What began as a solo exercise endeavor for Carrine Pomaranski nearly 20 years ago has become a consistent weekly routine for not only herself but also for her husband Mark and their 19-year-old daughter Ava.
“It is so nice to have three members of our family train at Pure Pilates! Not only do the instructors know our bodies’ quirks, but it is also fun to take a class together when our schedules align,” Carrine says.
It wasn’t long after Ava’s birth when Carrine learned of Pure Pilates.
“At the beginning of 2006, our second child, Ava, was just a few months old. I purchased a Pure Pilates package at The Children’s House Gala,” she says. “As a busy mom, I was excited to start with [Pure Pilates founder] Jen Cutler and to do something for myself and my health.”
We recently caught up with the Pomaranski family, who live in Traverse City, to learn more about their Pilates practices and their experiences at Pure Pilates. Here’s what they shared:
What made you decide to start taking classes at the studio?
Mark: I started taking classes at Pure Pilates about 16 years ago. I had struggled with lower back pain for many years and my wife, who had been taking Pilates, suggested I try it to help with my issues.
Ava: I started taking Pilates at Pure Pilates at the beginning of high school. All the running I was doing at the time required strength training, particularly to support my hip flexors, which led me to explore Pilates — following in my Mom’s and Dad’s footsteps — as a way to build strength and improve my overall performance. I typically attend a session once a week when I’m home. In order to continue enjoying the benefits of Pilates in my daily life, I plan on exploring new studios in Ann Arbor [where she attends the University of Michigan].
How does a regular Pilates practice help you in your everyday life?
Carrine: Regular Pilates practice — I attend classes consistently twice a week — helps me stay “balanced” and prevent injury when I engage in other activities and live my life. It also brings me happiness and joy!
Ava: Regular Pilates practice helps me feel stronger and more confident in my daily activities. It improves my posture, making simple tasks even like sitting at a desk more comfortable. It also enhances my body awareness and balance, which helps with things like walking, climbing stairs, or even just standing for long periods. Going beyond the physical benefits, Pilates helps me manage stress and stay focused, creating a sense of balance between my mind and body.
Mark: Pilates has had a significant impact on my life. Jen’s careful attention to form helped identify findings which ultimately led to my medical provider diagnosing me with a Functional Lower Leg Length Discrepancy. This condition had been the cause for my years of lower back pain. Although it periodically still gives me problems, the back pain occurs far less often due to the core stability, flexibility, and increased strength of specific muscle groups that result from Pilates. In addition to improving my lower back issues, Pilates has been immensely helpful in improving my scoliosis. My job is such that I spend a fair amount of my day standing bent over in a hunched position. This repetitive stance, over time, had worsened my scoliosis. After years of Pilates my posture, although not perfect, has gotten better.
What do you specifically like best about Pure Pilates and the studio’s instructors?
Ava: Each instructor I have worked with has fostered a welcoming and supportive environment. They consistently ensure that I feel comfortable and emphasize their genuine commitment to helping me succeed and improve my quality of life through Pilates.
Carrine: At Pure Pilates, the teachers are all so connective, kind and SO GOOD at their practice and how they guide each student through their practice. They pay close attention to form and give clear and thoughtful cues for correction or compliment. Pure Pilates is like a sweet family. The instructors and atmosphere are warm, welcoming and they want the best for you — both in Pilates practice and in life. My world is better with Pure Pilates in it!
Mark: What I like best about Pure Pilates is that the instructors are committed to teaching in a friendly, professional manner with attention to proper form so as to obtain optimal results. Their knowledge of Pilates and understanding of body mechanics is what elevates them when compared to other studios where I have taken classes. Pure Pilates caters to all skill levels and needs. Several family members, including my wife and children, take classes at the studio. On occasion, we even had the pleasure of attending the same session. It’s nice to have a studio that can provide this environment. After years of attending classes, I have come to realize that Pilates is instrumental to good health and well-being. Its value is truly strengthened by Jen and her team of instructors at Pure Pilates.
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