Outside of the studio looks like a war zone. And the last two days the excavation, scraping and bull-dozing machines have been right outside the front door, making the building rattle and vibrate as if there were bombs going off. Today in particular, there was no safe way to access the studio, and one client did brave the giant work zone to come for her session.

Immediately following her, I have another session scheduled. After spraying down the equipment and doing a mental overview of the lesson plan, I waited. After 5 minutes, I started stretching using the Wunda Chair which is aligned so that I can see out the front door, and be ready to welcome clients into the studio all the while keeping the equipment clean and ready to go! After 9 minutes I began to have my doubts and continued my workout while moving to the Cadillac, but still standing just in case the client came in super-late. I finally gave up and abandoned myself to a well needed session.

I don't always make time for myself, and because I practice martial arts, I do not feel that my body and body/mind connection gets neglected. However, the work of Pilates on the equipment brings about unique sensations that cannot be found elsewhere and really does put the body back in balance. During my training and apprenticeship I had to do the requisite hours of self-practice. I understand the purpose for beginning teachers. But, after 20 years I can say that keeping up a practice that is longer than 30 minutes, is really important. Each time I revisit the classical repertory or I create exercises for specific populations I am reminded of how amazing the work is and how great one feels afterwards.

So this is why I turned my situation of my client not showing up into something positive. 

So, way back in time, I opened my own Pilates studio in the north Houston, Texas, suburb of Kingwood. While deciding upon names for my business, I was also deciding on names for my future child! My pregnancy with Rémi was great and unfettered.  My studio seemed to grow at the same rate as my midsection.  I was blessed to develop a wonderful clientele interested in creating change in their bodies while observing mine (albeit a very different means of change!)  

I gave sessions up until the very day that my labor began. Post delivery I was like most women, exhausted and out of sorts. But I had the benefit of knowing how to access my core, and using Eve Gentry's Pilates Fundamentals, I regained functional strength in the weeks following my son's birth. Rémi spent much time in the studio and was present over the years for sessions. If you stand still long enough, he will come over and help readjust your posture and authoritatively give out cues to reinforce the correction. 

My darling son has grown into a young man. He is 17 and a half, towers over me, is  a beautiful person inside and out, and about to embark on a new life path. I see all of the parallels between traits my son is bestowed with and what Pilates develops: inner strength emanating from the core, flexibility and plasticity, and most importantly, the quest for balance.

Best of luck my son. I am always here for you, but I am confident in your abilities and I know that you will soar!