“Pilates cured my back pain!”

Debilitating chronic pain kept Juanita Presley, 78, from fully appreciating her life—until she discovered the simple workout that restored her health and happiness

Just a few more steps until I get to the bench, Juanita told herself as she struggled to keep up with her grandchildren who were bounding toward Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. “My family’s annual trip to Disneyland was something I looked forward to all year,” says Juanita. “Our group had grown to more than a dozen over the years, and I’d look forward to watching the youngest members of the family experience the Happiest Place on Earth with joy and wonder in their eyes.

“But on this trip, the throbbing in my back had become too much to bear, and I kept losing my balance and stumbling. My kids joked that they wanted to swaddle me with Bubble Wrap, but I reluctantly admitted that we should rent a wheelchair. I felt like such a burden: Pushing me around slowed everyone down. I knew

something had to change, but I wasn’t sure what could be done.

Feeling powerless

“I struggled with back pain for a large part of my 78 years. I rarely went out, but I frequently had to travel for business, which was difficult and painful. The last few years before I retired, I pretty much curtailed my business travel and was sending others in my place. But I wasn’t comfortable at home either—even doing everyday chores like grocery shopping was difficult, and I often found it impossible to sleep because of the pain.

“Eventually, after many appointments, my doctor diagnosed me with spinal stenosis, a condition that’s caused by narrowing in the spine that puts pressure on the nerves. Surgery was an option, but my doctor recommended seeing a pain-management specialist first. He prescribed an opioid painkiller as well as quarterly epidurals to numb the area, but they didn’t seem to help.

“After I retired and had some more time to devote to my recovery, I started doing research on my surgical options. The idea of back surgery scared me, but I ultimately decided that the side effects couldn’t be worse than being in constant pain. The surgery was a success, but unfortunately, it did not alleviate my pain, which I learned is apparently quite common.

Relief at last!

“About two years after the surgery, I received a postcard in the mail about the grand opening of Club Pilates, a chain of Pilates studios, in my city. They were running a promotion for a free introductory class, and I’d heard Pilates can help with pain, so I decided to see what it was all about.

“I was hooked after just one class! It eased my pain immediately and made me feel more energetic. The instructors were knowledgeable and helpful, and they were always able to modify the sessions to help me avoid injuring my back. I bought myself a membership, and at the very beginning, I was going almost every day. But even after I stopped taking classes every day, I made sure to do a workout at home at least twice a week.

“Three months after my first class, I had an appointment with my pain doctor, and I was able to tell him that I didn’t need my scheduled injection—I think it surprised both of us actually! Over the course of the next several months, I was able to step down my pain medications as well— and now I’m not taking any of them.

“What’s more, I’m feeling better than ever. I’ve lost 20 pounds, and

I feel happier as well. I have a more positive outlook on life, and I think Pilates had a lot to do with it.

“It’s been months, and though I still feel a little unbalanced at times, I haven’t fallen once. It’s made a huge difference in how confidently I move through the world. The best part: This year, I was able to go to Disneyland with my family without the wheelchair! I simply don’t need it anymore.”

—As told to Danielle Bauter