Please Join Me For My Motivational JumpStart!

1. How is Pilates different from, or similar to, yoga?

The first difference is their origin.  Pilates is named after its creator, Joseph Pilates. When Pilates was a young child, he suffered from several diseases that limited his mobility, so he developed the Pilates exercises in the early 1900s for rehabilitation and strengthening.

Pilates moved from Europe to New York in the 60s and opened his own studio. High profile dancers and ballerinas became attracted to the exercise routine to build their strength, stamina, and flexibility. This dedication from the dance community is what brought Pilates into mainstream exercise trends.

My name is Sherry Riles and I would like to tell you my story. It all started about 3 years ago, when I was told I needed a full hip replacement on the right side. Having had issues nearly my entire life, I agreed. I healed fairly quickly, but had a complication that caused extreme pain in my thigh. Any length of standing or walking put me in extreme pain. I became almost completely sedimentary, and of course put on weight too. The weight issue I had dealt with since being a small child, so I just brushed it off as, here we go again. As the year progressed after surgery, I noticed even more joint pain, more weight, digestive issues, severe swelling and I could go on. I basically was in pain 24 hours a day and it just kept getting worse. I had given up on ever having a fulfilling life or any enjoyment past watching a good movie.

Story by Milestone Member Emily McGrath, who was vacationing in Jamaica this week... (picture below)

In honor of the Milestone Trainer Challenge, this is a compilation of pictures showing the heart and determination displayed on "Day 1".  Milestone personal trainers practiced what they preach to their clients about setting goals, working, sweating, and when things get tough... pushing through the pain and using will-power to fight against fatigue.  Personal trainers are not finished products.  They work hard every day to become healthier, stronger, and better versions of themselves.  Let these pictures empower you as a Member of Milestone, to free yourself from the thought, "What are other people thinking?"  Instead focus on your goals and visualize yourself achieving what you set your mind to.  You can do it!  We believe in you!  Check out the great quotes throughout this article, from Milestone Personal Trainer Brenna Tomlinson!

I became a member in August 2011, at the recommendation of my cardiologist, after having a stent put in my aorta.  I immediately began working with a personal trainer to imporve my heart health.  In July 2013 I went to work at the service desk.  I had retired a few years earlier and wanted something to do.  Fast forward to March 2016, even with my diet and exercise, my arteries got clogged and required a coronary artery bypass graft.  In fact, the surgeon ended up bypassing five arteries.

I worked in retail for many years and after retiring early due to health issues, I became very sedentary.  As time passed I found that I was slowing down to the point of being worn out all the time - and I decided I was too young to be an "old man" before my time! 

June Member of the Month: Matthew Rhinehart  |  Read his story here...