Pilates Seattle International » Testimonials

Standing Tall Despite the Diagonsis

Beth Brooks — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:21:58 +0000

Last year I was diagnosed with sciolosis and three compressed vertebrae. To alleviate back pain, my doctor prescribed an anti-inflammatory medication and told me to go home and learn to live with my condition. Surgery could be a possibility in the future. I refused to accept this diagonsis and decided to try Pilates on the recommendation of a doctor-friend. A year of regular Pilates practice has made my back almost pain-free, altered my posture, and allowed me to remain fit when I originally thought I would become inactive. Thank you, Liesbeth and Lauren!

- Kathy Croonrad

Lesley Hazleton: “I feel like a teenager”

cmeffie — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 21:36:48 +0000

I may not be the best advertisement for Pilates. Whenever I’m asked what it’s like, I say “A mix of ballet, yoga and the Spanish Inquisition.” The image of the Inquisition torture racks might account for some of the strange looks I get.

My body is a good advertisment, though. Twelve years ago — yes, twelve! — I hobbled into the studio for physical therapy, just a few days after my back had gone out yet again.

“What do you hope for from Pilates?” Lori asked me.

“Never to find myself paralyzed and in agony on the floor again,” I said.

That’s why I began Pilates. What made me stay was the fact that it keeps me interested. This, as several men in my life can attest, is not easy. Each time I think I’ve “got” Pilates, I seem to find yet another level. The simplest exercises may become the most challenging. The most complex can become suddenly easy. Ones that felt pointless snap into muscular place.

Now I’m finding I’m literally in better shape in my 60s than I was 20 years ago. And when the sweat’s pouring off me and I’m scooping like crazy, and muscles I could swear I never had allow me to do things I never imagined, I feel like a teenager just beginning to explore her body!

- Lesley Hazleton, author of the book After the Prophet: the Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam

Surf’s Up

Beth Brooks — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:05:41 +0000

Pilates has been a great fitness program and has greatly enhanced my ability to surf. The key benefits from my Pilates practice are better balance, core strength, stronger muscles, endurance and better body awareness.
I have been practicing Pilates for over five years and have successfully rehabilitated my back and knees. I find that I am rarely sore after a day of vigorous surfing or exercise. I plan to keep surfing for life and move more smoothly through world with Pilates.
- John Patrick Ward, Age 60, Surfer & Waterman

Sachiko Got Me Swimming Again

Beth Brooks — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:34:04 +0000

This is many months late, but I wanted to add my praise and gratitude for the help and physical therapy I did earlier this year with Sachiko Glass. She is exceptional! She has helped me heal and strengthen several times over the years following accidents or injuries.

This last time, after I had another herniated disk (coupled with my overall 58 year old wreck of a body), with her careful and thoughtful guidance and program design I was able to regain strength and become mostly pain free. Her help allowed me to participate in a trip of a lifetime to the Galapagos Islands which included hiking and snorkeling (fairly rigorous).I think she is absolutely wonderful — as are your other staff with which I’ve worked (Ginny and Dan).

I have recommended them and your firm to many folks and to a number of doctors. I found out that my spine docter, Dr. Chris Standaert, was already aware of Sachiko’s great reputation. Again, thanks!

- Leslie Sacha

Length, Strength & Strong Bones!

Beth Brooks — Sat, 15 Mar 2008 01:15:47 +0000

Because I have a family history of osteoporosis and will be turning 60 next year, my doctor encouraged me to have a bone density scan. The results were great! I am informed that I not only have the spine density of a 30-year-old, but my height has not changed in over 30 years! I truly believe that Pilates has had a lot to do with that length and strength. Regular Pilates practice is a huge contributor to my well-being.

- Bea Palesi

Stay Connected Even After You Graduate

Beth Brooks — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:45:50 +0000

The Teacher Training Program at PSI is the best! It’s structured to give you the most comprehensive Pilates training program possible so that you have a solid foundation from which to build upon when you finish. All the teacher trainers and teachers here are knowlegeable and have a range of experience from which you can draw upon and benefit from if you have questions.

They foster an environment that is genuinely supportive even after you graduate from the program. You can always contact them if you have questions about an exercise or just to keep informed about current Pilates news. You leave the program with the confidence of knowing you can teach clients in a safe and effective manner, yet with the comfort of knowing they will always be there as a resource for you if you should ever need it.

- Ky Tan

Inside Job

Beth Brooks — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 06:28:34 +0000

“Pilates has fulfilled a life-long wish to be able to find straighter posture from the inside.

“True Pilates offers a great method. At Pilates Seattle International there are some gifted teachers who bring the method to greater heights.”

- Rosalyn Raule

Pain and Cane Free in Six Months

Beth Brooks — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 06:25:48 +0000

“When I started taking Pilates, I was walking with a cane. For two-plus years, I was adapting to knee arthritis pain by moving with more and more dysfunction. After six months of Pilates, I can move freely and without pain for the most part. I no longer take regular pain medication. I’ve gained freedom of motion and strength in my entire body. I’ve learned lots about how my body works and how to make the pieces work together. My friends are noticing the difference in how I look and move. I feel at least ten years younger!”

- Tina Nan

Joy in Moving

Beth Brooks — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 06:21:30 +0000

“I’ve done aerobics and weight lifting, been a runner and bicyclist but nothing else has done for me what Pilates does. I look better and I’m stronger and more graceful than I’ve ever been. My posture is better – I no longer have trouble with my neck or back. There’s a wonderful joy in moving, even just getting out of a car or walking across a room.”

- Anne Herman, Photographer

Use Your Body Safely

Beth Brooks — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 06:19:13 +0000

“Pilates exercise restores my energy and continues to build my confidence in using my body safely.

Whether it’s hiking up a mountain or just getting in and out of my car.”

- Mary Turner, Artist