Meet Madeleen, our Inna Spirit member of the month for August. Madeleen has been a member of the studio for six months, and in that short time, has strengthened her body so much she no longer suffers from chronic back pain!
Hear about Madeleen’s experiences with Inna Essence; a space where she feels calm and supported.
What challenges or goals first brought you to Inna Essence?
Madeleen struggled with chronic back pain from a workplace injury she suffered in her early 20s. She would try walking, exercise bikes and gyms, but couldn’t shake the constant back pain.
We asked Madeleen why she started looking for Pilates; “Because I’m getting older, and I struggled with constant back pain. I thought it was time for me to do something about my flexibility and try to get rid of the pain in my back. When I was 19 I had an injury at work, and it was predicted I would struggle with back pain as I got older.”
Madeleen would do domestic cleaning and chores around her home, and would suffer from terrible back pain, so she wanted an exercise option where she could focus on improving her core strength. Over the last 6 months, Madeleen has been attending regular Reformer Pilates classes, and no longer experiences back pain!
“I can do day-to-day tasks without any discomfort! I can now enjoy a walk on the treadmill without the fear of back pain catching me by surprise.”
Madeleen has now shifted her goals to getting even stronger; she loves being in a group class environment where she can attempt a new exercise or skill with support and guidance. She is quite often surprised that she can hold a position or try a new movement successfully!
What is it about Pilates that motivates you?
Madeleen loves the new challenges in each class; “You never know what the instructor has planned for the class, and you feel so accomplished at the end of the session. I love the community at Inna Essence and really enjoy attending classes with so many lovely people.”
Since joining Inna Essence, Madeleen has also encouraged her husband to attend! “I really enjoy getting to exercise with my husband – he’s never had time before, and now he’s gone from weekly Mat Pilates classes to attending early morning Reformer sessions with me four days each week. You feel so good after you’ve done a class – it sets you up for the day.”
How have our classes been helping you on your wellness journey?
“I would say the Reformer class has been transformational. I did try Mat Pilates classes, however I do struggle with movement on the floor. I plan to attend Reformer classes for another year and then I’ll give Mat Pilates another go once I’m stronger.”
Many members who start at Inna Essence struggle with joint pain, and Madeleen was no different. She feels she has more confidence exercising on the Reformer, as she has the support of the carriage and springs. Getting up and down from a Reformer feels easier as well for her, especially in the early weeks of starting classes and building her core strength.
Madeleen says, “I have more strength and confidence to get up and down off the floor, so it won’t be long before I try Mat Pilates again. I’m also very excited to attend a Sound Bath event – it looks like a beautiful, relaxing experience!”
What do you love most about the studio?
“From the moment you walk in, you feel a calmness coming over you. I’ve made some friends, I see familiar faces in Reception and I can have a chat in the mornings. It’s just so peaceful.”
What was one unexpected benefit of joining Inna Essence?
“I think I really surprised myself by holding a plank recently, and doing other exercises which I didn’t think I was capable of!”
Madeleen really appreciates how she can give something a try, and there is never any force or judgement. “If you can’t do it, you feel encouraged and supported to keep practicing and building on your strength. I feel confident that I’m being taught the skills to get there eventually.”