The Better Body Way
Welcome To Better Body
I’m Tracy Coyne, and I thought I’d share a little of my story with you all.
At the age of 6 during my gymnastics class, I noticed that my left arm wouldn't reach about my head. After seeing the doctor with my mum I was referred to Children’s Alder Hey hospital. I was diagnosed with a spengled shoulder and scoliosis. My ribcage sat differently on the left, and my left shoulder blade was completely different to the right. The ball and socket joint of the left shoulder socket doesn't fit, and my left shoulder is shorter than the right. In fact, on my x-ray, the front and back of my left upper skeleton was deformed.
I returned to Alder Hey every year until I was 16 and fully grown to see how it all affected my growth. The option was there for major surgery which would mean a lot of scaring. My parents and I decided for me to 'live with it' as I'm only 5ft tall so unless it was pointed out you could hardly tell - until I tried to put my arm up. Even with this, I chose to go into the hairdressing profession!
It was tough being small with my disability, but I managed successfully until 2000. This is when it all went pear shaped.
I was hit by a car and I shunted into the car in front. Although this was classed as whiplash, mechanically, my body struggled. I was self employed so I couldn't afford time off but I was in crippling pain. It was invisible to people, I just looked stiff.
My job became more difficult but I didn't want to take strong painkillers. I paid for as much physiotherapy as I could manage but once a month was not enough. It eased my pain for about an hour, and then as soon as I was back at work repeating the same movement habits, it was there again.
Every day in absolute agony.
However, being the person I am, I wouldn't let it stop me doing the things I loved. I learnt to snowboard at the age of 24. I'm now 50 and go every year! Yes it hurt to learn, but I was determined! Eventually I went part time in hairdressing in 2011 because of the pain, and I was left depressed.
In 2012 I was pregnant, and my son came early at 24 wks and 3 days! This took me on a downward spiral and the worst time and experience of my life. During my 111 days of attending hospital to visit my son - that was in an incubator for 3 months - and sitting in nursing chairs, my back had gone.
This is where my Pilates journey began!
I had a 4 week basic Pilates course through the NHS … and now what do I do.
I found a lady who was opening her own studio and it went from there. Every week I would go to her Pilates class.
I started to notice an improvement in my movement and strength. I was learning how to manage my pain through Pilates and mind and body awareness. From this, I trained as a Pilates Instructor in 2014. I qualified in 2015. This not only helped me and my pain, but I gained a second career doing something I am passionate about and it helped my mental health too!
I love to help people feel better in themselves and I find it incredibly rewarding doing so, and I am continually learning so that I can help my clients in the best way possible!
L3 Emergency First Aid At Work
L3 Teaching Pilates
Teaching Yoga In Sport & To Athletes
Mindfulness Diploma
L2 Children’s Fitness & Pilates
Yoga, Functional Anatomy & Injury
Qualifications
I am very proud to have achieved the qualifications and accreditations I have worked for. I believe that we are all constantly learning and bettering our minds as well as our bodies.
I have over 10 years experience with teaching Pilates and love
The Many Benefits Of Pilates
Pilates offers a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Improved Core Strength: Pilates focuses on strengthening the core muscles, including the abdominals, lower back, hips, and pelvis, leading to better stability and posture.
2. Enhanced Flexibility: The controlled movements and stretches in Pilates help improve overall flexibility and range of motion.
3. Better Posture: Pilates emphasizes alignment and body awareness, which can correct poor posture habits and reduce strain on the spine.
4. Increased Muscle Tone: The exercises target various muscle groups, leading to improved muscle tone, especially in the abs, legs, and arms.
5. Improved Balance and Coordination: The focus on controlled, precise movements enhances balance, coordination, and body awareness.
6. Reduced Risk of Injury: By strengthening muscles evenly and improving flexibility and posture, Pilates can help prevent injuries, especially those related to the back and joints.
7. Stress Reduction and Mental Clarity: The mindful aspect of Pilates, which emphasizes controlled breathing and concentration, can reduce stress and improve mental focus.
8. Rehabilitation and Pain Management: Pilates is often recommended for rehabilitation after injuries, particularly for back pain, as it focuses on low-impact, supportive exercises.
9. Improved Breathing: Pilates promotes better breathing techniques, which can enhance lung capacity and efficiency.
10. Enhanced Athletic Performance: Many athletes incorporate Pilates into their routines to improve core strength, flexibility, and overall performance in their sports.
Whether you're looking to improve fitness, recover from an injury, or reduce stress, Pilates offers a holistic approach to well-being.
Pilates And The Menopause
Pilates can be particularly beneficial for women going through perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, addressing both physical and emotional changes that occur during these stages. Here’s how:
1. Hormonal Balance and Mood Regulation
Stress Reduction: The mindful, controlled breathing in Pilates helps lower cortisol (the stress hormone), which can reduce anxiety, mood swings, and irritability.
Improved Sleep: Regular Pilates practice can promote relaxation and better sleep, which is often disrupted during menopause.
2. Bone Health
Osteoporosis Prevention: Weight-bearing and resistance exercises in Pilates can help maintain or improve bone density, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, which becomes a concern after menopause due to declining estrogen levels.
3. Muscle Strength and Tone
Combat Muscle Loss: As estrogen levels drop, women may experience muscle loss. Pilates helps maintain lean muscle mass, particularly in the core, back, and hips, promoting overall strength and endurance.
Joint Support: Strengthening muscles around joints can alleviate stiffness and reduce the risk of arthritis.
4. Improved Posture and Balance
Core Stability: A strong core improves posture, reducing back pain, which can become more common during menopause due to changes in body composition.
Fall Prevention: Better balance and coordination from Pilates can reduce the risk of falls, important for bone health, especially with increased risk of fractures.
5. Weight Management and Metabolism
Boosted Metabolism: While Pilates isn't as intense as cardio, it supports muscle growth, which in turn boosts metabolism, helping counteract the tendency to gain weight during menopause.
Toned Physique: Pilates helps maintain a toned, lean appearance, which can enhance body confidence during a time of physical changes.
6. Pelvic Floor Health
Bladder Control: Pilates emphasizes pelvic floor engagement, which can help reduce urinary incontinence, a common issue during and after menopause.
Sexual Health: Strengthening the pelvic floor can also improve sexual function and sensation.
7. Flexibility and Reduced Stiffness
Enhanced Mobility: Menopause can bring joint stiffness and decreased flexibility. Pilates helps stretch and lengthen muscles, improving mobility and reducing discomfort.
8. Cardiovascular Health
Heart Health: While Pilates is not a high-intensity cardio workout, it promotes circulation and can be a part of a heart-healthy routine, important as cardiovascular risk increases after menopause.
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Why Pilates is Ideal During Menopause:
Low Impact: It’s gentle on the joints while still providing an effective workout.
Adaptable: Exercises can be modified to fit individual fitness levels, energy fluctuations, or health conditions.
Mind-Body Connection: The focus on breathing and mindfulness can help manage stress, anxiety, and mood swings associated with hormonal changes.
Incorporating Pilates into a regular fitness routine during perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause can significantly improve overall well-being, both physically and mentally.