For a long time, Chris Dennos’ exercise routine involved what she calls “serious gym workouts with weights.” The longtime Traverse City resident also recalls plenty of aerobics in her repertoire.
“I lived and exercised through the Jane Fonda era and all these various versions of aerobics,” she says.
Eventually, Chris realized she wanted something different — a form of exercise that didn’t leave her feeling defeated or frustrated.
“In a regular gym, my experience was you keep adding weight,” Chris says. “I got hurt and I thought, ‘There has got to be something better.’ And, I was bored to death.”
Around this time, she discovered Pilates.
“I noticed how strong I was getting,” she says of embracing Pilates. “I gave up going to gyms and just did Pilates. And I’ve never, ever gone back to a gym.”
‘It’s been life-changing’
Finding Pure Pilates was a game-changer for Chris, whose practice at the studio includes a mixture of mostly private sessions with a weekly group class. She says she’s found her place — a studio that delivers in ways a gym never did — and over time, she’s grown stronger and improved her balance.
“I find Pilates to be a much more subtle, slower strength-building experience,” she says. “There are a lot of exercises we do in Pilates while on all fours — lifting one leg and one arm at the same time — and it gets easier and then you can hold the pose longer. Balance is such a critical thing and my balance is great. The instructors do so many exercises to strengthen the core, so that you can stay upright, and I think that’s critical.”
The Pure Pilates difference
“What I love about Pilates and going to Pure Pilates is that all the instructors who I have worked out with, and currently work out with, are adamant about your body being in the right position and that you’re using the right muscles. It’s just fabulous,” Chris says. “Each instructor focuses individually on each person. It amazes me how attentive they are. It’s very personal and I like that.”
Chris also enjoys the variety she experiences at Pure Pilates. For example, a recent class with Pure Pilates instructor Jackie Fiegel emphasized stretching.
“One thing I love about Jackie is when I do privates, she really tailors it to where I am at, on that day,” Chris says. “We sometimes do extended poses because what I really need is stretching … the instructors all have their own unique approach. I love that every single time I am there, I am doing something different — the variety and innovation, it’s wonderful.”
For Chris, who volunteers one day a week at the Dennos Museum at Northwestern Michigan College and is the founder of Michael’s Place in Traverse City, an active lifestyle will always remain a priority. She enjoys going on walks and is committed to her Pilates practice.
“I’m Pilates for life.”
READY TO GET STARTED WITH YOUR OWN PURE PILATES PRACTICE? LEARN MORE AND CONNECT WITH US TODAY!