I began studying tap, ballet and gymnastics at the age of four. By my elementary and high school years, gymnastics had become somewhat of a part-time job, and I practiced 10 to 20 hours per week.

After college, I was doing gymnastics and yoga regularly and traveling internationally for fun, when all of a sudden, my hips gave out. Chronic hip and knee pain forced me to put an indefinite hold on my physical activities. I became depressed and frustrated; I went from shopping for stiletto heels in Italy to clogs and anti-inflammatory medication at home in New York. I could barely walk, let alone do handstands.

After several visits to the orthopedist, I had a diagnosis: sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Years of saving myself from dangerous gymnastic falls by using only one side of my body had taken its toll on my spine.

I began physical therapy twice a week. My therapists manually manipulated my joints in an effort to realign them. I knew I had to strengthen the muscles in the surrounding area to maintain such manipulation, and one of my therapists suggested Pilates. My first thought: "What's a Pilate?"

I began the discipline with little enthusiasm. Where was the sweat, the soreness? The exercises were too easy, too boring. But after a few months of two to three sessions a week, I could stand more upright than ever. People began to notice the difference. Initially I thought my stars must be aligned. Something was indeed aligned, but it had nothing to do with astrology. My body was free of muscle tension, and I lost three inches around my waist.

Pilates has given me confidence and poise, which have spilled over to other areas of my life. I stand taller not because I am wearing a beautiful pair of Italian heels, but because I have elongated my spine. Because of my own experience, I decided to become a certified Pilates instructor in order to bring this mind, body and spirit fusion and feeling of well-being to others.

Michele Rinaldi holds an MA degree in Psychology from John Jay College (CUNY) and is certified as a Pilates instructor by Power Pilates.