As a young adult, my approach to getting into shape was misguided, leading to countless years of painful lessons. I spent endless hours at the gym, lifting heavy weights, running on the treadmill, and attending group classes, all in search of something that resonated with me. I learned by observing others and browsing fitness magazines at the local grocery store. Looking back, I realize that my education in exercise came from people who were likely just as lost as I was. So, who truly knew what they were doing?
If someone appears physically fit, does that mean they are moving correctly? Sadly, this thought never crossed my mind in my younger years. I wish I had understood that appearances can be deceiving. My singular focus was on looking good, and like many others, I had no clue what I was doing. My poor exercise habits gradually led to muscular imbalances, spine compression, and unsustainable movement patterns that would eventually result in injury.
Last year, I received an email from a man in his sixties inquiring about private Pilates training. Andrew shared that he was born with structural scoliosis and had worked out for years. As a young man, he lifted weights five or six days a week and achieved significant muscle mass. However, the weight training did not address his scoliosis and further compressed his curved spine. By the time he turned fifty, he had shrunk two inches, leaned noticeably to the left, and had ribs that were closing in on his pelvis, literally squashing his organs. Walking, standing, and sitting became painful. Tragically, this story is all too common.
During our first lesson, Andrew explained that at fifty-seven, his spine was crushed by the constant compressive forces from weightlifting, leaving surgery as his only option. The surgeon straightened his spine as much as possible and removed twelve disks. His spine was fused from just below his neck all the way down to his pelvis, held together with stainless steel rods and screws. He grew about an inch and a half and stood straighter than he had in years. Finally, he could walk and stand without pain.
After the surgery and the loss of over thirty pounds, Andrew decided it was time to get back into shape. He resumed exercising as he always had, acting as if nothing had changed. The weights didn’t bother his lower back, which felt like a huge blessing. However, he was unaware that the stainless steel rods had weakened his core and lower back muscles. As a result, his upper back, glutes, and hamstrings worked overtime, remaining constantly activated and stressed. Now, at sixty-three, the pain had become debilitating. He could no longer sit comfortably, struggled to sleep, and knew he had to make a change.
Having heard about the benefits of Pilates, Andrew decided to give it a try. Before working with me, he lived in Malibu and took group Pilates classes focused on flexibility, which did not address corrective movement patterns. After a short time, he realized this style was not the right fit for him. Although it provided a temporary break from lifting weights, it primarily involved stretching. Given his unique situation, he felt that private sessions were necessary. He believed there were many Pilates exercises he would struggle with, and creating more pain was not an option. He needed something more.
Shortly after starting our sessions, Andrew’s pain began to decrease. He worked hard and absorbed everything he could. Applying what he learned to his daily life and gym workouts became essential. During a conversation about his personal achievements, he expressed that he now understood the full potential of the Pilates method. I suggested he was ready for a group Reformer class. After several months of attending, he realized he could keep up and, with the right modifications, move safely and effectively. Some exercises required a flexible spine and hands-on assistance, but Andrew embraced the challenge with enthusiasm. I reminded him that everyone has personal limitations, and the beauty of Pilates lies in its adaptability. When taught from a biomechanical perspective, anything is possible.
Today, Andrew is acutely aware of how to engage his core muscles, even with his fusion. He told me that activating his abdominal muscles makes everything easier—walking, biking, sitting at his desk, working out, and even folding laundry. Focusing on core engagement has become part of his new muscle memory; it’s the first thing he does before any movement, especially those that challenge his back.
Overall, his pain level has significantly decreased, and he has managed to maintain his muscle mass. People comment that he looks healthier, fitter, and in better shape than before. Andrew wishes he had discovered this unique method of Pilates years earlier.
Our next step is to maintain his muscle mass while avoiding undue pressure on his unfused upper spine, all while strengthening his core. Currently, Andrew attends my athletic Pilates classes three times a week and is making excellent progress. If it weren’t for my personal journey, I wouldn’t have created unique exercises using the Pilates Reformer to build strength without compressive loads on the spine. I feel truly blessed to have shared my experience and guidance with Andrew, and I’m grateful to share his story with you.
Thank you for reading this blog post. I hope the lessons we’ve both learned can help the next generation develop healthy exercise habits.