead to injury, overused muscles, and imbalance in your body. Following a routine that incorporates high intensity training with slower, low impact training is your best defense against injuries and for reaching your fitness goals.

Waveforms Pilates student, Judi, shared her Pilates journey with us. Like many others, she found peace in the calamity of her busy lifestyle through a focused practice.

Seeking the Strength by Slowing Down

Judi is an avid gym-goer and resistance trainer. To ward off osteoporosis symptoms and increase her strength, she committed to a rigid weight training program. With her high energy, this was all she thought she needed to stay healthy and exhume her extra energy. She didn’t think Pilates would fit in her regiment or that she could handle the slow, fluid movements.

After much coaxing, Judi signed up for her 30-minute trial with Courtney to try a few movements on the reformer. Apprehensive at first with her capabilities, Judi found Courtney’s unimposing approach encouraging. She realized she could do the movements and the unlocked power in moving slow through exercise.

“Pilates takes a lot of concentration. For my busy mind, it means for the hour session I need to slow down and focus to see results. I love this – it’s a moment in my week where I get to relax,” Judi shares.

Turning Apprehension Into Action – Signing Up for Class One

Are you apprehensive about Pilates? “I was too! Sign up for the 30-minute session and try it out. Have Courtney walk you through the basics so you’re comfortable with the range of motion and vocabulary. Then, try a mat class. It’s a more social environment if you’re not comfortable working on the equipment yet,” Judi advises.

“Courtney explains everything extremely well. She works with you at your pace. As you progress, she teaches you what muscles you should be aware of during each pose and what you’re trying to accomplish. It makes the whole session more effective,” Judi said. She also explained how well her Pilates training pairs with personal training. Combined, she feels she has a complete fitness program that sets her up for graceful aging.

Graceful Aging, Toning Up, & Maintaining Balance

After two years of training with Courtney and Waveforms Pilates, Judi saw improvement in her balance, concentration, and overall wellbeing. “It tones you up! Areas I thought were hopeless were strengthened through Pilates,” Judi exclaimed.

Pilates also inherently improved her balance. “After a certain age, your balance is all thrown off. I’ve found I’m able to maintain this through the work on the reformer,” Judi said. Maintaining balance as you age is a key indicator of your independence. Being able to rise from sitting without support or climb stairs are challenges for many that eventually will require outside help to maintain their livelihood. Pilates offers a low-impact solution to maintain and improve your balance.

Working With Waveforms, The Neighborhood Pilates Studio

“Take advantage of Waveform’s free workshops and community events. The extra work Courtney does in the community and keeping the Waveforms members engaged is impressive. I’m pleased to be working with not only a great instructor, but also an excellent business woman,” she encourages.

Judi enjoyed Waveform’s foot workshop in September, November food drive, and a few of the complimentary mat classes held at the studio. She enjoys the Waveform’s studio space and finds it calming, quiet, and a place to relax and focus.

The only thing Judi wishes Waveforms Pilates could do? “More studio cats!”  

Judi is the Director of Eastshore Humane Association located in Chilton, WI, where Zhora was adopted.  She loves the Green Bay Packers, cats, gardening, and Pilates.