Lifelong Smoker Finds Strength in Pilates at 72

I can't begin to tell you what a difference Club Pilates has made to my mind and my body. But let’s start with the basics.

I’m 72 years old. I have vertigo and artificial knees. I have been retired for 14 years but I still get up every morning by 6:30 with the feeling that “daylight’s burning". Old habits are hard to break.

I mistakenly spent many years smoking and being overweight.  Now I am trying to turn back the clock.

In 2015 I had double knee replacement and even quit smoking - but the weight remained. 

I was also diagnosed with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Before the pandemic I was consistently going to a bootcamp style gym. I have never been an athlete, so I did it my way; If the trainer said run around the parking lot 4 times, I walked around it once. But at least I was there! I eventually worked up to 200 classes. I loved the routine of going 3 days a week, and loved the camaraderie. 

Then, the pandemic hit and life came to a screeching halt. I gained back some of the weight that I had lost.

Finally, in August of 2021, I found out about Pilates and I joined Club Pilates Tyler. 

At first I was so stiff and couldn’t do many of the moves - but I was determined. 

I could barely get my feet together for the butterfly stretch.  Now, I do it with ease, and even lower my feet to the mat.  I remember when I passed the 100 class mark and thought - wow, I made it. 

When I signed the 100 board I remember saying that I had gained 3 things: flexibility, strength and most of all friends. I was hooked.

But life sometimes throws us a curve ball, and it really did for me. 

In December of 2021, I contracted pneumonia and spent 9 days in the hospital.  After a week in a nursing home with physical therapy, and 4 weeks of home health and physical therapy, I was ready to go back to Club Pilates. 

The only difference was that now, I was on supplemental oxygen 24/7.  Did I let that stop me?  Hell no!  With my portable tank I returned.

I have now passed the 200 mark and am not giving up. I’m also an extrovert, so I had no problem dressing up for all our studio's fun themes, like Halloween and crazy hair day and even sang Karaoke at our Christmas party.  

In addition to Club Pilates I also joined Profile Plan, the nutrition company that is partnered with Club Pilates.  I have since lost 45 pounds.

From my highest weight I have actually lost 70 pounds. Only 20 more pounds to go! I do meal prep at home every week.  I think I will soon turn into a chicken, but a flexible one.

I have had many people tell me that I am an inspiration to them, and am so grateful and happy to be part of Club Pilates.

Written by Cindy Fowler, member at Club Pilates Tyler (TX)