When I was 19, I was diagnosed with a Herniated Disc. Mine was in the lower back vertebrae, L5-S1. I suffered from severe weakness in my right leg, back pain, tightness, and stiffness in my lower back. I couldn't sit for more than 10 minutes, and the list went on and on. I was treated by Physical therapists for three months, for several hours a day. I got better and lived my life just like you...

It was always there, though, but I never needed, or that's what I thought, to do PT again or  pay more attention to my spine's health. The years went by; I got married, had two babies, and allowed my spine to control decisions about my daily activities.

When Matan was two years old, I tried to be more active physically, and I joined a gym that offered various group classes in addition to treadmill and weights lift apparatus. I took classes for toning my body; Cardio classes, Bike cycling (Spinning), and more. After cycling for 35 minutes my right buttock was numb. I stopped enjoying  the gym which made me feel worst but I kept ignoring all the signs.

One day my spine collapsed and curled forward. I couldn't straighten up, and couldn't stand upright, or bend forward. I went to a specialist and got strong pain killers for the pain and the inflammation, but it didn't help. I still suffered from severe pain and weakness in my spine. 

I scheduled an appointment with a Neurosurgeon for a second opinion. He said: "Lady, you have no life quality; you must decide how you want to live the rest of your life. Do you want to be able to pick up your babies? Do you want to have another child? Do you want to be able to sit for more than ten minutes?" I knew the answers to those questions; however, my only option was too scary. 

In 2009, I had a Herniated Disc Discectomy. I needed to make a decision, and I was terrified. I was afraid I'd end up in a wheelchair. This back surgery saved me. 

I was fine. 

I wish I was smarter years ago, but as you know, it's better late than never. About three years ago, I started practicing Pilates. My physical limitations, fear, and pain enforced to modify all movements. My journey took time and I learned how to move more effectively, with control and awareness. I improved my functional movements; bending, lifting, reaching to take something from the upper shelf, walking, and going up and down the stairs. It took around six months to get my confidence back and feel better and I felt the beginning of my body transformation. I started to build strength and endurance and realize that my body deserves better than previously. I'm still and will always maintain the body. No fooling around anymore. 

Here is an amusing anecdote, the first daily activity that felt better in my body was folding the laundry. My shoulders weren't sore and tired; my back didn't hurt anymore. Now I fold laundry sitting down or standing up.

Taking care of the laundry, haha; I was living the dream.