Keywords: Pilates, movement, healing, wellness, mental health, personal journey, teaching, fitness, body awareness, ELDOA
Summary:
In this episode of the Well2You Podcast, host Sue McCarroll sits down with movement experts Catherine Kennedy and Mira Rucker to explore the healing power of movement—especially through the lens of Pilates. Together, they share personal stories of transformation, discuss the emotional and physical benefits of consistent movement, and highlight how supportive environments help individuals reconnect with their bodies. The conversation explores the link between mental health and physical wellness, the art of teaching with compassion, and the importance of making movement accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable. They also spotlight current offerings at Opal Wellness Studio, including Pilates and ELDOA classes that help clients build strength, space, and stability from the inside out.
Top Takeaways:
✅ Movement supports both physical and emotional well-being.
✅ Personal experiences inspire lasting change.
✅ Consistency creates transformation.
✅ A welcoming environment encourages exploration.
✅ Community fosters accountability and joy.
Memorable Sound Bites:
💬 “Movement equals life.”
💬 “Pilates is for everybody.”
Episode Chapters:
00:00 — Intro to Healing Movement
02:57 — Personal Journeys
06:08 — The Power of Pilates
08:35 — Movement as Medicine
11:34 — Adapting Post-Injury
14:50 — The Role of Consistency
17:47 — Exploring ELDOA
20:51 — Teaching and Learning
23:46 — Recognizing Limits
28:23 — Embracing Limitations
30:20 — Modifications in Practice
32:34 — Connection Through Movement
36:16 — Impactful Teaching Moments
40:05 — Why Movement Matters
43:34 — Current Practices at Opal
47:00 — Final Thoughts on Healing
About Our Guests:
Catherine Kennedy teaches at Opal Wellness Studio after a decade in New York City. Her mission is to help others find peace and confidence in their bodies through Pilates. Catherine holds certifications from Gramercy Pilates, New York Pilates, and NASM, recently completing her Classical Mat certification at Opal and pursuing her Classical Comprehensive Equipment certification.
📸 Instagram: @catherinekennedypilates
Mira Rucker, LMT, founder of Align & Recover, brings over 20 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist and recovery specialist. Her integrative sessions combine targeted massage, ELDOA stretching, Pilates, yoga, and functional mobility techniques to enhance balance, posture, and long-term joint health.
💆♀️ Book with Mira: Align & Recover
Meet your host:
Sue McCarroll is the founder of Opal Wellness Studio. Sue has a unique style of coaching women to increase self-care, self-compassion, navigate busy mom life and nourish their bodies mentally, emotionally, and physically. She is is a holistic health coach, Pilates teacher, business owner and mom who gave up diet-culture beliefs to live a lifestyle full of clarity and vitality!
You can learn more about Sue on Instagram
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