RockStar Pilates Q&A With Nicole

August 20, 2021

Owl Feather Farm, San Juan Island

If there’s one thing that Pilates Instructor Nicole understands, it’s the healing power of Pilates! She credits the method with getting her scoliosis symptoms under control, and is committed to making Pilates accessible to people of all physical abilities. Clients love her tailored, one-on-one approach to instruction.

What led you to become a Pilates instructor?

    Scoliosis is an abnormal curving of the spine. Typically, the spine runs straight down the back with slight curves. In cases of scoliosis, the spine curves too much in the shape of the letters ‘c’ or ‘s’. Symptoms can vary depending on the severity and degree of the scoliosis.

    In my case, the symptoms were cumbersome headaches, neck pain, upper and lower back pain, and hip pain on the right half of the body. With a regular Pilates routine three times a week and with massage therapy 1-2 times a month, I was able to strengthen, control, and obtain greater flexibility and core strength on the right half of my body and completely reduce my symptoms(s) and gain control of my postural alignment.

Rockstar Pilates teacher sitting on her pilates table

What is the importance of breath and the mind-body connection in Pilates?

    Breath is life and the mind is centered with the body in action, inhaling on the point of effort to send fresh oxygen
to the muscles when they need it most.

How do you tailor Pilates to the needs or physical limitations of individual students?

    Pilates can be tailored to meet the needs/physical limitations of all clients. Since everyone’s needs and healthy ways of life are different that would be determined during their private Pilates sessions. As the client continues along in their personal Pilates program, which consists of corrective exercise, stabilization, and strength techniques to prevent injury and enhance their body’s performance; their Pilates program would continue to advance in support of achieving body “awareness” and correct postural alignment that can be applied to the client’s various activities and everyday life.

What are some of your favorite Pilates exercises to do in your own workouts?

    For a really quick cardio workout when crunched for time: the 100, series of 5 (single leg stretch, double leg stretch, single straight leg stretch, double straight leg stretch and criss-cross) and I love to finish with the rolling exercises (rolling like a ball, open leg rocker, and seal).

What do your clients say Pilates has done for their health and well being?

    I hear time and time again that clients are amazed about their overall posture, strength, control and flexibility. And of course less of those chronic aches and pains for a better and healthy way of life with the new “awareness” they have developed through Pilates. This means even the simple activities that daily life brings by just being able to bend over and put your socks on in the morning!

What are some group fitness classes or other workout ideas clients can do to complement their pilates practice?

    Clients can apply their Pilates practice and skills in all group fitness classes, personal training, and activities they enjoy. Since Pilates generates overall body “awareness” and how to use all groups of muscles from head to toe, any activity is game unless you have been told by your doctor not to participate. Remember, you are the guardian of your own body and if there are any symptoms bothering you, try another class or activity that is agreeable and speaks to your healthy way of life.

-Nicollé Lucas

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