Member Spotlight: Reagan Purcell

Reagan Purcell Glowing as an expectant new mama!

We sat down with new mom Reagan Purcell to learn more about her Good Movement Story! Here’s her journey from bump, birth, and beyond!

Reagan at 39 weeks pregnant, feeling fit and strong!

“For much of my life I didn’t enjoy working out, I forced myself to go, sporadically, with one goal: to look good & stay in shape. Before I found Good Movement Studio, I did a lot of high intensity work that left me feeling more fatigued rather than energized and strong. This approach towards moving my body even led me to develop new injuries and frequent pain in my knees and back. I remember there were a few times that even with chiropractic work, my back and shoulder pain was so bad I would have to sleep on the floor to find some relief. Then I found Good Movement Studio. Since joining Good Movement Studio (GMS), my body has never felt better! I have more energy and a feeling of overall happiness and satisfaction when I walk out of the studio, it truly is my favorite place to be. ”

Reagan appreciates that when attending classes at GMS it’s not just about getting in a workout; she embraces our mind, body, breath, and soul approach towards wellness that includes fitness, flexibility, stress relief, self-love, and community support. “I’ve made some of my closest friends at the studio, it’s an incredible group and has been a huge part of me feeling like home in Utah after moving here 3.5 years ago.

Purcell, Family of 3

Reagan recently gave birth to her first child in October. She recalls that during her pandemic pregnancy so much of the new mama/pregnancy support was taken away, even the doctors told pregnant women not to come in for many of the normally scheduled checkups. She said of this experience:

“It was stressful and very isolating but GMS really carried me through with an outpouring of support during my pregnancy and over the last 5 months of being a new mom. From helping me with labor & delivery prep and advice, to keeping me physically strong and emotionally cared for. At 40 weeks pregnant, I felt stronger and physically better than I did for much of the decade pre-GMS. Pilates was the ultimate labor prep to give me the strength to get through 3+ days of laboring and help to avoid a lot of common pregnancy pains leading up to it! Once the baby came, I again was supported by the ladies of GM in so many ways from dropping by my house with food and baby gifts, to holding my baby while working with me on postpartum rehab. With a combination of privates and postnatal mommy & baby classes I was able to start moving my body again in a healthy gradual way focused on 4th trimester healing. Their expertise on specifics for fitness in pregnancy/postpartum, such as pelvic floor health/abdominal changes, is so impressive. And their approach in group classes providing me with individual adjustments has helped me be kind to my body as I heal. The focus on breath work alone has been transformational in my stress relief. All of the ladies at GM have been so amazing. And a very special shoutout to Brooke Benton and Jen Thorn with new mama encouragement and serious moral support through such a crazy phase in life…. Wow, I am so GRATEFUL.”

A sweet moment with mother and daughter

GMS has also had a positive impact on Reagan’s family. Since joining GMS her husband tells everyone, “after 2 back surgeries, Pilates is finally what fixed my back pain and helped me to avoid having to get a spinal fusion.” After hearing of her husband’s experience, her father-in-law became a regular as well for both physical therapy and Pilates – and her 5-month-old loves the mommy-and-me classes.

Reagan says she cannot imagine what pregnancy and the postpartum period would have been like without GMS!

1 day new!

“I know that GMS is not only helping me feel good today, but I believe that as my body ages, this is the best investment in my future self and that it is buying me years of mobility and a better quality of life. I’m definitely a GMS and Pilates “Lifer” now and cannot imagine my life without GMS in it! THANK YOU for making my life so much more enjoyable!”

Fresh air and Vitamin D always does new mamas and babies good!

Wow Reagan!  What a story!  We absolutely LOVE having you and baby Dublin as part of our GMS community and cannot imagine what it would be like without you!  Knowing that we get to come to the studio every week and see you and all your amazing family members always gives us something to look forward to!  Thank you for sharing your experience with us and we too hope that you will forever be a GMS lifer!

Do you have a Good Movement Studio story?  Do you know someone else who does?  Complete the form below if you are interested in sharing your story or if you want to nominate another Good Movement Studio member who’s story inspires you.