James’ Journey to Strength & Resilience

James’ story shows that it’s never too late to transform your life. What started as an experiment nearly a decade ago, became a life-changing practice.

This testimonial from Heartcore member James is a beautiful testament to the adage that it’s never too late to change your life. At 55, after a challenging chapter left him feeling burnt out both physically and mentally, he took a chance on something new: his first Pilates class at Heartcore. What started as an experiment nearly a decade ago, became a life-altering practice. Now 63, James credits his Heartcore journey with helping him move through life with greater ease, strength, and balance—and with fostering a sense of belonging within a strong, supportive community.

by James Lawrie, 63

“I knew I had to do something to look after myself after a chapter of my life came to an end. I was both mentally and physically exhausted – totally burnt out.

Although never a gym bunny, I have always been on the go and fairly active. In 2017, the Pilates studio Heartcore caught my eye. So, at the age of 55, I walked in and booked my first lesson on a Pilates reformer machine. I was the oldest person there by about 30 years and often the only man in the class.

I was very tense and stiff with arthritis in my neck and an old sports injury in my shoulder. But I instantly loved it. I was accustomed to thinking about exercise as something that had to be as strong and as fast as possible – I think lots of men do – whereas Pilates is slow, measured and done with careful breathing. It’s a good guide for how you should live your life. Certainly, it helps manage the pain from my arthritis, has definitely built physical strength and mental stamina – and improved my balance.

I am now totally addicted to the way Pilates makes me feel better – both my body and my mind miss the exercise, the stretch and the discipline when I don’t go. Now aged 63, it’s more important than ever as I prepare for a hip replacement next year.

Pilates really is essential in keeping me in optimum health. It’s a central plank in my life now – it’s thanks to the regime of attending Tifuh’s Find Your Flow classes at Heartcore whenever I can that I’m able to do all the things I want and need to do.

It’s also thanks to Heartcore that I feel I belong to a wonderful, friendly, inclusive community of like-minded individuals dedicated to physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. My only regret is not finding that Heartcore Pilates studio earlier in life.”

I am now totally addicted to the way Pilates makes me feel better – both in my body and my mind.

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