_Unfortunately, stuff happens. We all get injured or incur some issue from time to time that requires extra attention. While some Romana’s Pilates instructors are physical therapists, many of us are not and do not claim to do their job. However, once you have been cleared by your Doc and/or PT, sure you can do Pilates! If an area is still injured and hurts to move it a great deal, “Move what doesn’t hurt, don’t move what does!” (in the words of my mentors, Romana, Sari and Juanita). Modifications don’t necessarily make the exercise easier, simply more appropriate on a given day. Once past the injured stage, modified movement (that is appropriate) can help promote healing to the area. Finally, strengthening a weak, or once injured area gets us back to balanced and working efficiently.

_Finding a teacher that you connect with is very important no matter what you are studying. That person should (hopefully) educate and inspire you in your desired discipline. However, I think that “mixing things up” every once in a while is not only fun, but necessary. We sometimes have the tendency to tune voices that are familiar to us. (Case and point- do you always listen to your spouse?) In Pilates, hearing the exact same exercise taught by a different instructor can often be very helpful in giving your mind and body a fresh approach or make you process something in a slightly different way. If you feel like you are receiving conflicting information, just ask the instructor! Often times there may just be a different focus for the day or something that the instructor is seeing in your body on that particular day that might benefit from a slight adjustment. So don’t shy away from a “new” set of eyes or a different voice- embrace the it to enhance your work!