"It always seems impossible until it's done" - Nelson Mandela.
My discovery of Pilates lit a spark that ignited a very deep, insatiable curiosity within me, that resulted in a massive career change and life-direction shift. What felt impossible at the time of that change, is now a reality.
Curiosity for uncovering the wonders of the human body, how we move and function and how to make it work a little (or a lot) better has become a tiny bit of an obsession for me both in practice and theory. Movement and it's component parts feels as if it's now part of my life blood.
If you had to ask my family and friends, they'd definitely say that Pilates has had a very positive influence on my life. I've been lucky to have so much support from them along the way. The career change to name one thing was a big adjustment, and then of course going freelance after 7 years of employment. This new hustle brought with it hours and hours of study, the fire of entrepreneurship, a new lifestyle, an inspiring network of friends and liberating, joyous new reasons to exercise that have nothing to do with food.
At the time of my redefining, a career in Pilates seemed like a risky thing, after all I was already 29 which at the time felt like I'd reached some kind of career-choice expiry date. I remember thinking, before I started on the mountainous journey, that fully changing career might literally be impossible, a voice I'm happy not to have listened to. The passion I have for what I do, and the job satisfaction I feel right now as the creator of Freedom Physio is proof that I'm on the perfect path. And of course, fast forward to today and I've qualified as a physical therapist in Ireland - with a focus on musculoskeletal physiotherapy - a life dream come true.
When corona hit, it shook the fitness world and my work-life to it's "core" which has brought hardships, big pivots and tough choices. It has also allowed me the freedom to dive deeper into my passion with the unwavering support of my husband, my family and you - my Freedom family. With that said, I wanted to share with you all that I've been accepted to further my physio studies at the European School of Physiotherapy in Amsterdam. I'm on a super intense programme that will take me and Freedom Physio to hospitals around the world (corona willing) and take my knowledge to the next level. I still have my home and my amazing husband in Dublin and will be back and forth as much as corona allows. Oh, how I miss the wild Irish landscapes!
I felt compelled to write this because I appreciate your belief in what I do. You are a network of people who inspire me greatly and with this post, I hope to inspire you and let you know that your wildest dreams are possible, your age doesn't define you, and that you should reach for those dreams, even if it means a few scary sacrifices along the way. The rewards will be greater and more abundant than you could ever imagine.
P.S Don't forget to book in for class at 1pm Tuesday <3 and to check out the LOADS of new classes up on the site from HIIT to 60min Mixed Level Flows.
See you on the mat,
Christine