How Tempo Pilates changed my life….
This time last year, I was climbing Wayna Picchu in Peru, when I fell and twisted my left ankle. Abandoning my climb, I put the pain down to simply a bad sprain – blaming the damage on high heels!
On my return to London, however, the injury seemed to be getting worse. A quick trip to A&E confirmed it was not a simple sprain – not only had I completely torn the ligaments and tendons, but I had broken my fifth metatarsal. I didn’t even know I had a metatarsal!
After the lovely hospital staff explained which bone I had actually broken (the outer foot bone that joins the little toe to the ankle), I was also told my lower leg would be put in plaster immediately. The cast will later be replaced with a moonboot, and I may not actually regain the use of my left ankle for A YEAR.
I was terrified. Not only am I constantly in heels, but I’m a hair and makeup artist for film and TV; a freelancer. I was looking at a year of being unable to stand, and unable to work.
A month later the cast came off, and I had less than 40% of ankle movement. I diligently did my prescribed exercises but it was getting me nowhere. I knew I had to find a better option.
During my time working in film and TV, I recalled numerous conversations with clients about the benefits of Pilates. Being a bit of fitness-phobe, I was obviously reluctant, but the fear of never regaining the use of my ankle drove me to book my first ever class. And so began my wonderful journey with Tempo Pilates.
What I love about Tempo Pilates is their small classes (only 10 reformer Pilates machines) and the welcoming and friendly nature of their instructors (who know exactly when to push you!) I first attended the beginner’s class to familiarise myself with the terminology, and after that I did two classes a week for a month.
When I returned to my physio, she squealed with delight (she likes ankles). My movement had increased to 65%, way above target. She asked what I had been doing, and when I said reformer Pilates classes she informed me it was indeed the very best for rehabilitation.
Back at Tempo Pilates, I increased to three classes a week and was soon able to ditch the dreaded ankle brace, something my Doctor said I wouldn’t be able to do for another year!
I did my first class in December 2013 and on the 2nd April 2014 my Doctor signed me off as “no longer injured!” Working with Tempo Pilates three times a week had transformed a 12 month recover into 16 weeks. I began working on films again and managed to wear those heels to my birthday party two days later!
And then there’s the “other stuff” – better posture, less back pain, and the discovery of my core! Thank you Tempo Pilates!
Lisa Hilton
CEO
Rehab London Ltd
http://www.rehablondon.co.uk/
