IT’S HERE! My long-awaited, hard-earned, much-sweated-over certificate in the Classical Method of Pilates has finally arrived—and I can’t quite put into words what this beautiful piece of paper means to me (though I’m clearly about to try).

Since lockdown, I’ve literally worked my butt off—sometimes off the mat, sometimes under it—in pursuit of this goal. Under the expert guidance of Erica Almodovar and Gwenn Wierzbicki at the Authentic Pilates Learning Center, I’ve clocked in hundreds (okay, probably thousands) of hours, learning, teaching, flailing, flinching, flexing, and yes, occasionally squealing.

There were times when I doubted I’d ever master certain movements. Some of them seemed designed more for dolphins than humans. But thanks to Erica and Gwenn—two remarkable women whose knowledge, patience, and cheerleading could probably bring a brick wall into a teaser—I not only kept going, I grew stronger, inside and out.

Although I’ve been a qualified teacher for over 20 years, this journey has been a whole new level of learning. Following my gut and reaching out to Erica during lockdown may well have been the best decision of my life… (well, second best—my husband reads these things).

I’ve changed my body, my strength, my flexibility, and my understanding of how movement can truly heal. Despite arthritis in my spine, hips, knees, and toes—and an old back injury from my nursing days—this method has given me more vitality now, approaching 55, than I had in my 30s.

Mr. Pilates once said: “If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30, you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60, you are young.” He wasn’t kidding. His method continues to inspire me daily. I now live by his philosophy: “Change happens through movement and movement heals.”

This certification isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s proof of grit, patience, persistence, and about 476 emotional meltdowns (some of them rather loud). And while I teach my clients, I now do so with a deeper respect for every struggle, every wobble, every “I can’t do that”—because I’ve been there too.

So, if my house were on fire (after rescuing my husband, daughter, and dogs—let’s be clear), I would absolutely grab this certificate on my way out. It means that much.

To anyone considering starting Pilates: do it. Don’t wait to be younger, stronger, or more flexible. Just begin. But please—find a fully equipped, authentic studio that teaches the method as it was meant to be. Your body will thank you. Eventually.

Thank you again, Erica and Gwenn. I owe you more than words—and possibly a few bottles of wine!!! 🙏🙏🙏🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰