I have struggled for many years of my life trying to find a form of movement and/or exercise that I liked and could enjoy, not just go through the motions for the sake of exercising.  I also have struggled on and off with weight and currently have some areas of pain in my body.

I took dance as a young girl and thought that maybe I would enjoy pilates having never tried it before.

Nikki was absolutely wonderful. She was so encouraging, thorough, reassuring, and energizing to work with. It was truly a pleasure to feel my muscles move.  Nikki is delightful and I hope to work with her again at some time in the future. I thank her for helping me feel excited about truly moving again.

May light, laughter, and love surround you.
Peace,

Amy B.

I started with a beginner jump start mat class. The pace was a little too fast for me so I tried a gentle Pilates class with Sue. The slower pace of that class is what I needed. The class also had people like me suffering from a variety of different injuries. Eventually I got strong enough to start going to Sue’s beginner mat classes and as her schedule opened up I started doing private lessons with Sue as well. The first year was a slow journey for me. I was afraid of re-injuring my back so I was overly cautious. It also took a long time and lots of private lessons for me to figure out how to correctly get in a proper “neutral” position and stop “tucking.” It took time to get stronger but eventually I did.

The summer of 2007 my family spent two months in Europe. I was not able to go for my Pilates classes.

I was on my own and spending lots of time on trains, buses and airplanes and sleeping in a different bed every week. I continued doing basic Pilates exercises I had learned to keep my core and back strong. I don’t think I would have enjoyed my trip as much as I did without Pilates. Pilates played a big role in keeping me mentally and physically healthier that summer.

Along the way there have been set backs, like the time I was in a hurry and tried pulling my dog out of the car when she wouldn’t budge. That was a month before I was heading to Europe for the summer! But with Pilates basics under my belt recovery was easier and faster. Last December I went sledding and severely sprained my ankle. Again with time and Sue working on my injured ankle, Pilates once again made a huge difference in my recovery.

Rosie Fiallo

27 years ago when I had just arrived in Portland my left SI did its usual slipping out and I was hosptialized at Saint vinnie’s for two weeks, and put into traction on valium and codeine for two more months at home. I worked from my home setup with an old-fashioned traction device. I was not given any PT after being released from the hospital, and told to remain in bed for as long as it took to reduce the muscle spasm. 12 months after this episode, I gave birth to my first child(and had been confined to bed for the last 3 months of my pregnancy due to the threat of an early birth–which didn’t happen) You can just imagine what poor physical shape I was in for that event!!

Several years later, the same thing happened, and this time I was given a half inch lift to wear in my right shoe–which I did for about 6 years, and sent back to my PT, whom I had met through my first child’s pediatrician, who sent me there for a crik in the neck from long middle of the night feedings, and continued Si dysfunction.) I continued to have episodes; when the orthopedist who put in the lift sent me away in the middle of one such crippling episode (now I was home with 2 little ones, and my husband was travelling!!!)I turned to a friend , a DO, who set me up for x-ray studies of leg length and cranial sacral treatments with a colleague.

Fast forward through MANY cranial treatments(several practitioners), acupuncture, 3 car accidents and 2 surgeries, and PT: About 1 1/2 years ago, my PT sent me to Melanie after several attempts on my part to undertake exercise programs on my own. After several sessions with Mel, she turned me over to dear Janet, and I have been happy ever since.

Last winter I suffered round of a frozen shoulder; the previous episode had me stopping all activity , including walking, because of the pain. Janet urged me to continue with the pilates, and modified the workouts according to whatever shape I was in at the time. She is patient, cheerful and very supportive, skillfully reading my readiness for her routine at any given moment, and adapting them on the spot to my ability on a given day. This past summer I went through another period of frequent “slips” in my pelvis, which were, I believe held in abeyance by Janet’s skill in straightening me out, literally, in a session. She encouraged me to supplement with visits to the chiropractor if I asked for her opinion.

Unfortunately, due to financial difficulties at home, I have had to postpone my next round of 10 sessions. I am having major jaw surgery in November, and have every intention of coming back asap, as I believe that working with Janet will speed my recovery from that major event. I will be back for her professional and personal touches in my “healing process”, and can absolutely attest to the success that one-on-one pilates has brought to my long-standing skeletal problems. Janet has given me some exercises to continue at home (without the reformer, which I will sorely miss) and has convinced me of the utility of one-on-one instruction for my circumstances. I am not ready to “take a class” and am suspicious of the many venues where people are teaching “pilates” just by saying so (indeed, I have the same opinion about many yoga classes), and have developed a good understanding and respect for, under Janet’s care, just how much training goes into a good instructor of pilates. She is always caring and professional.

I hope to be back in the studio very soon. I will miss my weekly dose of Janet’s enthusiasm and skill for the next little bit—

I worked out the the gym, doing step aerobics and then spinning.  One day, a fellow spinner told me about Traci’s Pilates class at the downtown Bally’s Total Fitness.  I tried it and I was hooked.  The mind-body training began to make a difference as I learned to get my abdominals to wake up and do their job.  I’ve continued with weekly classes (moving to Pacific NW Pilates with Traci).  I took Melanie’s Pilates for Rehab class at Pacific NW Pilates and that solidified my understanding of the basic principles.  I did not get the certification, but do incorporate the principles and exercises in my work whenever possible.  I also have several “routines” I do at home (with the help of Moira, PJ and others on DVD!), and it is such a fabulous way to start my day.  The good news is that I rarely have low back pain anymore, even after gardening, crawling around after little kids, and doing housework.

I continue to learn about my body and how to keep it happy.  After a spell of very uncomfortable neck pain, followed by PT, home traction, massage, and still residual pain, I had 2 sessions with Melanie.  She “nailed” the source of the aggravation and gave me a great home program.  It is not easy for a 60 year old body to change her posture, but the awareness  of what needs to change, and the tools to work on it are beyond value!  The arthritis won’t go away, but the pain does, and that is life changing.

A happy PS is that my husband and I planned a 5 day kayak trip for our vacation in September.  I was concerned that all that shoulder work would aggravate my neck. The good news is that by stabilizing my shoulders as I held the paddle, my good posture was easy, and I never felt better than when my paddle was in my hands! We had a fabulous week in the Gulf Islands, and I did “my Pilates” on the water, every day.

Thank you to Melanie, Traci and all the folks who keep your studio such an awesome place to be healthy!

Jocelyn Goodall (Physical Therapist)

Then, on 9/9/08, I experienced a serious fall caused by a spontaneous break of my right femur. The process of my femur breaking caused me to land on my left arm. My left ulna then broke in five places and my left radial head was demolished. I was hospitalized (of course) and had two surgeries to repair my broken bones. Of course, I had to take a break in my pilates lessons.

However, I was back to Pacific Northwest Pilates and working with Cheryl in private lessons by December of 2008. For a month, we worked together to assess my current situation and awaken my sleepy muscles. By January I was strong enough to begin participating in group mat and reformer classes. I have continued those since that time. I have also involved myself in a great deal of water therapy.

By now (10/31/09) all my bones are healed; I can walk without a limp; my arm has more range of motion and strength than my surgeon thought was possible. My arm injuries were actually more serious and required more intricate reconstructive surgery than did my leg. My surgeon is amazed at my recovery.

And, my original goal of strengthening my hip and core muscles, so I could avoid (or postpone) replacement hip surgery, has been achieved. It is VERY rare for me to experience any hip pain.

And, this seems very significant in light of the intervening injuries I sustained and overcame!

I attribute all of this to my work with Cheryl and pilates. Gradually, she and I have seen my muscles become stronger; my endurance and strength have increased tremendously.

Thank Goodness for pilates!

Thanks, Carol

Since doing Pilates, I have walked at least six 1/2 marathons, walked 7 Portland to Coast relay races, and continue to work a garden that produced over 100# of tomatoes.  My employers were certain that I would retire 7 yrs ago. But I am able to work and actually inspire my patients to get better because of my experience.

We work the low tummy and breathing whenever possible. Pilates is not just an exercise form, it is a way of life for me now. I do abdominal engagement exercises prior to getting out of bed. I am constantly readjusting my posture when driving, sitting at my desk, or walking down the hall. I have lost weight and inches during the last 7 yrs. Because of Pilates, I am wearing a smaller size than when I weighed this amount last. I am healthier and in better shape than I have ever been in my entire life. pilates has given me confidence in myself again.

Thank you to the fantastic instructors and staff at PNWP for helping me build a body with attitude by pilates.

Linda

It was a wake up call for me back in March when I broke my ankle while playing an indoor soccer game. I had never broken a bone before or had to use crutches, and I realized that I had been taking my physical health for granted. The healing process has been long and painful, but I took the necessary steps to get things back on track. The reformer classes have been a huge part of my rehabilitation and I feel that my ankles are now stronger than they ever were. I have also finally gotten back into running again and due to my injury have a entire new appreciate for my ability to do so. I am running faster and stronger than I did during the years in was in the best shape of my life and I truly believe that pilates has made the difference. I had a very successful relay race performance about a month ago and will run my first 10K road race at the end of October. I have a feeling I will perform well due to my increased strength and flexibility.
I look forward to going to my reformer class each week and can’t thank Pacific Northwest Pilates enough for bringing about this personal transformation.

Thanks, Meg

I work in a physical therapy practice as a Rehab Pilates specialist, and so preparing for surgery included what I would recommend for any client – plenty of core work and moving my body safely for strength and stability in all planes of motion. I chose STOTT PILATES for my instructor training because of the emphasis in anatomy, rehabilitation, and adapting the work to fit each unique body’s needs. Setting aside time for Pilates prior to surgery was a chance to experience my body as capable, not helpless, and to feel joy in movement as the springs on the equipment helped me move and soar as I otherwise did not have the strength to do. I literally was doing Pilates in the pre-op little room on my hospital gurney as I waited for them to take me into surgery. My husband laughed, but I knew it would be my last chance to help my abdominal and pelvic muscles be strong and ready to face recovery, and also, it was a welcome distraction from the stress of the moment. Doing Pilates gave me something positive I could do for myself and my healing.

After the surgery, I was able to use what Pilates has taught me to focus the mind with my body… to isolate and relax muscles more easily, use breath to cope with pain, and literally went through the entire recovery without ANY pain meds other than a couple of regular strength Tylenol! My first day back at work, I turned to two women physical therapist co-workers, both extremely athletic young women in their 20’s, and said “ok gals, I need your help in getting me back into shape… let’s do an abs workout.” Imagine my surprise when I, a woman 51 years old, with a total of 4 surgeries to her gut, found I was kicking these younger women’s butts! I thought they were actually going easy on me as we worked out together doing a variety of abdominally challenging Pilates exercises. No, as it turns out, the muscles do have memory and the body does indeed want to return to wellness if you give it the tools. Because Pilates addresses all my muscles, not just the surface ones, my recovery was faster and my power returned quickly. My surgeons were shocked at how fast I bounced back – yet again!

Now at nearly 52, I see each day that age is not a big determiner for wellness. Neither is past surgical trauma. Breathing and moving well is! Each day I move, in all directions and with the stability and strength required to do so safely. At my age, despite having had osteoporosis diagnosed since I was 40, am just as tall and straight as ever. My ribs expand to allow easy full breaths, and my body actually craves the feeling of moving/stretching. Perhaps next time, if there is a next surgery, I won’t be so lucky. I can’t help that, but I can celebrate each day the best I can by moving and challenging my body in ways that feel healthy. It is my best chance at facing whatever life has in store for me with grace and joy.

The thought of advancing age… of possible future illness… none of that scares me anymore. Whatever life brings, I know that my Pilates practice will adapt along with my changing needs, keeping me flexible in mind and body for the whole of my life.

I often think how fortunate I am to have chosen to formally study Pilates at Pacific NW Pilates over all the many choices out there. The level of training and commitment to quality at PNWP is simply heads above the rest! They taught me how to make Pilates relevant for even the most challenging of health situations.

Thank You!
Renata Marsal

I began taking pilates about 2 1/2 years ago.  It has been amazing for
my teacher (Cheryl) and myself to see and feel the changes that
have happened.

Since starting the reformer in addition to mat class (about 6 months)
I have really felt the positive changes.

In the beginning I would be so tired out by the end of the hour and even
dread coming at first but I knew it was good for me.  I would take what
I learned each week with me throughout the whole week when walking my
dog.  The breathing, connecting of the lower abs.  It was all so rewarding.
I could feel my lung capacity and my whole core working my limbs!

I have felt the work in my lower back becoming stronger and rolling up
through the rest of my back and now into more chest opening.  Everyday
I wake up feeling more refreshed than ever before!!

This has truly been a great experience.  I also love the group of girls in
the classes.  It is just so much fun and makes a wonderful support group.
Cheryl has been a fantastic teacher and I love this studio with its professional
staff.  You are all my heros & life coaches.

Thanks again for your inspiration to healthy & happy living.

Cheryl Lynn

Thank you and see you soon!

Marlina Propersi

Kristi