Meet Lindsey Schwartz Terry | Owner, The Reformed Method

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsey Schwartz Terry and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsey, what do you attribute your success to?
Absolutely the most important factor that supports successful connection with my clients is firsthand experience, which gives me the gift of understanding. Those of us with scoliosis or back pain have likely experienced leaving a fitness class feeling discouraged by the amount of necessary modifications, or a desire for better alignment instruction to make it safe and sustainable for our bodies. We’re familiar with how seemingly minor daily tasks can cause discomfort. The Reformed Method was born out of that frustration, and is a culmination of more than 15 years of experience as a certified yoga instructor, back pain patient, and Scolio-Pilates® practitioner. I work to create a partnership with my clients to help them feel understood and supported.

I am always learning and trying to put the puzzle pieces together. Recognizing the void that exists in addressing the emotional component of living with chronic pain or other life altering diagnoses, I’m pursuing a graduate degree in social work to become a licensed clinical therapist. I plan to evolve my business into a holistic practice that includes both movement therapy and emotional support.

What should our readers know about your business?
I grew up as a dancer. My St. Louis based dance studio became a second home. And while I was diagnosed with scoliosis in middle school, I was told it wasn’t severe enough to treat so kept moving my body in the ways I always had. By the time I left undergrad with a degree in journalism, I entered my early twenties already experiencing back pain.

It wasn’t long after that I developed a love for vinyasa yoga, and obtained my teaching certification. At the time, I had never heard of hypermobility or understood how it could affect an already vulnerable spine. By the time I was 26, I developed SI joint dysfunction. Through physical therapy, I discovered the stabilizing benefits of Pilates, and decided to add that to my certifications, while continuing to teach yoga. At 33, after having my first child, I was diagnosed with spondylolisthesis and stenosis of my lumbar spine.
​
The first surgeon I consulted recommended a fusion, then described how hard of a surgery that is to undergo and recover from, and I left with instructions not to bend forward, backward, or to the side, not to twist or lift anything heavier than a gallon of milk. I had a 1 year old at the time. So I sought a second opinion from a doctor who encouraged me to continue to build core strength, prolong the surgery as long as possible, and let pain guide me in what movements to avoid. I decided to switch the focus of my practice to Pilates, which has enabled me to avoid surgery and have a second child with no progression in my injury.
​
I’ve learned firsthand how imbalances caused by scoliosis can lead to compensation and further injuries, and I believe that mindful movement is the best medicine. I’ve worked hard to find ways to keep my body strong without increasing my pain level or compromising my spine. Through scoliosis-safe Pilates, and applying Pilates principles to other low impact forms of exercise, I get an effective workout while keeping my body in alignment. This is how the idea for The Reformed Method was born, and I’m proud that I’m finding meaning and purpose from a challenging situation.
​
I’ve spent over 15 years teaching Pilates and yoga, and broadened my expertise through a focused Scolio-Pilates® certification. Currently in graduate school working toward my LCSW, I’m excited to learn the skills and earn a degree to address the emotional weight of living with chronic pain. My goal is to offer a more holistic practice, sharing with my clients the knowledge I wish I had when I was diagnosed.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
What a fun question! Summer is my favorite season, so let’s start there.

It sounds simple given all there is to do around Boulder, but two of my favorite activities include a walk around my beautiful neighborhood to Bobolink Trail, which runs along the creek, and hosting friends at home. Chatauqua is a can’t miss local spot for hikes and beautiful views. I’d include a bike ride around town with stops at Pearl Street Mall to explore the shops and architecture of The Dushanbe Tea House, then The Rayback Collective for an adult beverage on the way back. If we wanted to get out of town, a drive up to Nederland for a hike and pizza at Crosscut is a fabulous way to spend a day.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
A huge shoutout to my mom, Suze! A dancer and choreographer herself, she recognized my natural ability and put me in dance lessons at the age of 3. She came to every performance, and ultimately encouraged me to pursue Pilates. My children motivate me to function optimally and be the best version of myself. I also have to credit my longtime friend turned mentor, Sharon, who set an example and offered the encouragement I needed to go back to school!

Website: https://www.reformedmethod.com

Instagram: @reformedmethod

Linkedin: Lindsey Schwartz Terry

Facebook: The Reformed Method