Claire Chitham’s Pilates Journey: Strength, Wellbeing, and Beyond
Claire Chitham’s Pilates Journey: Strength, Wellbeing, and Beyond
In our new series on staying active, actress Claire Chitham shares her inspiring journey with Pilates, highlighting its strength-building benefits, its role in managing Crohn’s disease, and why it’s never boring.
Why Pilates?
Pilates makes me feel stronger and more connected to my body. It improves my posture, flexibility, and overall capability, making me feel empowered to take on any challenge. The initial movements may seem easy, but as you advance, Pilates becomes super-challenging in the best way possible.
My Pilates Journey
I started Pilates in 2003 as an unfit 23-year-old with little muscle. Within three months, I noticed significant changes in my shape and ability to perform basic exercises like sit-ups. Within two years, I was training to become a Pilates instructor because I loved the body awareness it gave me.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve taught Pilates on and off, but what I love most is practicing it myself. In my first year, I lengthened my spine, grew taller by 5cm, developed abs, and strengthened my glutes. I went from being weak and slouching to performing full press-ups and unassisted headstands. Pilates taught me how my muscles support my bones and hold me up.
Goals and Benefits
My goals with Pilates are always about how I feel within my body. Do I feel strong? Are my muscles engaged and supporting good posture effortlessly? This affects my confidence and how sexy I feel. When I take breaks from classes, I start to experience aches and twinges in my lower back and shoulders, which disappear once I resume my Pilates routine.
At Suna, where I train, the classes are always evolving. You can adjust the intensity based on your energy levels, making it suitable for any fitness level. My dream is to still be doing Pilates at 120 years old, attributing my long and mobile life to this practice.
Pilates and Crohn’s Disease
Pilates has been instrumental in managing my Crohn’s disease. By building a strong abdominal wall and core, I created a protective layer around my stomach and intestines. Pilates taught me to sit up better and breathe more effectively, reducing stress and inflammation.
Wellbeing Benefits
The focus on deep breathing and core strength in Pilates offers numerous health benefits. Continuing to build strength is one of the best anti-aging practices. Pilates is ageless, gender-neutral, and adjustable for everyone. Some of my favorite clients were the 80 to 90-year-olds who were determined to learn and improve.
Advice for Beginners
- Find a class to try and see if you like it.
- To truly notice the benefits of Pilates, commit to a class that works for you in terms of location, frequency, and cost for at least three months. You will see a real difference in that time.
Why I Love Pilates
I never get bored with Pilates because every class is different. When I’ve been sitting at a desk for too long, Pilates becomes a necessity to prevent aches and pains. I also enjoy online resistance-based classes, yoga, jogging, and walking. Running, in particular, is great for my mental fitness.
Final Thoughts on Staying Active
Finding ways to move that you love is the best thing you can do for yourself. Don’t do it because you think you’re “meant to,” but because you find joy and fulfillment in it. Whether it’s dancing, swimming, running, or walking with a friend, make it a regular part of your life. Walking, in particular, is beneficial for your joints, lungs, brain, and soul—and it’s free!
For more insights on wellbeing, check out Good For You: A guide for good guts and feeling good inside and out.
