I realized that I have been very tense during my workouts over the last few weeks. The fear of injuring my knee led to a lot of tension in my body and resistance to enjoying my workout and getting the maximum benefit. Leah told me that she would not let me be hurt but it has taken time to overcome a fifteen year habit of fear.

Leah has taught me how to actually protect my knees during exercise instead of just trying not to use them. I have not had knee pain from my workouts and this is very significant for me. I usually hurt at least a little for a few days after any kind of workout and my left knee often feels “rusty” like a hinge that needs oil. I feel that I have used my muscles and they are sore after a session but it’s a satisfying soreness, not pain.

In fact I have not had any pain since beginning Pilates at Carbon. I regularly had some stiffness in my lower back and hips in the morning and my back often ached in the evening. I have not felt either sensation for weeks.