I had been a nurse for about 30 years when I started getting pain, pins and needles and numbness in one arm. My last hospital position required me to use a computer for a large part of the day, which obviously was causing more and more discomfort. I saw various doctors and learned that I had a degenerative disease of my cervical spine and the repetitive use of the computer was the root cause of my symptoms. I am and was a pretty fit person, so the idea of restrictions, steroid shots (which only lasted a short while), splints, etc. really didn’t appeal. Generally, I don’t like gyms but discovered Pilates and was immediately hooked. I tried to take 3 classes a week and very quickly realized that I was feeling much better.
Gradually, I became so jazzed by feeling better and the dislike for my job was really beginning to be overwhelming, that I decided to train to become a Pilates instructor, with the ultimate plan of making a career change. I studied through PEAK, the PPS route, whilst doing the day job and obtained enough teaching and observation hours around work to be qualified to start teaching. Ultimately, I knew that Pilates made and continues to make me feel so much better, that I had to leave nursing and become a full-time instructor. I am in the fortunate position of having a very supportive spouse who subsidized and continues to subsidize my income. Working in this field on commission could not be considered a “get rich quick” profession!Along the way I obtained a Comprehensive certification in Peak Pilates at The Good Space, as well as the Pre/Post Natal course from Carolyne Anthony, the Pink Ribbon Certification, all at The Good Space. I have been teaching “full time” at The Good Space for almost two years and recently have managed to reach 34 hours per week, working with a variety of clients from teenagers, pregnant women, those with injuries, and even a nonagenarian man! I am inspired by each and every one of my clients and delight in the knowledge that people, especially those beyond the first flush of youth, want to put in the effort to take care of themselves in this way, to keep themselves mobile, flexible, steady on their feet, strong, etc. and the list could go on endlessly! There is not a day that goes by when I do not want to go to “work”. I too, am fit, largely pain-free and enriched by working with such a delightful and loyal clientele.
There is just one fly in the ointment….. I am about to move to NC! By the time I leave this Studio, The Good Space, I will have completed approximately 2,000 hours of teaching!