Studio BE Pilates offers not just an opportunity to workout – but a safe haven to push yourself to be your own best wellness advocate. We are fortunate to have clients who entrust our instructors to challenge them and nurture their progress – whatever their goals.
Today we want to share the story of Cathy Onofrychuk – a Studio BE Pilates client of about four years. We are sure that her story will inspire many of us to remember the “why” of what we do everyday.
Cathy first came to Studio BE as a way to help treat her progressive Multiple Sclerosis. Although physical activity had always been an integral part of her life as a dancer growing up – her diagnosis transformed her purpose while working out. Since there was no drug for her condition, she tried private Pilates sessions in addition to her ongoing weight training and cardio regimen.

 
Studio BE: What did you think about Pilates when you first started at Studio BE?
Cathy: I found that it was just a different form of exercise. It worked on different thing that I was doing in weight training. I did notice improvements as I continued especially with my posture (and a bit with my balance).
Studio BE: What was it about Studio BE that made you stay?
Cathy: Sometimes people are uncomfortable when they hear you have MS. But I know what I can do and what I can’t do. I know when I am pushing it and when I need to be pushed. What I found at Studio BE was instructors that made me comfortable. I started with one teacher – and was very comfortable with Joy but then worked with Carla and other instructors. I like working with different instructors because everyone brings a little something different to the table. Everyone tweaks a little something different and I feel like I benefit from the diversity. Plus, the studio has a lovely atmosphere – it is a place you want to go back to.
The studio is a very comfortable place to go. I trust the instructors. My truth is that I know my body. If I cannot do it, I will tell you. If I push myself too much in any activity, I will pay for it later in the day. I let the instructors push me to a certain point. The instructors always respect my boundaries.
Studio BE: What is your typical workout schedule
Cathy: I take one private Pilates session each week. Outside the studio I do strength training, cardio, physical therapy and yoga. Soon I will be trying hippotherapy (therapeutic horseback riding).
The truth is that exercise is my medicine. If I want to help myself, I need to exercise.
Studio BE: Do you have a favorite Pilates position?
Cathy: I cannot say that I have a favorite. But I do like doing things that elongate me and help my posture because that is so important for me.
Studio BE: Do have a least favorite series?
Cathy: The Hundreds. I know I need them, but I cannot stand them. Core work is so important but it is the one thing I like the least because it is the most challenging for me. Putting my legs into table top can be quite a challenge.
Of course, just when I think I am getting strong at one thing and move on to try something different – I feel like I am starting all over again.
Studio BE: How has Pilates changed you?
Cathy: Pilates has made me aware of my body. It made me aware of my posture and position. makes Starting physical therapy after doing Pilates made me better with my PT because I am already aware of what the therapist is saying to me because I learned it in Pilates.
Studio BE: What advice would you offer someone that is considering Studio BE Pilates?
Cathy: I would say to just try it.
Everyone is scared of something they have not done before. They think that people will judge or that you will not be able to do something. But the fact is, with anything you start – whether it is Pilates, yoga or weight training, everybody starts at the beginning.
Exercise has been a part of my life ever since I can remember – so I am lucky. But even when I am having the most severe exacerbations with my MS, I make myself do something. It might not be something big, but challenging myself is important. I will never not exercise because what would happen if I didn’t is way too scary to think about. Even on my worst days when I am dragging myself, I do something. I might need to go lighter or be kinder to yourself, but I still show up and do it.
Exercise is the most empowering thing I do for myself. It is when I feel the most “normal” - exercising just like everyone else. I cannot give myself a break (even though I confess to being glad for a procedure recently that forced me not to workout for four days. It was nice to not have to feel guilty about it.) Working out even on the days I feel bad provides a sense of accomplishment. It might not always be a great session, but when I get back into the car – I know that I did it and feel good for having pushed myself.
Studio BE: What are your favorite workout clothes?
Cathy: I wear exercise clothes 5 days a week – especially Lucy pants and fitted tops. I like wearing clothes that are fitted so that you can see your body. In Pilates, the moves are so small. I want my instructor to see what I am doing - so that they can see my muscles and movements. Fitted clothes don’t let me cheat. No matter who my instructor is - I want to be accountable and always say “don’t let me cheat” because I want to do it correctly.
In addition to working out, Cathy is a mom to three grown boys and grandmother to three grandchildren. She also volunteers with the MS Society and is currently fundraising for the annual MS Walk. Read more about Cathy’s story and consider supporting her team as they participate in the annual MS Walk fundraiser on Saturday, April 11th in Reston, Virginia.