Terri Fitton has been a Guest at TerraLuna since August, 2022 and we'd like to get to know her a bit better.
What class(es) have you/do you take?
Right now I take Beginner Pilates.
Would you share with us your Pilates story and how long you've been practicing Pilates?
I have struggled with back pain for some time now. Typical aging kind of stuff. A friend had taken the introductory class and said she really felt 'stretched out' after it. So I decided to give it a try. That was in August and I've been going twice a week since then. The smooth motion and the ability to do it at a pace that is right for my body have been motivating. I feel a huge difference in my strength and muscle tone as well as great improvement in my flexibility. I still have a long way to go to but this has really made a difference for me.
What is an activity which was difficult for you in the beginning but is now easier?
Anything in footstraps! At 65, I have spent a lifetime ignoring my quads and hamstrings. With a typical busy life, stretching and exercise were never a priority. All I could muster when asked to point my toes to the ceiling was a 45 degree angle. Now it is much better and it feels good to do it.
Do you have an activity that you currently struggle with? If so, what are the challenge that you experience?
The piriformis stretch is really difficult for me. My hips seem to be the tightest area on my body. At first just getting an ankle onto the other knee seemed impossible. Now I can get it there and even start moving toward table top. WooHoo!!
Tell us about props! Favorite and least favorite.
Using the squishy ball between my knees really helps with my form when doing arm work. I focus so much on getting the arms right that I forget about my legs. It's a good reminder to press your knees together.
If you had a "Signature Activity" what would it be?
Hmm. I like the smooth motion of arm and leg circles. I really try to focus on the symmetry of it. It may not look like much but it feels good.
Do you have a goal you'd like to share with us or perhaps a little-known fact about you?
My goal is to enter this next phase of life strong and confident in my body. I've seen too many people who are not much older than me with canes or walkers, who refuse to even go for a walk in the woods because they fear falling or running out of gas before return. I don't want to be like that.
Do you have words of wisdom to share with other Guests?
I think understanding that everything new that you undertake takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself and think about that one thing (or part of a thing) that you will do better today.
Finally, what is one food/drink/item you cannot live without?
My car! It takes me to amazing places and I love to travel. We just returned from a spur of the moment trip to Maine and It Was Beautiful!!
Thank you Terri, for sharing a bit about yourself and your Pilates journey!
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