What Four Months Away From Exercise Taught Me About the Body
Taking four months away from exercise — the longest break I’ve had since I was a young girl — taught me more than any textbook ever could. It reminded me how remarkable, adaptable and sensitive our bodies are, and how quickly things can change when movement stops.
We often arrive at the studio each week, lie on the mat, and simply get on with it. Some days feel strong, others feel challenging. But stepping away for an extended period gave me a new perspective on what’s happening beneath the surface.
Your Body Is Always Working for You
We have over 600 muscles working almost constantly. Some help us move; others support our internal organs. Our skeletal muscles work with around 206 bones (give or take — some people have an extra rib or vertebra), and together they create the structure that carries us through life.
Then there’s fascia — the thin connective tissue that wraps around muscles, organs and nerves. When fascia is hydrated and healthy, it allows everything to glide smoothly. But when we sit for long periods, feel stressed, or don’t move enough, fascia tightens and becomes less flexible. That’s when we feel stiff, slow or uncomfortable.
How Our Bodies Change With Time
As we move through life, we may look the same on the outside, but inside things shift. Between the ages of 50 and 60, we naturally lose around 10% of our muscle mass. Strength decreases, joints may creak, and everyday movements can feel harder.
When I returned to the studio after my break, I was surprised by how stiff and slow I felt — even after 35 years of regular exercise and Pilates being second nature to me. It was a humbling reminder that movement really is medicine, and consistency matters.
Why I Challenge You (Kindly!) in Class
If you’ve ever felt me gently pushing you to get more from your body, this is why. My goal is always to help you move forward so you can enjoy your gardening, hobbies, dog walks, stair‑climbing — or even marathons — without the discomfort that can occur from lack of movement.
Pilates is a prescription of movements designed for a healthy, functioning body. Watching how you all moved in week one of this course, compared to now is a powerful reminder of how effective Joseph Pilates’ Contrology system truly is.
Modern Life Has Changed How We Move
Long hours spent sitting at desks, doom scrolling screens, repetitive habits and stress all influence how our bodies look, feel and function. After 35 years teaching health‑related fitness, one thing is clear: There is always something we can do, even when injury or illness limits us.
23 Years of Core Zone – and Still Personal, Not Commercial
Core Zone turns 23 this June, and my approach remains the same: personal, attentive, and tailored. Even in a group class, no two bodies move in exactly the same way. You may see everyone doing the same exercise, but behind the scenes there’s always a tweak here, a towel there, an adjustment for alignment or comfort.
I continually evaluate my teaching through ongoing training — what to change, what to improve — so you get the best from every session.
Around 70% of my clients have been with me for over a decade. So when you walk in, you may think you look the same, but your body tells me a story — sometimes great, sometimes needing support.
This is why I’m incorporating more stretching into your Pilates sessions, delivered in a calm, developmental way, with a focus on deep breathing to release the physical stresses of modern life.
It’s a privilege to teach my clients and to support their movement, strength and wellbeing - at every age and stage.