by Jean Leavenworth on May 9, 2011
Sometimes ten years can go by in a blink of an eye. When we first started this studio ten years ago, we were all complete newbies when it came to running a business and we made a lot of rookie mistakes. They do say that you learn more from your mistakes than your successes though, and I think it is fair to say that we had quite the learning curve during our first years.
Our First Logo
My sister was kind enough to do our first logo and create our first website. I think in 2001, we felt pretty awesome to have a website at all. Now when I look at our current site, it makes me laugh to think of all the changes that have made our new site possible.
I wish I could have found photos of our first studio in Vancouver. We did a really funny photo shoot using Melanie’s husband Kevin as our lucky student. Hopefully, somebody still has those photos somewhere!
It has been quite the journey and I feel so lucky to have been a part of it. Having partners like Leslie and Melanie made the whole adventure seem like fun even when we were working our butts off. Which was most of the time now that I think about it. In the early days we did everything from answering the phones to taking out the trash. Oh, and we taught lots and lots of classes where nobody showed up. The three of us were working at least three other jobs just to make ends meet.
What started us down this path to running our own studio? I think we have to thank our former employer for that! She treated us so unfairly that we felt compelled to start our own business. Our goal was to create a space that was fun to work in and where we could earn a fair wage. Not to sound trite here, but I would say “Mission Accomplished”!
I am looking forward to my next journey. One that will give me more time to focus on creative endeavors, but will still allow me to work in a place that I love with the best people in the world. Thanks to each and everyone of you for making Pacific Northwest Pilates the special place that it is.
by Leslie Braverman on June 21, 2010
I must share this really incredible info. I recently had a routine Bone Density Test and the results were really terrific. I have had a series of these tests over the past 25 years or so and the results this time have to be related to my increased in Pilates classes.
The bone mineral density in my spine shown in this recent test increased by 3.2% over the last test (in 2006) and 5.4% from my 2000 baseline. I do not have prior scores to compare, but this is over 10 years as I aged from 58 to 68 years old. The reading is considered normal, so pretty good for 68! My femur readings were barely changed from 2006, but still had increased by 1.7% from the 2000 baseline.
I began to take Pilates Mat classes in late 2000 on a regular basis and am now certified and teaching as well as doing mat and equipment classes so I cannot believe that this is all from calcium and Vitamin D ….my doctor was amazed.
Adrienne
by Leslie Braverman on April 6, 2010
Hello,
I would just like to take this opportunity to thank one of your instructors for our session today.
I have signed up for the Apprentice Intro Package and had my initial session today with Nikki.
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.
by Leslie Braverman on March 5, 2010
I see a big QUESTION MARK sitting on top of my head; Does anyone else have this visual? This idea helps me to SLOW down both my mind and body. I can proceed to an analytical mode.
1. What am I trying to accomplish and
2. What are the steps needed to get to that ultimate goal?
I will sit with my eyes closed and SEE my body MOVE into the position. In my mind I am really GOOD at using all the body mechanics and in such perfect form! Oh if only my reality was the same.
So after slowing down and closing my eyes, I begin to visualize a LIGHTBULB over my head. I start to get some light coming in and filtering down to the body where the mental awareness of my body mechanics are making better sense. The light may be dim at first but as I take it through the above process, it becomes brighter and brighter until the LIGHTBULB “POPS” into an
EXCLAMATION POINT! By George, I think I’ve got it!!!
The Exclamation Point will be challenged when I do the intermediate or advanced form of the same exercise. So my process will begin again. But that is what I love about Pilates; endless challenges.
I would also like to share my MOMENTS that I try to stay alert to throughout my day.
1. Ah-Ha Moments; that is the light bulb turning on and creating an awareness to be focused on at that moment.
2. Hurrahhh Moments (sense of ahhh in that moment); when my body really feels the ah-ha. Mind and body are working well as a team.
3. Ha-Ha Moments (I try for as many as possible); these are moments that come from the belly laugh which is a sneaky way to find and work the transversus abdominus!
4. Duh Moments; when I will gently tap the side of my temple saying “why did this take me so long”.
5. At the end of all this comes a big TA-DA Moment of pure joy. I like to throw my arms into a big “V” and look up in wonder as I say out loud “TA-DA!.
6. AHHHHHH MOMENT- A time to be quiet and release my thoughts….But just for a moment.
Scottie Johnson
