Interview with Ann McMillan
Photos: ©Martin Beaulieu
How does Pilates tie into Jenn’s training?
There are two qualities essential to any Olympic calibre athlete such as Jenn: strength and coordination. Although her regular work-outs focus on strengthening her body, Pilates helps to perfect her coordination. And coordination is developed through balancing and flexibility exercises and we focus specifically on abdominal strength.
What’s the biggest transformation you’ve seen in Jenn over the past year, since she started doing Pilates full time?
Jenn is truly blessed: her body is naturally strong and limber. However, Pilates allows her to maintain a certain consistency in her flexibility and provides her with a greater awareness of her body. In fact, during the competition in Meribel (France) last December, Jenn noticed a difference in terms of her coordination. She felt more steady and more stable on her skis. She had better control of her arms and back. It’s incredibly stimulating!
Jenn underwent a complete body re-education last year to improve her performance. What role did Pilates play?
Pilates increased Jenn’s awareness of her body by giving her greater and more refined motor control. The Pilates method focuses on core muscles, even the smaller ones. For Jenn, this means more precise and in-depth control of her movements. Together, we have been able to improve her overall flexibility and worked to stretch her quadriceps and strengthen her abdominal muscles.
Can you tell us about Jenn’s Pilates training?
The intensity and frequency of her Pilates training depends on the time of year. In the fall, Jenn came to my studio [Ann McMillan Pilates] 2 to 3 times per week and we intend to return to this frequency in March when the competition season ends. Each studio session lasts 2 hours and we perform 10 to 12 exercises, each has a few variations. In the winter, when she’s competing, Jenn performs her Pilates exercises on her own.
What is it like to work with an athlete like Jenn?
Jenn is an exceptional athlete. Not only does she have a naturally powerful body, amazing flexibility, strong joints and a great bone structure, but Jenn has a remarkable personality. She is intelligent, focused and persistent. She has true natural talent but she works very hard to maintain it and she pushes herself further and harder. Jenn always gives one hundred percent of herself in everything she does.
I had the pleasure of working with figure skaters Jamie Salé and David Pelletier, gold medal winners at the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City. I found in Jenn that that same level of total dedication and talent . She is a perfect example of what an Olympic athlete should be. She constantly wants to work harder and become better. Despite her incredible success, she has remained humble, accessible and generous. She’s a pleasure to work with.
We wish to thank Ann McMillan from the Ann McMillan Pilates Studio for this interview.
