Strong and Vital No 4

JPS: You lived in Australia for 18 years and trained as a Pilates instructor there. How do you feel about your work as a therapist today compared to when you ran your Pilates studio in Sydney? BK: Well, at that time I was of course younger and trained exclusively Pilates with my clients. But I was surprised that I had back pain all the time, even though I was training my abdominal muscles intensively. It was only later, when I integrated more Yoga exercises again, that the perfect balance in my musculoskeletal system was established. Today I am as supple as a young cat and completely pain-free... JPS: Your older clientele surely appreciates the one-to one training in your studio? BK: In fact, personal training is ideal for older people because you can work more subtly and respond entirely to their needs. I then round off the treatment with a back massage, which feels especially good after the workout. I also teach a chair Pilates class, which brings a completely different and more playful dynamic. JPS: I noticed that you have a very upright posture. Does that come from your previous ballet training? BK: My intensive ballet training has certainly helped me to maintain a more beautiful posture. You seem more open and self-confident than if you constantly hide behind your shoulders! In addition, an upright spine protects against back and neck pain. JPS: What is your focus in training with older people? BK: In addition to good abdominal training, I pay a lot of attention to posture, because older people often collapse and become smaller and smaller. I try to build up strength in their legs and do many balance exercises to reduce the risk of falling. At the same time, I try to train a better gait, because older people easily fall into tripping. JPS: Emigrated from Switzerland to Australia, lived there for 18 years and back home. Was Australia not your country of emigration after all? BK: Australia was an impressive experience and a fantastic adventure, but at some point I got homesick and returned. It was the best decision of my life: I’m happy here! JPS: Thank you Beatrix for this insightful interview. More information about Beatrix Kruger at: Pilates Studio Core Impulse, Dufourstr. 116, 8008 Zurich - Switzerland www.core-impulse.ch «Fitness in old age protects against discrimination, gives power and self-determination»

beatrix_kruger@hotmail.com Copyright Fotos: Filipa Peixero

STRONG and VITAL No. 4 - 2024

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