People always ask how I got started with Pilates.  Everyone finds the work with a different goal in mind.  For me, I was suffering from a voice injury.  It hurt to talk, and swallow.  My job as a Fitness Specialist and coordinator of Aerobic classes was compromised, and I have never done anything but teach! 

Teaching involves talking!!!  So I was in search of something new I could teach, that would get me out of the noisy health club environment and put me in a quiet place where I could talk safely.

And somehow I found Pilates…

Little did I realize when I started, but a contributing factor to my voice pain was my posture and breathing habits.  Years of shallow breathing with my head held forward on my neck, was restricting air flow through my windpipe and straining my voice.

Once my body better understood Pilates posterio-lateral breathing techniques, my breathing began to support my speech, my core strength improved, and my standing & seated posture became more balanced.

The result, by practicing Pilates – the pain I had in my throat went away!

I am now in my 18th year of  teaching Pilates, foot-fitness, and functional movement and loving every minute of it!

Here’s a nice article from Pilates teacher, Sharon Goldman, about her journey and vocal enlightenment though Pilates.  “Singing from the core – Pilates, movement and your voice”  

Enjoy!