The conversation around wellness, including Pilates, has become increasingly vibrant, with attorney-at-law Michelle Thomas-Nelson centring the practice at her 35th birthday Pilates and Brunch event at the Jaguar Land Rover Showroom in St Andrew last Saturday.<\/p>\n
Thomas-Nelson started incorporating Pilates after becoming a mother in September 2024 and experiencing health complications, including preeclampsia and high blood pressure.<\/p>\n
\u201cI said I need to focus on being a complete woman,\u201d she explained. \u201cBeing a complete woman means that you\u2019re not just financially stable, but your health is also a priority, because your health is your wealth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Since recommitting to her wellness journey in November, Thomas-Nelson lost 28 pounds while balancing careers in law and politics.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m always stressed,\u201d she admitted. \u201cWhen you work out and do these types of activities, it helps stress management.\u201d<\/p>\n
She now incorporates Pilates alongside regular gym sessions, and the practice has become part of her lifestyle. \u201cFitness is something that should be a part of our lifestyle,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
WHAT FIRST-TIMERS SHOULD KNOW<\/p>\n
Bl\u016bma Studio Founder Alyssa Gafoor echoed similar sentiments, encouraging Pilates beginners to prioritise consistency. While some newcomers may feel pressured, she recommends building a schedule that feels sustainable.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you can come once a week, that\u2019s fantastic. If you can come two times a week, that\u2019s beautiful,\u201d she shared. \u201cSee what you can do consistently, more than coming five times one week and then not coming for the rest of the month.\u201d<\/p>\n
As with any new activity, Pilates beginners should not expect their first class to feel easy.<\/p>\n
Gafoor noted that one of the biggest misconceptions is that Pilates is just stretching. Instead, she describes the practice as including slower movements, which often produce stronger results.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not like gym work. It\u2019s not faster the better, it\u2019s slow and controlled,\u201d she said. \u201cThe first time, a lot of stuff might sound like Chinese to you. You have no idea what\u2019s going on, but by continuing to show up, you understand core engagement, you understand so much more about your body.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also encouraged beginners to properly prepare before class by eating balanced meals and communicating openly with instructors about injuries, postpartum recovery or personal fitness goals.<\/p>\n
\u201cTell your instructor where you\u2019re at. If you just had a baby or had an injury, let them know, because instructors are highly trained and can help you with the specific areas you\u2019re building strength in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Importantly, she stressed that Pilates is for everyone, regardless of body type, gender or fitness level.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll bodies practise Pilates,\u201d she said. \u201cStart where you are today, and in six months you\u2019ll look back and be like, \u2018Wow, I\u2019ve come so far.\u2019 Don\u2019t wait until you\u2019ve lost 20 pounds or until your kids are five years old. Just start with the body you have today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gafoor mentioned that men are also attending Pilates classes. \u201cWe’re not only talking about women\u2026we have a lot of classes right now that are half-filled with guys. Like, I think guys are starting to see the benefit for their bodies and how they run faster, have less injuries in CrossFit or whatever else it is they are doing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thomas-Nelson, who invited family, friends and colleagues to participate in her birthday Pilates session, said exposing others to the practice was intentional.<\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of my friends said, \u2018Oh my God, it was so good. It was so therapeutic. I\u2019m definitely going to start Pilates,\u2019\u201d she shared. \u201cIt was more for exposure, because it\u2019s hard to get people to do it. But when you bring something to them, and they experience it, it becomes easier.\u201d<\/p>\n
Even first-time attendees at Thomas-Nelson\u2019s birthday Pilates session found the experience approachable, including one pregnant participant, Sherene Myers-Robinson, who said the class offered modifications to help her move comfortably.<\/p>\n
Myers-Robinson described the experience positively and encouraged other pregnant women who are interested in Pilates to prepare beforehand.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was given instructions on how to manoeuvre the exercises, and some movements were modified.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her advice to other expectant mothers considering Pilates? \u201cHave something before.\u201d<\/p>\n
And while beginners may initially feel discouraged by shaky movements or unfamiliar terminology, Gafoor says people begin noticing changes in both mind and body.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe more you practise, the more you want to come back because you start to feel and see the results,\u201d she explained. \u201cYour mind feels calmer, your body feels stronger, your confidence grows.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
ruth-ann.briscoe@gleanerjm.com<\/p>\n
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