Milena has been a client of EPA since 2020. If I was asked to provide an adjective that describes Milena as a student, it would be hard to choose between, dedicated, committed, or steadfast. So let’s go with all three!
“Remember, too, that ‘Rome was not built in a day,’ and that PATIENCE and PERSISTENCE are vital qualities in the ultimate successful accomplishment of any worthwhile endeavor. Practice your exercises diligently with the fixed and unalterable determination that you will permit nothing else to sway you from keeping faith with yourself.” -Joseph Pilates
This passage in Pilates’ book Return to Life goes on to say, “At times you may feel tempted to ‘take a night off’. Don’t succumb to this momentary weakness or indecision, or rather, wrong decision. Decide to remain true to yourself.” Milena is a shining example of making the RIGHT decision EVERY day. Years back, another client said practicing daily at home is not a matter of IF it should happen but WHEN. Milena has found a morning routine that allows her to do a Pilates Mat workout of approximately 20 minutes using the EPA Mobile Library*.
I truly believe finding a time of day that works with the rhythm of everyone’s individual day helps to create the ritual of self practice. And this practice helps incorporate the Pilates Method and all of its benefits deeper into our lives. Self practice also helps us gain a lot from our sessions. Finding this “just right” time in the schedule is step one. Step two is the steadfast mental commitment that Milena demonstrates. Milena gives the Pilates Method a lot of credit for her progress. But I give Milena’s 100% commitment to self practice equal credit.
I asked Milena a few questions about her Pilates practice. Here’s what she had to say…
1.) What motivated you to start Pilates?
I had heard for years that Pilates is great for people with joint hypermobility and by early 2020 I was spending a lot of time in Physical Therapy and decided to give Pilates a try. I feel so lucky to have started in studio with a few lessons before the Covid-19 pandemic, allowing me to pivot to video sessions for the months during which I worked from home.
2) What were your goals when you started Pilates?
I wanted to improve joint stability and muscle strength, and decrease pain.
3) What have you been pleasantly surprised about in your Pilates practice?
I have found Pilates very helpful in improving strength, stability and decreasing pain, beyond what I hoped for. I did not anticipate it being so much fun!
4) What keeps you going with your Pilates practice?
My weekly lesson with Kerry is a highlight of my week, and my morning home practice using EPA mobile starts my day off well physically and mentally. Plus, I love experiencing the consistent progress– when I started Pilates I had to do pushups on the wall and doing them on the floor never gets old.
5) What is your favorite Pilates exercise and/or apparatus?
I love the armchair, and generally any exercise that opens the chest and shoulders.
Thank you, Milena, for sharing your journey and inspiring us all!
