Dr. Kerry Wilks has been coming to Highway 54 Pilates for four years now. She originally came into the studio because she was told she had the back of a 80 year old at age 38 after a MRI and was told the only way to manage her pain levels was by keeping a strong core, she ignored the pain and advice until she was 46 and had met Amie through church and rescues. When Kerry started, she could not even vacuum her floors without extreme pain. She has participated in Private and group classes in Pilates and THE GYROTONIC® Expansion System and continues to inspire us with her progress! Here are her answers to our questions.
When did you start working out at Highway 54 Pilates and why?
Kerry started in January 2016 after months of months of physical therapy where she learned that her lower back was described as being 30 years older than her chronological age. She was told that the only thing that would help her with pain was keeping her core strong. She had met Amie at church and Pilates seemed like a perfect solution to escape the cycle of pain and injuries (from the gym).
Describe your workouts. How many days a week do you work out?
I usually do the reformer or springboard and try to come three times per week. After I win the lottery, I will buy a studio and have Amie on call every day for works – but I guess I’ll need to buy a ticket first.
What is your current fitness goal?
Ensure that I can enjoy my retirement years as a healthy, energetic, moving adult without debilitating pain. And I absolutely love the strength that I have developed and don’t want to lose that since it helps me with so many current daily activities.
What has been your biggest accomplishment?
Finally connecting with my body that had been turned off for waaay too long. After years of weight lifting, Pilates didn’t seem to “work” when I first started since I expected it to be like typical work outs that I had done in the past. Wrong!! The challenge with Pilates is that you have to connect, and once you make these connections, each work out becomes harder and you will always be challenged. It literally took me years to feel some things and I can’t believe I never gave up. And so glad I didn’t…
What helps you stay on track?
The ability to do things around the house without the pain I had before. AND…I’d miss my Pilates friends way too much at this point to leave. We have so much fun together and I enjoy seeing them at each class. The studio is my home away from home and we pull together when things get rough – spearheaded by the sincerest, kind hearted person I know – Amie.
What do you do when you’re not at the studio?
I have a beautiful wife and four precious fur babies. We love to travel, work in the yard, and enjoy our friends. I also participate with LGBTQ advocacy in Kansas through Equality Kansas. And then a large portion of time is spent at my “paying gig” at WSU – Go Shox!!
Do you have a favorite exercise or favorite piece of equipment?
I love doing leg exercises on the Reformer.
Describe our studio in 3 words.
It’s like home.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting Pilates?
It works and it’s worth it. I promise. Make yourself a priority and don’t worry about the cost. And you ARE worth it – no matter what else is going on since I’ve seen many circumstances in the studio. And even better, there’s absolutely no judgement in the studio and all ages/body types are welcome. Well…unless you’re a mean person who mistreats animals…then we will completely judge you.
