Who is Kristy?
Tough question. Right now, I’m in a crazy season where I’m working full time, studying full time, and still working on strengthening my knee. Like most people, fun involves catching up with friends. I love travel – have visited every continent except Antarctica.
How has Pilates changed your life?
I turned to Pilates 10 years ago after having a work accident followed by unsuccessful knee surgery in 2007 in Canberra. The surgery was ultimately unsuccessful, but at the time Pilates helped me learn to manage and gave me back a quality of life.
I drifted away for a few years, but then came back to Pilates when my knee worsened in 2014, and then started with AFL when I unexpectedly moved to Melbourne in 2015. Ben and Pilates helped anchor me in Melbourne after my move. 2 years later I finally had to have more knee surgery in Dec 2016, so Ben and I worked on getting my body into a pre-surgery shape so I could recover quicker….and as soon as I could post surgery, I was back in the studio under Ben’s instruction to start learning to move again. He’s been amazing and the results have been so good that all of my specialists and doctors are pleased with my recovery and overall improvement. It’s not back to normal, but it is so much better.
One of the biggest breakthroughs we’ve had over the last 12 months is that that for the first time since my original accident, I can walk up and down stairs without worrying about collapsing, or struggling to move because of pain. I cannot describe the difference that’s made to my confidence and overall outlook. It’s priceless! We’ve also got other aspirational goals
Outside of my knee, Pilates has also helped improve my posture, breathing, flexibility and overall strength – I love how such small, concentrated movements can have such a big impact.
What do you like most about coming to sessions at AFL?
I love the way that my body feels after each session – I feel taller and stronger. And the changes and improvements are so quick!
I also love working with Ben – he makes Pilates funny, real and accessible…it’s not just for the ballet dancers 🙂