Pilates Superstar : Geneva
“The community at Center Street Studios is one of the things that makes it so special. I have never felt intimidated or shy about walking into any class there”
Geneva began practicing mat pilates fifteen years ago at her local gym in Washington D.C. and from the very first class, she knew she had found something different and right for her body. When she moved to the Manassas area she was thrilled to find a newly-opened pilates studio she could walk to, and loved the welcoming environment at Center Street Studios. Like so many students, what once seemed intimidating eventually became one of the things she looks forward to most in her week.
Over the years, Geneva has noticed changes that go far beyond feeling stronger, although she's certainly gained plenty of strength. Pilates has given her a deeper awareness of how she stands, moves, and carries herself through everyday life. In fact, she credits her practice with helping her recover from more than a few near falls before they became injuries.
"I firmly believe that my Pilates practice has saved me from a few falls because I had the strength and awareness to recover before I hit the ground," she says. "I think it will make getting older a little easier—I hope."
But ask Geneva what makes Center Street Studios truly special, and her answer has very little to do with exercise.
It's the people.
"The community at Center Street Studios is one of the things that makes it so special. I have never felt intimidated or shy about walking into any class there."
That feeling of belonging has become just as important as the movement itself. And somewhere along the way, she discovered something else she never expected.
"I also finally discovered that 'high' from exercising."
While Geneva has an adventurous spirit and loves to try new things, she also understands the importance of repetition. Her favorite movement on the reformer is Snake because she always feels a sense of pride having conquered her goal of “nailing it”. She loves to stretch out on her mat after a long work-day and commute and she credits her mat classes as a centering practice for both body and mind.
Geneva has been a dedicated member of the same Monday night reformer group and Wednesday night mat group for more than 11 years. She is a warm presence and friendly face to her classmates new and old.
To anyone wondering whether pilates is for them Geneva says “Pilates is for everyone! Every person will find movements that feel natural, others that feel like a fun challenge, and a few that seem impossible at first—but won't stay that way for long.”
