As a client basically since we opened, Rachelle has seen the Klinik morph and change over the years into what it is today. She has been a part of almost every workshop, event, challenge and happening of our community!
What I love most about Rachelle’s story is that it wasn’t smooth. Might sound strange but it’s real. Sometimes injuries happen, issues can come and go, and come again. Sometimes problems seem to take forever to resolve. Sometimes people face real life hardship or tragedy. Rachelle has gone through it all, persevered and inspired us along the way.
Even to this day, one of her shoulders is frustratingly stubborn but she continues to do what she can, maintaining where possible and improving where possible. If you take away one point of inspiration and encouragement from Rachelle, it would be this…
“Don’t stop moving forward, and when you can’t, don’t stop trying until you can again.”
Q – What was life like before you started Pilates with us? What problem/s were you trying to solve or improve?
A – As a person who has for the last 35 years spent their working day in front of a computer for long extended periods, my body had seized up and my stress levels were unacceptable.
Q – When you were searching where to go, what made The Pilates Klinik stand out for you?
A – The Vibe! and once in the door seeing how Kristen and Michael live and breathe what they do. Also their passion and care for the members shines through. All of the instructors are amazing, friendly and passionate – which is a testament to TPK and its culture because i’ve been there a long time and had lots of them!
Q – What was the obstacle/s that almost prevented you from starting? What sold you on jumping in and joining as a member?
A – Finding a Pilates Studio where I felt comfortable. I started at the TPK buying class passes in Packs of 10 – but in the beginning it was just too easy to get too busy and decide not to attend class. Becoming a member and scheduling classes to make the most of my membership meant that pretty soon Pilates became just a normal part of my life. I have been attending for almost 7 years and still love it.
Rachelle has the stats to back it up, i checked, over 700 sessions with a 94% attendance rate!
As I’m typing this, Rachelle is flying back from a wild adventure in Norway with her daughter. Dog sledding, Northern Lights, Skiing… they did it all!
The above picture is a great example of WHY we need to prioritise our physical wellbeing now, before it becomes extremely difficult to get back and life is so much more restricted. Without our health, we can miss out on so much.
As i went back through our photos, I realised Rachelle doesn’t like the limelight but she has always been there, hehehe. I thought we could play a game of “Where’s Waldo”, The Klinik Edition!
Did you find all 7 Rachelle’s?!
Q – What have you been able to achieve since starting? What improvements have you noticed?
A – The improvements are numerous and immeasurable. Overall I feel so much better in my body, my whole quality of life has improved. I am so much more flexible, I no longer have any back pain, nor headaches. I now have core strength! Also this might seem minor (but indicates just how tight I was) I can now reverse my car without using the mirrors or camera’s as I can turned my head and neck more than I have in adult memory. My ability to handle stress has improved, noticing when my body has had enough and needs a Pilates session to re-set. And being more productive at work because I feel better overall and particularly after a Pilates class.
Q – What has exceeded your expectations since joining?
A – How the business keeps evolving to provide a quality service to its members – adapting to the needs of the members. Always staying fresh.
Q – What about our business surprised you the most?
A – The community feel and how friendly everyone is.
Q – What is your favourite exercise or movement and why?
A – Short Spine – just divine for the spine! And any that stretch the Lats.
Q – What is your least favourite exercise or movement and why?
A – It should be called “Kidnapped” – face down on long box, grabbing both feet with hands and lifting thighs – my arms must be too short as the instructors have to help me every time, even after 7 years. haha
Q – What was it about your Pilates practice you wish you had known in the beginning?
A – That I just needed to be patient and listen to my body more. I also wish I had found Pilates when I was younger and before having children.
Q – What advice would you give to someone just starting their own Pilates practice as a new member at The Klinik?
A – Relax and enjoy – keep an open mind, ask questions. Small changes make big differences if done consistently overtime. Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing in class, focus on what you can do. I do most classes with my eyes shut so I can just focus on the exercises and “feel” them.
Q – Is there anything else that you would like to comment on or say about our staff, community or business?
A – Thank you!
