Jeff Riebe has been working with Six Degrees’ Vicki Luedtke in private Pilates sessions for only a couple of months, but he’s already a valuable member of our community. An avid yogi, Jeff has a truly mindful approach to movement—Vicki fondly remembers one of their first sessions, when Jeff paused before a transition. She asked if  she’d made sense, and Jeff just replied, “Oh, yes… I’m just relishing.” Now that’s an approach to fitness and wellness that we can get behind! If you’ve never taken a private Pilates session, now’s your moment—for all of September, private sessions are 5 for $250 for new private clients only. Now, read more about Jeff:

 

My journey to Six Degrees has been virtually a decade in the making. Completely paralyzed and bedridden after a two-month coma several years ago, I can recall the head ER doctor standing at the foot of my hospital bed telling me where I was and how I’d gotten there. Initially, hearing of the numerous breaks my body had sustained, I processed that I was supremely fortunate to be alive. But wholly shattered, I existed as a “bag of bones.”  “To be, or not to be” clattered around what was left of my brain. However, that was not then, nor is now, the question. 

 

When I learned my spinal column remained unscathed and my vertebrae essentially intact (though not unmarred), I knew I would again be whole. I just knew I was not finished; I could and would become a functioning human once more. The time it has taken seems simultaneously unreal and real—really real.

 

Almost a decade later, I am still in the process of recovery—always will be. That I get keep going keeps me going. Never before had I even contemplated the extent of and duration recovering from something like this requires. Now I am forever grateful to be among the living.

 

My main goal since reawakening from that prolonged state of inertia has been movement, in any form. A Physical Therapist at my initial recovery facility helped me walk again, and I couldn’t get enough! Since then, yoga has helped me stretch the multitude of aching, tightened, unused muscles. Thai Chi has instructed me how to properly move. Acupuncture has helped the blood flowing freely. And, massage has helped release the tightened muscles, which I believe contracted around my bone structure to keep me in one piece. 

 

Presently, the practice of Pilates is introducing my joints to fluid movement. I had not even thought of aiding my joints (I just wanted the muscles to work) until I began private Pilates classes at Six Degrees. Now, their proper use is at the forefront of my brain activity. It’s critical for moving forward, and concentrating on their improved movement has made all the difference. 

 

The offerings at Six Degrees are so much more than this rudimentary description, but I am thankful for the opportunity to practice functioning as a human there. My core, which has been the focus of my strengthening exercises, is now truly at the core of practicing Pilates.

 

My only branch thus far has been private Thai Massage with Becky Golberg.* Wow! Is the most apt description that comes immediately to mind. Not only were my muscles stretched in ways I alone could not have done, it is the first massage I’ve ever had that felt like my joints were the focus. I am still receiving the benefits of that massage and eagerly anticipate my next.

 

Consciousness is key. Being more completely aware of my physical self is by far the best thing to happen to me in this renewed existence. My insatiable appetite for new experiences is fulfilled beyond expectations.

 

*Interested in Thai Massage? Contact Becky Golberg to schedule! eledwyn@hotmail.com.