We all know that exercise therapy is vital for maximizing functionality after SCI. NorCal SCI co-founder, Nick Struthers, recently visited the Absolute Center in Lafayette to find out more about the Absolute Endeavor Program.

During his visit, Nick interviewed one of the owners, Katie Santos, and therapists Rachel Kahn and Stephanie Behrendt. Nick put together this video about the programs the Absolute Center offers the SCI Community.

Nick first became aware of the use of Pilates as an SCI exercise therapy when he visited the High Fives Foundation back in January 2016. Just last month, Nick was with Char Vine scouting out a venue for an upcoming event, when she shared her experience at the Absolute Center with him.

Char says, "Pilates has grown and expanded my paralysis recovery in many ways. Using the breath and engaging the core with each exercise increases the power and effect of every movement and has done wonders for my overall spine health. Intention is also a big part of it, which I’m finding to be a powerful tool. My movement has increased and connections have intensified. I am much more aware of my body and how it moves since incorporating Pilates into my exercise regimen."

Nick then got in touch with Rachel Kahn, an instructor, who extended a warm invitation to visit the Absolute Center in Lafayette where he also got to meet Stephanie and Katie.

Char is not the only person benefiting from this form of exercise and Nick was able to get some input from Arash Bayatmakou and Elizabeth Jameson.

According to Arash, "When I started doing Neurokinetic Pilates in Maui with its creator Alejandra Monsalve, it rocked my world. What had taken me weeks and months to accomplish with traditional PT and rehab took a matter of days and I was able to connect to parts of my body that had previously seemed unattainable. I've continued this practice at Absolute Center and I continue to benefit greatly from it. " Find out more about Arash's own recovery at his website https://arashrecovery.com/

Elizabeth reflected on her experience: "The endeavor program allows me to exercise in new ways that I could never do without the Pilates method, the equipment, and above all else, the trainers. It is such a warm and welcoming place, and the trainers are highly skilled and committed to continuous learning: every day they are building their skills working with people with spinal chord injury. This program allows someone who navigates the world in a wheelchair to stretch and exercise my core, improving my circulation and significantly reducing stress. I love being able to work out with this team; I leave the endeavor program each day with a smile on my face."

For those living with or recovering from an SCI, the Absolute Endeavor program is certainly worth considering.

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