Meet G.L., a talented Chef de Cuisine at a 5-star restaurant on the big island. He came to Pilates with unassailable determination to recover, after 2 months of bed rest and experiencing sluggish recovery, following back surgery. Now he is on his new culinary endeavors that take him and his wife to Europe!

Why did you start Pilates training?
In January 2023, I dove into Pilates after undergoing back surgery for an L1-S5 herniation. Prior to the surgery, I was dealing with intense leg pain that seriously affected my ability to walk. A tough situation, considering my profession as a chef included long-standing hours and quick movements.  A promise of up to 95% post-surgery recuperation sounded like heaven to my ears as I was desperate to regain my mobility again. 

Soon after waking up from anesthesia, I was surprised to find that my pain still persisted. The doctor on the routine post-surgery visit walked in and asked if I felt like a new person. I responded that I still felt the same as before the surgery.  Then he mentioned that I would begin to feel better in about 4-6 weeks and shared some routine post-op advice. I was discharged from the hospital and headed home to begin my healing process.

Following the advice of my medical team, I took two months of bed rest, avoiding any turns, twists, and bends. It was during this time when I noticed that I was not recovering within the 4-6 week time period that was suggested. It became clear that I hadn’t hit the 85% recovery mark yet. Doubts about regaining normalcy raced through my mind. Feeling a bit left behind by Western medicine, I sought answers.

Here is when Pilates came into my life – a game-changer in my recovery journey.

What exercise regimes were you doing prior to Pilates? 

Before getting into Pilates, I was a fairly active guy. There was a time in my life when I was more athletic- I played soccer, morning runs, and skateboarding for leisure. My wife and I would take the occasional yoga session together, weekend adventure hikes, and I was a casual swimmer. Aside from these activities,  I am the Chef de Cuisine at a luxury hotel, clocking in 12 hours a day for five days a week. The nature of the job is physically demanding, always on my feet and constantly shifting from one task to another.
 
What physical goals or challenges have you overcome/achieved since starting training?
Pilates allowed me to regain hope for a successful recovery. The training effectively reprogrammed dysfunctional movement patterns created by years of body misuse. Under Junko’s guidance, I learned the invaluable skill of tuning into my body and a more profound understanding of how the body works. We rewired my understanding of basic movements – from walking to breathing and standing – and how to feel and activate my inner muscles.
When I first started, walking was a challenge, but with Junko’s rehabilitation-focused Pilates, I made remarkable progress. In three months, I was back on my feet and ready to return to work.

Any Advice to give to others starting a Pilates program or on the fence?
I’d strongly recommend diving into a Pilates program, especially if you’re on the fence. The wealth of knowledge, Junko, possesses is truly impressive. During the initial two months of training, we met twice a week. What stood out was her commitment to understanding my back issues. She fully prepared for each class with amazing research on how to progress safely and effectively.
Junko seamlessly adapted to my pain thresholds, making on-the-spot adjustments as needed. She served as my guide towards a pain-free life. Her attention to detail made all the difference in my Pilates journey.