I reconnected with an old student recently. I asked her how her personal training was going. She mentioned that her body couldn’t do many of the exercises her trainer was having her do.

Lunges, squats, heavy weights, using her neck and pecs instead of her back muscles were a few of the issues.

I placed her in front of my graph poster to take pictures then showed her what her posture looked like. I bought back braces one for a woman and one for a man. I put her in the back brace and started her exercises.

We did some TRX to turn on her support system and relax her neck. Instead of using weights I like to use stretch bands. I simulate the gravitational pull by initiating a strong pull on the band then do small ROM exercises so she can feel the location of the stress.

I like bands instead weights. Actually, I find the older clients like bands more than free weights.

Because of the back brace she stood taller with better posture. Then we did some Pilates. The last time she did Pilates she was hurt so we started easy. I have started teaching Pilates using small, repetitive movements.

It’s a different approach than most of my students are used to. She liked the concentrative approach and she felt she worked harder than ever.

After the class we went back to the graph poster for new pictures. Then, we compared how she looked from beginning to end of the workout.

Significant difference was noted. Even more important she not only saw the difference but she felt the difference. I have a feeling I have acquired a new/old student again.

The power of Pilates and returning to the basics of the workout proves to be a winner once again.