Pilates-based movement for strength & recovery
"I've had this limitation for years. Is improvement really possible?"
Being open to the possibility for change is the first step.
Awaken Your Capacity for Healing, Strength & Joy
Integrative Energy Work & Pilates-based Movement
Moving from "I Can't"
to Measurable Progress
The moment I reached my goal of releasing a chronic condition. I welcomed spinal extension back into my body. After the restrictions of kidney disease, my spine remembered what freedom feels like.
The Chronic Cycle
After surgery, injury, or illness, the body can develop compensatory patterns. We adapt to move around the pain or limitation, and those adaptations can become the new normal. Over time, these patterns create their own problems.
The cycle continues until we make the shift — and it starts with being receptive to change.
I Know This Because I've Lived It
A serious childbirth complication left me on daily dialysis, wheelchair bound, and given three weeks to live.
My recovery astounded the medical team. I worked my way back to walking, and then to greater fitness and strength than I had ever known.
Yet with all the grace I had been shown, I accepted a limitation. Kidney disease made me unable handle spinal extension. I told myself it was an unacceptable loss; after all, I was fortunate to be alive.
Years later I became ready to take it on. At the time, even lying flat on my stomach was an intolerable amount back extension.
I set a bold goal: not just small spinal extension, but a full backbend. I broke it down into steps, celebrated small victories, worked patiently through each phase — each step was about releasing the fear and trauma from that experience.
The day I felt ready, I did a backbend (see photo). I was moved to tears, not because I could do a backbend, but because my spine remembered what freedom feels like.
This is about reclaiming mobility & freedom in your body.
Why Mindset Matters
Our bodies are continually regenerating.
When injury or illness occurs, the body seeks to heal. We can help expand or limit the scope of that recovery, and it all begins with the expectations that we set.
The body takes in change more readily when we are open to the possibility of improvement.
This isn't just philosophy—it's supported by research. Studies show how our expectations affect the brain's response to injury and recovery.
Leave the past in the past
Julie Cheifetz moving past a chronic condition imposed by serious childbirth complication and finally regaining the joy of full spinal mobility.
For years, I was afraid to test limitations I believed kidney disease still imposed — then I made the choice to visualize return of full spinal extension. Slowly, carefully, over a period of a year I worked up to the exercise in this video.
The unknown is a leap of faith, and so is the future version of ourselves.
When we become accustomed to the life we created around a condition, it can become part of our identity. After trauma, injury, or illness, it can feel safer to hold onto a past image.
There is a point where limitations are necessary and medical contraindications should always be respected.
For 25 years, I have worked with people managing chronic conditions — from Parkinson's, to those recovering from surgeries where they had reached a recovery plateau.
I work within medical guidelines and in partnership with your healthcare team. What becomes possible depends on your body, the condition, and it is helped by your receptivity to change.
A Client Story
Dana came to me to release a chronic condition. She did not accept the limitations that she experienced with double hip replacement. She was also recovering from surgeries in a foot and thigh.
At that time she struggled to walk from her car to the studio. She set a clear goal of walking four miles with a smooth, comfortable gait — and she did not question that she would do it.
She worked with patience, determination, and an open mind and heart. And she met her goal — and surpassed it. She learned so much from her experience, that she went on to become a very successful Pilates teacher.
What becomes possible depends on your body, your condition, and is helped by your receptivity to change.
I work within medical guidelines and in partnership with your healthcare team.
If you knew your body was listening, what
would you say?
“My years with Julie have impacted my overall attitude regarding movement. It has been a pleasure to work with her and learn how to listen to my body! Julie really made such a difference in how I move in my life.
”
When I was in a coma, the stark disconnect from my physical body showed me how to deepen my connection with it.
I learned to talk to my body in a different way – one that freed me from the coma and fueled my healing journey.
For the twenty-five years since, I have helped people deepen their relationships with their bodies, and experience greater strength, joy and freedom.
This work becomes even deeper and more powerful when combined with the Integrative Method.
Let's Begin
Let’s have a free call to discuss how Pilates-based movement can support your goals.
Please check with your medical professional before beginning movement work.