EPIC: When and how did you discover Pilates?
JENNA: Pilates was introduced to me through my employer of all places in 2010, I was working in commercial real estate at the time and we signed a Pilates studio as a tenant. A group of us checked out the classes and it became a weekly thing!
E: What is the most notable change Pilates has made to your body?
J: Deeper strength to support posture and body resiliency. When I finish a pilates session I feel aligned and challenged – working the smaller muscles along with the bigger ones gives me an overall feeling of strength, and over time I’ve noticed that my body recovers faster with incorporating pilates as opposed to strictly strength training or cardio.
E: What motivates you to maintain your Pilates routine?
J: Keeping up with my baby! My 8 month old has just started crawling and I’ve been spending a LOT of time on the floor – the weeks I don’t make it to pilates I notice my body aches more, particularly my back. Pilates helps keep me stretched out and nimble.
E: What is your preferred Pilates equipment?
J: I really love the reformer – there’s something about the springs and the tension that keeps me mentally and physically engaged.
E: What is your favorite exercise on any equipment?
J: Ummm short spine! Just in answering these questions, it now seems obvious that my back/spine is the main benefactor of pilates. The reformer makes it easier to do properly, without hurting my neck, so I get the benefit of inversion without worrying about injury. And it’s usually preceded by legs in straps, which my hamstrings are always in need of!
About You / Rapid-Fire Fun Facts:
E: What is a hidden talent of yours?
J: Does being really good at sudoku puzzles count? I used to play the piano
E: If you could be an animal for a day, what would you be?
J: Dolphin
E: Name a place you’ve never been to that you’d like to visit.
J: Japan
E: Window or aisle?
J: Window
E: Night Owl or Early Bird?
J: Early Bird
