Kerry’s Pilates Story
What would you do if your own body didn’t always play by the rules?
For Kerry Whitaker, living with a connective tissue disorder meant learning to move differently and sometimes, to start again. Yet through her journey, Kerry discovered that, with the right guidance, consistency, and mindset, Pilates could be her pathway to strength, stability, and freedom.
As Kerry’s Pilates Instructor, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her determination, humour, and grace in every session. Her story is a reminder that movement, no matter how small, can create remarkable change.
This is Kerry’s story, and why it matters for every Pilates instructor and studio.
Highlights from Kerry’s Story
This dynamic workshop focused on more than just hip movements. We delved into the interconnectedness of our entire body, understanding that nothing operates in isolation. Our Pilates Can Hip Health philosophy revolves around addressing the full body, a principle deeply ingrained in the Clinical Pilates approach.
Pilates is a journey of self-discovery, and our workshop reflected this. From the pelvis and sacrum to the feet and ankles, every part plays a crucial role in hip health. We emphasized the role of the diaphragm in breathing, underscoring the holistic nature of our exploration.
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Finding Her Way Back to Movement
Kerry first explored Pilates after medical treatments left her searching for a sustainable way to regain strength. Her sports physician suggested Pilates, and after a few missteps elsewhere, a piece of paper, a Pilates Can studio flyer, found its way into her daughter’s hands, and the timing couldn’t have been better.
Once started with Pilates Can, Kerry recognised the difference in our individualised approach. From her first assessment, the focus was on what her body could do, not what it couldn’t. That important but simple shift in mindset became the turning point in Kerry’s journey.
Building Strength, Not Stretching Limits
Kerry was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a hereditary connective tissue disorder that causes hypermobility, soft tissue pain, and fatigue. For people with EDS, the goal isn’t flexibility — it’s control.
At Pilates Can, Kerry learned to stabilise her joints through carefully guided movement, focusing on strength and alignment. As Kerry shares, one key lesson she’s learned from her sessions is that hypermobile bodies don’t need more stretching, they need more strength. That’s where true progress begins.
Consistency that Transforms
Kerry’s dedication to her twice-weekly clinical Pilates sessions became the foundation of her wellbeing. Even after experiencing a “drop attack” that resulted in a broken wrist, her recovery was faster because she already had the movement awareness and confidence built through Pilates.
As Kerry reflects, “When you’re on a good thing, stick to it.” Her words capture the essence of the Pilates habit, = showing up, adapting, and trusting the process, even when setbacks happen.
“If you can’t move, you can’t do anything. Pilates is the key to movement in my book." –Kerry Whitaker
Movement, Friendship, and Freedom
Beyond the exercises, Kerry values the laughter and connection in her sessions. “Pilates classes are always fun,” she smiles. “There’s friendship, and you always come away feeling great.”
That sense of belonging is what keeps clients engaged and motivated. It turns each session into something more meaningful; a shared experience that uplifts body and spirit alike.
Lessons for Pilates Studios
As Kerry’s instructor, I’ve seen firsthand how Pilates can empower someone to live fully, even when life brings physical limitations. Kerry’s progress is a reflection of her courage, but also of what’s possible when instruction is truly personalised and consistent.
At Pilates Can, we believe in meeting clients exactly where they are, physically and emotionally, whilst guiding them towards strength, confidence, and independence. Every session is a conversation between body and mind, instructor and client, effort and empathy.
Pilates is certainly about stretching and strengthening; however if you look deeper it’s more about staying steady, supported, and inspired, one session at a time.
As David Gunther reflects in Kerry’s podcast episode:
“There’s no major fantastic thing that you can do. It’s doing the good things consistently and continually, and meeting each client where they’re at.”
Listen to the Full Episode
Want to hear Kerry’s story in her own words?
Listen now on The Pilates Business Podcast:
Pilates: When You’re on a Good Thing, Stick to It! Kerry’s Pilates Story
We didn't stop at the studio, as our clients need to be equipped with practical exercises to strengthen their hips at home. These exercises go beyond the routine, ensuring that the benefits of the workshop extend into daily life. Stay tuned as we guide you through these empowering at-home practices.
Unlocking hip health is more than physical exercises; it's about fostering a mind-body connection. Our workshops offer insights into how this holistic approach positively impacts mental and emotional well-being, and physical vitality.
Ready to take the next step in your Pilates journey? Join us for the upcoming Get Back in the Groove with Pilates for Hips workshop on Saturday 16th December 2023. It's an opportunity to dive deeper into the principles explored in our previous hip workshop, learn new techniques, and connect with other like minded Pilates instructors and clients regarding your holistic well-being.
