Before Pilates
When I emigrated from the UK to Australia, I imagined embracing the outdoor lifestyle. Instead, within my first year, I suffered a serious foot injury and was diagnosed with Charcot Arthropathy—a progressive condition that causes bone fractures, joint damage, nerve loss and severe deformity.
I spent 18 months in a leg cast followed by six months in a moon boot. By the end of it, I had very little movement in my ankle, severe muscle loss down my left side, poor balance, and constant hip, knee and back pain. The prognosis wasn’t encouraging, and I lived with the fear that one day I might need a below-knee amputation.
Simple things I’d always taken for granted suddenly disappeared. I could no longer walk barefoot, I wasn’t allowed to bear weight without shoes, and all the exercise I used to enjoy was off limits. I felt as though the life I’d moved to Australia for had been taken away before it had really begun.
During my rehabilitation, my physiotherapist incorporated the reformer into my treatment and saw how much it helped. She encouraged me to try The Pilates Klinic—and that recommendation changed everything.
My Experience
Around the same time, I saw an advertisement for The Pilates Klinic on social media.
Making that first phone call almost didn’t happen. I worried about having to explain my disability, ask whether I could keep my shoes on, and admit that there were many exercises I simply couldn’t do.
I started with private sessions and was so nervous that I made my daughter come with me for moral support—and a little encouragement to walk through the door.
Nearly a year later, I finally felt brave enough to join group classes. I worried people would stare at my shoes, judge what I couldn’t do, or think less of me if I needed help.
None of that happened.
Instead, I found kindness, encouragement and genuine support. Every improvement, no matter how small, was celebrated. I’ll never forget the applause I received the first time I managed to get my own feet into the straps. It may have seemed like a small achievement to everyone else, but to me it meant everything.
Before long, I reached my first 100 classes and realised I was completely hooked. Yes, I was becoming stronger, but what kept me coming back was the community. The friendships formed after class over coffee, the laughter, the encouragement and the instructors who continually invested in my progress made me feel like I truly belonged.
It’s the reason my favourite quote now hangs on the wall:
“Pilates friends who encourage you to be braver than you believe and stronger than you seem are a blessing.”
The Results
Five years ago, I had almost no balance. I walked with a permanent limp, couldn’t pick something up from the floor without help, and spent far too much time sitting on the sidelines.
Christmas Day was one of the hardest moments. While everyone else enjoyed swimming in the ocean, I sat alone watching, wondering if that was what the rest of my life would look like.
Today, life couldn’t be more different.
I’ve completed the Winter 50 challenge twice, celebrated more than 500 Pilates classes, walked 25 kilometres around Sydney in a weekend, returned to the beach, regularly walk my dog, swim, clean my own house and even go dancing.
I’m physically stronger, leaner and have more energy than I ever expected. Just as importantly, I’m mentally stronger too. Pilates has become something I don’t just enjoy—it is something I need.
People are often amazed when they hear how I first arrived at The Pilates Klinic because, apart from wearing specially made shoes, there’s very little that sets me apart now.
I still modify some exercises, but I’m also encouraged to challenge myself and try the more advanced options. I love that the instructors build progressions so everyone can work at their own level. I’ve never felt like the person who has to do “the easy version.” I’ve always felt included.
Finally
Ageing is inevitable. Injuries happen. Life changes in ways we never expect.
It’s easy to feel embarrassed about where your body is or to convince yourself you’ll start exercising “one day.” I understand that feeling because I’ve lived it.
Pilates has quite literally changed my life.
It has given me strength, confidence, independence and friendships I never expected to find. My Pilates classes are now protected time in my week—important enough that my husband cooks dinner every Wednesday so I can make it to my Feel Good class.
Like everyone, life sometimes gets busy and Pilates is the first thing I’m tempted to skip. But I always come back because I know how much better I feel when I do.
For me, Pilates isn’t just exercise.
It’s the foundation that allows me to live the life I fought so hard to get back.