by Kerry De Vivo
She was always active and never felt the need to exercise. But at age 77, Leslie noticed that washing her hair in the shower became a challenge. “Lifting my arms was exhausting… so l knew I needed to exercise.” So she did something about it and Leslie began Pilates sessions at EPA about a year and a half ago.
But Leslie didn’t go at it alone. She started her Pilates practice with her daughter-in-law Melissa. Later her son Jay joined as well. And this trio is going strong.
Leslie, Melissa and Jay, have Pilates sessions a few times a week. They arrive spirited, practice Pilates spirited and leave spirited. The whole studio vibe goes up the moment they walk in the door. Their candid, hilarious, positive attitudes coat the studio with enthusiasm and they’re always up for the task. Sometimes based on their scheduled, they have one-on-one or duet sessions vs. the usual trio. But seeing them work together as a family is really so cool!!!
I asked Leslie, Melissa and Jay a few questions. It’s fascinating to see their varied answers and how yet that all works into the same session.
What motivated you to start Pilates?
Melissa: That would be Leslie! She was interested in trying Pilates so we decided to go together. We added Jay later and when all three of us are available to go it’s hysterical and so much fun! Poor Amanda.
Jay:I’ve always enjoyed exercise but Pilates intimidated me. Watching my 78 year old mother who had never done anything like this fearlessly dive head first into it inspired me to give it a try. Couldn’t be happier that I did.
What were your goals when you started Pilates?
Melissa: My personal goal starting Pilates was to gain flexibility, better posture and range of movement as I get older.
Jay: Flexibility. Playing sports has always been a passion of mine and Pilates has enabled me to continue attacking golf, tennis and basketball at a high level even though I just turned 50.
What have you been pleasantly surprised about in your Pilates practice?
Leslie: Starting Pilates was a struggle but it made me realize how weak I had become. I was and still am determined to master the teaser!!! Amanda is a joy and makes the experience such a pleasure.
Melissa: It’s been a pleasant surprise to find that we look forward to class, seeing Amanda and Amanda and Kerry and the ride to and from to chat. Generally we would dread classes but our journey has been so much fun together.
Jay: As a 6’6” guy one of the pleasant surprises about Pilates has been how comfortable I feel in the studio. One of my fears and excuses I always told myself was “I’m too tall”……I couldn’t have been more wrong. Amanda does an incredible job of understanding each of her client’s different needs because we all come in different shapes and sizes.
What is the best part (or the funniest part) about sharing your Pilates practice with family?
Leslie: Melissa is our graceful swan and Jay and I flop around doing our best!
Melissa: Where to begin? Sharing this experience over the last year and a half with Leslie and Jay has been really bonding and fun. I think my abs get a workout just laughing through class. Again, bless Amanda’s heart. She puts up with our antics and makes class fun. I think we all consider her family now whether she likes it or not. It’s also been amazing to watch Leslie and Jay’s progress and to cheer each other on.
Jay: The funniest part by far (and best part) is sharing the experience with my wife and mom. Mom and I always struggle with the same exercises which cracks us up while Melissa just coasts along graceful and flexible. Besides the physical benefits it’s really been a cornerstone of our weekly schedule and one we all look forward to that’s bonded us as a group in a way that I never could have imagined. I’ve said many times that the drive to and from Pilates could be its own podcast.
What is your favorite Pilates exercise and/or apparatus?
Leslie: My favorite is the leg springs.. it’s the only thing l’ve mastered … but stay tuned ..l’ve only just begun!
Melissa: My personal favorite apparatus is the mat. I love leg springs and using the barrel on the mat. I find I focus best on the mat for some reason.
Jay:At the end of class we usually lay on a barrel and put our feet in the air for some more core work. There is something about it that feels weightless and relaxing that I love.
Hearing the different responses from Leslie, Melissa and Jay about their Pilates experience, shows off the diversity of the Pilates Method and apparatus. How Pilates truly is for every body. If you’re in the studio during their trio, you’ll hear “Great job Mom!” and other roots of encouragement between this trio. It makes me smile every time.
As we all gather around our Thanksgiving tables this month, rest assured, there might be a Pilates teaser battle going on at the table shared by Leslie, Melissa and Jay. And by the way, PLEASE create the podcast!!!
Thank you Leslie for being the initiator for this amazing trio to do Pilates together. Thank you Leslie, Melissa and Jay for sharing your Pilates story with us and for the inspiration.
