News Jackie's Gyrotonic Story
May 14, 2008 Like many people I have that generic problem ‘a bad back’
Also, like most people in this situation, I have suffered extended
periods of pain, where a normally active lifestyle becomes more and more
restricted, your posture suffers no end and strange pains appear in your
knees, neck and all sorts of odd places and exercise of any kind becomes
all but a fading memory.
Of course, I sought help from the medical profession to obtain a
definitive diagnosis. During the diagnostic process I was in constant
pain and moving with the ease and grace of Quasimodo and becoming more
and more disheartened and frustrated by my situation.
I was determined that I didn’t want to have to take pain killers or
anti inflammatory drugs indefinitely. I was also all too aware of the
importance of exercise, and attended the physio sessions and followed
their instructions as best as I could, but I knew that this could only
provide short term support.
It was clear to me that I had to find a way to manage the pain and try
and get a level of normality back So, it was whilst surfing the
internet, I stumbled upon Gyrotonics at the Penny Withers Studio. I
had no idea what this was, did some quick research and decided, this
looks like just the thing for me, and the one to one tuition was
certainly very appealing.
I remember my first session, I groaned at the stairs, struggled up to
the studio and was met by Lorraine who made me feel at ease immediately
and even in that first, very tentative session I left moving better than
I arrived. I can only say the relief for me was absolutely immense and
the next day having no ill - effects phoned and booked some classes and
that was nearly 18 months ago now.
On the whole, pain is absolutely minimal and I now consider myself to
be pain free. I am not claiming this to be a miracle cure it’s not!
Nor have I done this without the full support of my doctor. I have
two prolapsed discs and a trapped nerve which cannot repair themselves!
However, I can categorically say that for me, regular gyrotonic
sessions, a huge amount of support and encouragement from Lorraine and a
little commitment from me in the form of some exercise between sessions
normality has been well and truly resumed. Not just coping, not just
managing pain, but enjoying gyrotonic as a form of exercise rather than
rehab… out on your bike… walking… shopping ‘til you drop kind of
normal!
So, if you can identify with this……give it a go ! If you don’t have
any problems and want great all round toning and flexibility this is a
fantastic way to do it !
Jackie 2008 | 
