🎙️ Episode 4: Movement as Medicine — Healing Through Pilates

Summary:
In this episode of the Well2You Podcast, host Sue McCarroll talks with movement experts Catherine Kennedy and Mira Rucker about the healing power of movement through Pilates. They share personal stories, explore the connection between mental and physical wellness, and discuss how compassion and accessibility in movement can empower people to reconnect with their bodies. The episode also spotlights Opal Wellness Studio’s Pilates and ELDOA classes that help clients build strength and stability from the inside out.

Top Takeaways: 
✅ Pilates offers a unique approach to strength building from the inside out.
✅ Teaching movement means honoring each person’s unique needs and limitations.
✅ Movement and mental health are deeply connected and mutually supportive.
✅ Modifications are not failures; they’re tools for success.
✅ Movement should be approachable, restorative, and fun.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction to Healing Movement
02:57 — Personal Journeys in Movement
06:08 — The Transformative Power of Pilates
08:35 — Movement as Medicine
11:34 — Adapting Movement Post-Injury
14:50 — The Role of Consistency in Movement
17:47 — Exploring ELDOA and Its Benefits
20:51 — Teaching and Learning in Movement
23:46 — Recognizing Limits in Movement Practice
28:23 — Embracing Limitations in Movement
30:20 — The Role of Modifications in Teaching
32:34 — The Power of Connection in Movement
36:16 — Impactful Teaching Moments
40:05 — The Importance of Movement in Life
43:34 — Current Practices at Opal
47:00 — Final Thoughts on Movement and Healing

✨ Tune in to discover how mindful movement can become your medicine—supporting both body and mind on the path to lasting wellness.

About Our Guest(s): 

Catherine Kennedy is a certified Pilates instructor at Opal Wellness Studio, dedicated to helping clients build peace and confidence in their bodies. After a decade in the New York City area, she brings extensive experience and training, holding certifications from Gramercy Pilates, New York Pilates, and NASM. Catherine recently completed her Classical Mat certification at Opal and is currently pursuing her Classical Comprehensive Equipment certification.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/catherinekennedypilates

Led by Mira Rucker, LMT, Align & Recover combines over 20 years of expertise in massage therapy and movement to help clients move better, feel better, and live stronger. Drawing from her experience with professional athletes and advanced training in Pilates, Yoga, ELDOA, and Functional Movement, Mira creates fully customized Recovery & Mobility Sessions that blend targeted bodywork, stretching, and core-focused techniques to restore balance, improve mobility, and support long-term joint health.

Book with Mira: https://pocketsuite.io/book/alignandrecover

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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