Each month we take some time out to chat in-depth with one of our Vivers. This month, it’s former boxing and waterpolo great, Craig Spence.
About Craig
Craig is now an Executive in the corporate world, a long way from the gruelling daily physical activity that was a major part of his previous life. With a long history of sporting and fitness accomplishments, Craig was a Physical Training Instructor in the Army, he holds both Kickboxing and Boxing titles, he played Waterpolo at an elite level for 14 years including three years of International competition for the Australian Country Team. Now those years are catching up, he has found Pilates to help bring him back to the fitness of his glory days.
How did you find out about Vive Active?
I had heard through the grapevine that a new spin on Pilates was opening soon. I thought it sounded interesting so I checked it out in the first week with the free preview classes. Right from the get-go, I knew this was something that was going to be a game changer for me.
What gave you the motivation to start?
I have done a lot of training techniques and had heard of the benefits of Pilates but never had tried it – and I wanted to try something beneficial and new.
How did your first session go?
I was a bit uncoordinated on the reformer at first, I discovered a few spots in my body that needed a bit of work. I found the exercises simple yet challenging – but the light show, the music and the instructor were all fantastic which guided me through and distracted me from my burning butt!
How have you built it into your training?
I have replaced one of my weights sessions and I am loving it so much I’ve also added extra sessions in my training throughout my week including the Saturday morning stretch session!
Results after 15 sessions
I’ve lost 5 kilos, my flexibility has improved dramatically, my lower back used to get sore after running – it has improved out of sight. I am now up to an intermediate level in the classes thanks to the encouragement and a little push from the instructors which I greatly appreciate.