Several years after that, Pilates was recommended for me in my struggle against Rheumatoid Arthritis. So I tried it along with my ballet class and ski machine regimen. Lo and behold again, it worked for me too. The no-impact, strengthening, carefully directed work keeps me moving - more pain-free than I have been in years.
However, the most personally important part of my Pilates story is that when my son was killed in an auto accident 15 months ago, I did not think I could ever move again - physically or mentally. I was warned by my doctors that my rheumatoid would surely flare badly. However, with the consistent, concentrated, caring help of the women of Excel - especially you Lesa - the Pilates work turned out to be the only piece of normal I could find for a while.
Empowering your body really does empower your mind, it also empowers the third part of life's equation - it empowers the spirit. I haven't had those painful rheumatoid flare-ups that were predicted and I've been gradually able to find a place of peace inside. Thank you, Excel, for your caringly directed part in my path forward.
