It's Labor Day Weekend and right now at 9:20 p.m there are major fireworks exploding over the beach. So much for bedtime.
My girls are all peering their little faces through the bedroom window filling the air with "ooh's" and "ahh's". This is the 3rd firework extravaganza that we have seen since we have moved here. I have to say I like the free- family- fun. Try saying that fast 3 times.Tomorrow is also my last day of teaching at the local studio I found. I love to teach. It brings me such joy when I help someone learn something about their bodies. When a client is finally able to understand their hidden physical potential. It's amazing. All the excitement in the air lead me to think about a very important moment in my teaching career.
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Several years ago while I was teaching in Ithaca, New York, I had a woman come to me for help. She have knee problems that had bothered her everyday for years. As a last resort she wanted to try Pilates since she had heard such good things about it. So this client bought a package of 10 sessions. We met 3 times a week and each session I would talk to her about the way she walked, other things she could try to help get rid of her pain, and give her homework. Each session I would ask if she felt any relief or lessening of her pain.
The answer was always no.
It was our 2nd to last session and as usual, when she walked in I asked about her knee. The client sat on the edge of a reformer and looked me in the eyes. "Chandra" she said quietly, "Today was the first day in 5 years that I have not had pain in my knee." The look on her face was worth a million dollars and started to bring me to tears. I couldn't believe that I played a small part in helping her become pain free.
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That is why I love what I do.
Don't get me wrong I also enjoy kicking the tails off of clients looking to get in shape.
So, that's why this last class is so sweet. While I might still pick up a class or cover a client here and there; this is the last time I plan on working for someone else. I have started scoping out locations for my own studio. I am pricing equipment. And I am picking the brains of all those successful mentors and friends who share my love and joy of Pilates (and GYROTONIC®).