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Pilates Core Center and Dragonfly Yoga - Testimonials |
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"Two years ago after I had my second child, my long time friend Amy Debye, contacted me and told me about a new Post Natal Pilates class that she would be teaching. I had never done Pilates nor had I ever done formal workouts at a gym or facility. I knew I was going to need help losing the baby weight so I decided to check out Amy's class.
I was hooked on Pilates after two classes. Once the Post Natal Pilates session ended I continued to take Pilates classes twice a week and became addicted to Amy's Cardio Tease class. The class is generally structured with a half hour of Cardio and a half hour of Pilates exercises utilizing weights, rings, bands, etc.
As the months have progressed Amy has pushed us harder and harder. If we start to complain she simply says, "It's your workout". Those three words always spur me to push through the fatigue or laziness. The Cardio Tease class has its regulars and we fondly call the class Boot Camp. There are points in the class where I may wonder why I'm torturing myself but when I walk out I always say, 'That was a great class. I feel good. I'm glad I did it.' With Pilates and better eating habits, I did lose the baby weight and then some!
Although I still want to lose a few more pounds, I am in the best shape I've ever been in. I was never one who liked to exercise and I had managed to lose some weight on Weight Watchers but I know that Pilates has definitely made a difference and changed how I look and feel. I have more energy and I am more aware of my body and what it can do. Thanks to Amy, I can see definition and muscles where there was nothing before.
I was so enthusiastic about Pilates that I convinced my husband, Joe, to take it up also. He too has noticed a difference in how he looks and feels - his back no longer bothers him and if it does start to act up he heads to a Pilates class.
Thanks to the Pilates Core Center and the great instructors - Sylvia, Amy, Michelle B, Michelle S, Melissa - I have become a Pilates enthusiast and plan on continuing to push myself and try more and different classes and exercises."
Lisa H.
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Dear Sylvia and Diane,
"I would like to say thank you for helping me to achieve my goal of being in better shape by my son's wedding (this Saturday!!!!!).
I would not have been able to do this without the help of Gerlinde and the Pilates Core Center. I have taken (exercise) classes before, but did not have as great of a teacher as Gerlinde. Gerlinde was tough, disciplined and forced me to perform at my highest level. Because of the success that I have experienced, I will continue to take class with Gerlinde at the Pilates Core Center.
Again, thank you and I look FABULOUS in my outfit for the wedding."
Karin F. |
"In my quest to hold off "middle age", I was looking for some form of exercise that didn't involve alot of jumping around but got results. I had read about pilates and was intrigued. I stumbled upon an open house at pc2 a couple of years ago and was hooked from the moment I got on the reformer. I live close to both locations and am able to move between the two to fit my schedule. I have seen amazing changes in my body and my flexibility has improved immensely. I used to have occasional lower back pain and just the other day realized that it is gone!! I love the different experiences that you get with different instructors - it keeps it fresh. An unexpected benefit is the friendships that have formed with classmates. My family and work knows that Wed. nights and Sat mornings are for pilates - don't schedule anything! I love everything about pilates core center."
Lisa H. |
"I have attended classes at PC2 for almost a year now. It is such a great way to keep in shape, feel good and take care of the entire mind, body and spirit. As you could imagine, this is quite important as you plan for your wedding day. Not only did I benefit from all the wonderful classes offered at PC2 prior to my wedding day, my husband and I took dance instruction from Sylvia for our first dance. We had a great time during our sessions and totally WOWED our family and guests on the dance floor. Multiple times during our special evening, many guests asked "what was the name of that dance you did" we said - it was the Eric & Michele dance by Sylvia!! Our special dance was the perfect touch to a perfect day!!"
Michele D.
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"It's hard to believe that it has been almost 2 years since I found Pilates and PC2. I was at one of those crossroads in life, looking for something, but not exactly sure what it was. Some of my friends were not quite as 'friendly', my body was still hanging on to an extra 15 pounds from when I had my baby girl 5 months earlier, and I was surely in need of a mental holiday! I started out with private sessions because the perfectionist side of me wanted to be sure I knew what I was doing before I got on a reformer in front of a group. Christine and Sylvia helped to maximize my strengths, and challenge me on the areas I could improve. It took me a few months to get that "scoop" thing down - and I really do like the Elephant pose now - really, Sylvia, I do. Pilates, and most importantly, PC2, has been with me over the last 2 years while I've met new friends, shed 20 pounds, and mentally distressed. I love my Monday and Friday morning crew (Harry, Erik, Nina, Bonnie, Camille, Melissa, Bea, Sylvia), they bring such strength to the start and end of every week. Pilates is a constant in my life, and I look forward to many more exciting years with PC2. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you."
Dara M. |
Life After Hip Surgery
"To make a long story short, in Dec 2002, I had a total right knee replacement and thought everything would be fine. In June 2003, I began to experience sciatica in my left leg. I thought I pulled a muscle, overstretched, or simply overworked my leg. I was wrong. The pain worsened, and in April 2006, I began Pilates Reformer classes. I loved the reformer instantly, but was experiencing pain when I used the leg straps. My legs weren't the same length, certain moves were painful and walking with a limp was noticeable. I was teaching yoga by this time and was concerned that something was seriously wrong.
After seeing a few doctors, it was determined that I had degenerative arthritis and what had happened to my right knee was happening at a rapid rate to my left hip. I was 52 years old and looking at having another total joint replacement. After discussions with my husband Gerry and my 3 kids, we decided as a family that although it would be inconvenient for everyone, I would have the surgery in July 2006.
My doctor at Jefferson believed that I could try anything after the surgery and if it worked, fine. If not, try it again a week later. After 2 days in the hospital and minimally invasive total hip replacement, I left Jeff on crutches and decided to rehab my new hip with Pilates. My physical therapist didn't know about yoga or Pilates, so I called Diane at PC2 and she suggested that I get back into my 3 day a week reformer routine only after I had at least 2 private sessions, to see what I could do. I met with Gerlinde twice privately, and began reformer classes three times a week in September, 2006. I never saw the physical therapist again. Gerlinde aligned my leg properly until muscle memory and overall strength kicked in. My doctor was so impressed with my rehab that he released me from his care six months ahead of schedule.
I credit my yoga with enabling me to get through the emotional aspects of the surgery, but credit Pilates with my success in recovering physically. Since my surgery in July 2006, I have resumed and expanded my yoga teaching to include Pre Natal yoga, Yoga for Adults with Developmental Disabilities, Senior and Gentle Yoga and have become certified to teach Pilates Reformer and look forward to pursuing the Pilates Certification for the next level. I believe that having degenerative arthritis has made me a better teacher as when a person tells me that they are in pain, I can honestly say that "I know how you feel."
Someone told me how impressed they were that I was able to do so much with 'my limitations'. My reply was simply that I don't feel I have limitations, just challenges. Everyone faces challenges, some more difficult than others, just as everyone comes into a class with their own issues. How we deal with these challenges and issues are what makes us unique."
Nancy D.
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"PC2 is the best place I've ever found. About a year and a half ago I had some time off and was looking to fill some of my days while my son was at school. I remember the first time I set foot in the PC2 studio I met Sylvia and asked about classes. There was a class about to begin which she invited me to take but being a little intimidated I declined. Sylvia's warmth was incredible and I couldn't wait to actually take a class which I soon did - and now I'm addicted.
I love that the classes are small and personal. I have met such great people, both instructors, students and of course Diane. It is really somewhat of a refuge.
The amazing thing is how peaceful and yet invigorating and challenging Pilates is. All of the instructors are unique in their style, this keep the classes interesting too. It is a great feeling when you finally 'get' an exercise that seemed so difficult at first. And in "getting" the exercise your "feel" the soreness, but in a good way. Pilates - it definitely works!
My husband is still not too sure where I go or what I do at 6:30 in the morning nor 7:30 at night, but it's all OK with him. I've asked him to take a class but I'm not sure it's "his thing."
Participating in the PC2 Pilates for Pink fundraiser for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation was awesome and a lot of fun. Thanks for a great morning!
Breast cancer awareness is a good cause. I have been running the Komen Race for the Cure for the past 7 years with my son. In the early years pushing him in a stroller and last year he ran the race with me. It is a Mother's Day tradition he and I hope to support for a long time."
Camille A.
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"I absolutely love the classes that I've been taking at PC2 for both pilates and yoga. I used to work in a physical therapy clinic and worked out in their gym almost every day. Since starting my own business, I simply haven't made the time to go to the gym. Because Pilates Core Center is so conveniently located, I figured I would try out their pilates and yoga programs. After just one month, and only four hours each week, I'm seeing results faster than spending hours in the gym, and it's easier on my joints.
The office staff is friendly and always has a smile on their face to greet each person as they walk in. Pilates with Carol has been absolutely wonderful. She really takes the time to make sure the whole class is performing each exercise properly to prevent injury and maximize benefits. While yoga with Bonnie has been both relaxing and challenging at the same time. She has a gift of being teacher, and yet it never feels like I am in a classroom. Her warm and open personality has a way of making me look forward to my weekly yoga routine.
I could never go back to a cold and stale gym after experiencing what exercise should be with Pilates Core Center."
Candy C.
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