Before taking Pilates and Gyrotonic Method sessions in BodyMind Balance Studio (BMB), I tried
Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and over the years I had strenuous sessions in a gym. Nevertheless, for
years I felt intuitively that something important in my workout routine was missing. Joining
BMB Studio changed my life forever: I understood why my previous fitness experiences were
never completely satisfying. The reason was precisely the absence of the strong body-mind
connection! This typically occurs because very little if any explanations of how muscles and
joints work are given by instructors during fitness sessions. Alas it leads to students’ minds
disengagement from movements. They try to mirror their instructors’ moves without
understanding what muscles, main and minor, they must use, and why they should perform a
particular exercise. For this reason, the body goes into default mode simply using momentum
and relies only on its strongest muscles and joints–badly overusing them while the rest of the
muscles stay rudimental. As a result, most VITAL benefits of a physical activity are lost.
I was fortunate to learn about Body Mind Balance Classical Pilates Studio from my friend, Gillian
Sella, and for this I am very grateful to her. During my first session with Julie, I learned of my
body’s significant imbalances, realized that I had no real understanding of posture and
alignment, and that I had never learned using different muscle groups “with control” that
makes any fitness activities intelligent and effective.
For me this initial knowledge was that “eureka” moment that started my exciting conscious
quest to integrate my mind and body, e.g., to mind-body awareness. Describing real Pilates and
Gyrotonic Method, I would use the following key words and word combinations: concentration,
control and precision, correctly executed movements, staying relaxed and focused,
coordination, and visualization. I learned that Pilates is not about mindless and endless
repetitions, but about learning, change, and growth. Now I know that by training my brain,
nerves, and muscles I can create new healthy movement patterns to improve my posture,
alignment, and strength.
Last year, in September, I had an operation on my knee. I went back to my sessions with Julie in
a month! Her carefully designed rehabilitative exercises allowed my knee to heal faster, and I
was able to continue my regular sessions in the Studio. Walking right, with more efficiency is a
central goal for Pilates. I feel stronger, more knowledgeable, and I walk a bit taller after each
session. My eternal gratitude and love to my amazing beautiful instructors and first-class
professionals Julie, Johanna, and Kim.
Irina Goncharenko-Rose
