MSWA Bulletin Magazine Spring

THE REFORMATION
ROS HARMAN
Who amongst you, dear readers, doesn’t remember the
aerobics craze of the 1980s? Be honest. Who owned a bright
coloured lycra, high-cut leotard and shiny tights? Did you
have thick, slouchy leg warmers? I certainly did. Jane Fonda,
you’ve got a lot to answer for.
Aerobics was the way to get fit in the ‘80s. All around the
country we headed to the gym to stretch, jump and sweat
to heart-pumping music, all looking alike in our fluorescent
exercise clothes and big hair.
I don’t hear about aerobics much any more. Today, it’s all
about Pilates. Everyone, from my 26 year old daughter to my
70 year old neighbour, is doing it.
When I first heard about Pilates I assumed it was another
fad that would come and go and be largely irrelevant to me.
Getting in and out of bed each day is often as much exercise
as I can be bothered with.
But that changed when my boyfriend bought a second-hand
Pilates machine and installed it in the spare room. Admittedly
I was dubious at first, but with his encouragement and
assistance I managed to get on it and start moving. I was
pleasantly surprised to discover that there were things I could
do that used my muscles, but didn’t actually hurt. And with
a bit of clever fiddling with furniture leg raisers, I could even
transfer on to it from my wheelchair by myself.
This Pilates machine is called The Reformer, which I think
is very appropriate. Every New Year for as long as I can
remember I have made resolutions about doing more exercise
and getting stronger, only to slip into my usual lazy habits by
mid January. Since having access to the Pilates machine, I
am a reformed person! About four times a week I spend thirty
minutes on the machine, and after only a few weeks, I am
noticing some improvements. I am scared to get too excited,
but I think my legs might be getting a little bit stronger, and
as for my abdominal muscles, well....it’s too soon to be
mentioning six packs but I am almost certain that under the
soft belly fat there is a layer of something firm.
I find that this tiny bit of success is going to my head. The MS
centre at Wilson has now got a Pilates machine in their gym,
and I’m actually looking forward to my next exercise program
so I can show off what I can do.
While I don’t believe I will be able to resume the aerobics
classes of the ‘80s, I am starting to imagine all sorts of things.
I feel that my back is getting straighter, my stomach flatter
and my shoulders less rounded. I imagine myself being able
to transfer from my wheelchair gracefully. I dream of things
which involve strong muscles and a svelte physique, things
like – dare I say it – walking. Well, walking with a walker for
now. Let’s start with the possible; miracles can wait for later.
I think I will buy a pink leotard and blue tights. Maybe
even a headband to hold back my big hair. Aye, there’s
the rub, as the bard would say. For that dream of youthful
vigour to work, I’d better dye my grey roots first.
18 | MSWA BULLETIN SPRING 2017