Pauline Fayers: The Power of Movement
“From childhood until my late twenties, I danced many hours a week, and was involved in numerous outdoor sporting activities. From then until my late fifties I remained very active in sports, cycling and walking. I studied nutrition, took quality supplements, and cut junk food and empty calories from of my diet.
My first Bone Mineral Density test at age 58 was a shock. I learned that I had osteoporosis. My doctor suggested Bio Identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) and an increase in my calcium intake. Two years later, although I was under a lot of stress, I was thrilled when my test showed a 7% improvement in bone density.
Unfortunately, my personal stress level increased and became unrelenting for the next ten years. Gradually, I started to experience long periods of depression and went on Zoloft (an anti-depressant). My back muscles went into spasm for no apparent reason and inflammation invaded the joints throughout my body. By age 70, I experienced a full physical and emotional breakdown, which kept me 99% housebound and inactive for the next three years. My very limited energy and physical ability was used to care for my daily needs—and to go to numerous natural alternative therapists from whom I sought help.
Late in my 73rd year and after a long struggle, I began to see improvements. Gradually I reclaimed my ability to function. I knew that at my age, given these years of inactivity, and a diagnosis that my osteoporosis had worsened again, I had better take serious steps to get myself moving. I declined osteoporosis drugs because of the potential for negative side effects.
I felt that my depleted body was in no state to cope with any further complications. This meant dedicated exercise was a must. By now my previously strong and flexible muscles hung loose from my bones.
Sadly, three attempts with different exercise therapists resulted in disaster, and each episode set me back for several months. I decided that I had no alternative but to take things into my own hands. Using my knowledge of dance training, I started to regenerate my leg muscles and to gently bring flexibility back into my body. I then began to realize that, if I was going to really address the osteoporosis, I still needed professional and knowledgeable help. However, that help had to come from someone who not only had a breadth of experience, but who would also respect my limits and was prepared to take my word when ‘enough was enough’.
This is when Margaret Martin came into my life.
My first visit to Margaret left no doubts in my mind that I had found what I needed. Margaret's approach projected respect for the knowledge I had of my own body’s limitations. Instead of the aggressive approach to osteoporosis exercises that I had experienced before, I was shown how to slowly build strength without jeopardizing the still very weak areas on my spine, hips, arms and hands. Over the months that I have worked with Margaret, I have made steady and amazing progress.”
