From Pain to Empowerment: My Journey with Pilates

For three years, I lived with chronic pain that seemed to dictate every part of my life. After a couple of car accidents, my body was not the same. My job added some unnecessary tension and lack of mobility that possibly added to my chronic pain issues. Sitting at a desk and proofreading at my job was becoming the hardest thing I had to do. This pain zapped my energy and changed my mood. I was frustrated at barely managing to work and discouraged that physical therapy was not helping me. After my physical therapist told me I needed to change occupations, I was left with no idea of what I would do.

That’s when a friend told me “Christina, you love to workout- why don’t you become a personal trainer”?

I did enjoy moving but after doing some research and checking in to local gyms about what this entailed, this was not the direction I wanted to take. I came across Pilates and how it helps many individuals with common ailments so I started taking classes with one of the many first Pilates instructors in Spokane. I was hooked!! Learning to mobilize my upper body in the ranges of motions built inside me made a huge difference in my mood, energy and within a year of this, I was pain free. I decided to plunge in the training in 2007 through Balance Body. Having experience with pain set me up for being drawn towards continuing education for special populations such as osteoporosis, scoliosis, etc, and trying to understand how to train individuals with pain.

Seventeen years later and I am grateful to be sharing my passion for moving but using Pilates as a way to encourage others to explore movement in their bodies. Having pain taught me to listen to my body and work to heal and restore natural fluidity within my body. I discovered how to adapt exercise to fit my specific needs and adjust where necessary. This transformation is an ongoing process as my needs into my late 40s has changed. Pilates also taught me how to use simple exercises to gently get myself out of pain when these naturally come upon me. Pilates allows me to enjoy life and the beautiful moments of being with family. I get to run around and jump on trampolines with my nieces and nephews or go paddle boarding with supportive husband and be there for my friends when they need support. It brings me immense joy to help others!

This journey is the heart of my Pilates practice and my brand. I understand the frustration, discouragement, fears, and challenges of working through pain, and I am here to empower you to find your own path back to the activities you love. In our sessions, I will support you, listen to you, and be patient for you to meet your unique needs and goals, no matter where you are starting from. You set the pace you want and we work from there. Together, we will celebrate progress -big or small- and focus on YOU! We will work together to build your confidence and strength.

I am here for you when you are ready to take that step in working together! ~Christina