Success Stories

Why did you begin a Pilates workout?

I began pilates in 2006 to compliment my weight training and marathon training routines.

What were your top 2 or 3 goals to meet when coming to your Pilates sessions/classes?

At first I wanted Pilates to strengthen the muscles I rarely use in running, while lengthening and stretching the ones I tend to overuse, particularly the hamstrings.  However, after my marathon, I kept doing Pilates after a friend noticed that I lost inches on my waistline and a relative commented that though I still ran, my legs looked longer and less bulky. As such, I kept doing Pilates!

How has your training at Core Pilates NYC and the classical Pilates Method helped you achieve those goals?

I started at Core Pilates NYC in March 2009 and I have seen the benefits of their method.  The mat classes are challenging but at the same time not beyond my abilities to get me discouraged.  The method used at Core Pilates NYC has helped make me leaner overall and strenghtened weak muscles and made strong ones stronger.  Additionally, all the instructors bring their own styles and twists which always keeps it interesting.

How has your body/athletic performance/physical and mental health improved from Pilates?

I lost about 2 more inches on my waistline and my lower abdominal muscles are much stronger.  Additionally, I have gained upper body strength with stronger arms, more toned triceps, a more upright stance, stronger, leaner back  (pretty soon I will be giving Michelle Obama competition ), and not to mention that my legs are getting leaner. I aim to attend a minimum of 2 classes per week and usually go between 2-4 per week.  I feel much more confident about myself and my body image, which as women many of us struggle with.

THANK YOU Core Pilates NYC!

Why did you turn to Pilates for your fitness routine during your pregnancy?

I had already been doing a lot of prenatal yoga, which is great, but what was missing from those classes was a focus on the core, which I wanted to work some more, so I started looking for prenatal Pilates classes. Pilates has been part of my fitness routine for a long time now and I was hoping that I would find a class that I could take while pregnant so as to keep it up, at Core, I found just that.

I have been taking all of my prenatal classes with Jo. She is great, and really knows how to modify the exercises to make them appropriate for pregnant women. It is clear she is paying close attention while teaching as she gives individual corrections to each of us, which takes the class to a whole new level. She also makes sure that she checks in with us so she knows what issues we may be dealing with so she can help us modify our workouts as needed. I would highly recommend Jo’s classes to pregnant women in all stages of their pregnancy.

How has the prenatal Pilates offerings at Core Pilates NYC helped you?

The main thing the classes have allowed me to do is to continue to practice Pilates, which is something I didn’t want to have to give up while pregnant. Being able to continue to work on my core, in a safe manner, I feel confident that I’m not losing all of my muscle mass. I also take comfort in the fact that I am working on my transverse abs, which will help me stay strong and push during labor. I also think that, compared to other expectant mothers, I am experiencing less back pain thanks to keeping up with Pilates.

Why did you begin a Pilates workout?

I wanted a flat tummy so I went for a tummy tuck consultation. The process described (extended use of compression garments and  fatty liquid leaking from incisions) was so nasty that I abandoned that plan in a nano second. Shortly after that consultation I began to notice that everyone that I knew who had a flat tummy was ducking out of the office for Pilates training. Then my orthopedic surgeon suggested Pilates as therapy for relief of lower back pain so I found a Pilates instructor and have been an aficionado ever since.

What were your top 2 or 3 goals to meet when coming to your Pilates sessions/classes?

Tummy toning & spinal correction.

How has your training at Core Pilates NYC and the classical Pilates Method helped you achieve those goals?

I’ve become keenly aware of and in tune with my entire physicality.

How has your body/athletic performance/physical and mental health improved from Pilates?

My posture and carriage have improved tremendously; I rarely experience lower back discomfort; and the fact that Pilates training tones the entire body with a wide variety of exercises insures that every session is an adventure, offering new treats.

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I can’t believe how healthy, youthful and trim I look and feel thanks to Pilates!

Anything else to add?

The fact that Sarah Elliott has engineered a program for my sessions to suit my age and special needs is nothing short of spectacular…..bordering on miraculous!

PS: I’d been doing Pilates on a “Catch as catch can” basis for 2 or 3 years before coming to the CPNYC studio. Instructor #1 (who was wonderful) moved to Brooklyn; #2 had no patience with me; #3 (who was wonderful) moved to CA; #4 spent the entire 1st session (which was the last) attempting to correct my prone position; and then Angela Storkman told me about CPNYC and life was wonderful again!

Why did you begin a Pilates workout?

Because my post baby body desperately lacked core strength

What were your top 3 goals to meet when coming to your Pilates sessions/classes?

To get sore, to feel taller, and to feel zen after a good toning workout

How has your training at Core Pilates NYC and the classical Pilates Method helped you achieve those goals?

The teachers are so expert they make the hardest moves seem blissfully accomplished. And the atmosphere allowed me to work hard but most of all relieve stress while sculpting my body.

How has your body/athletic performance/physical and mental health improved from Pilates?

Even with a lot of yoga it’s nice to understand where you can improve and where you may be hiding weaknesses. Being very flexible, Pilates helps me identify where I need to get strong so I don’t exploit my flexibility. Mentally Pilates is such a thinking woman’s exercise that it offers my mind stimulation but also relaxation. I do feel more centered when I spend time in a Pilates studio concentrating on my spine. In yoga we say the spine is the brain and it’s also true of Pilates.

Plus it’s simply refreshing to work out on the machines during classes or sessions in a controlled thoughtful way. I love how it allows me to articulate movement more elegantly.

Any weight loss? Noticeable strength difference? Physical differences?

My core is weak and pilates isolates the abdominal sections I need to work. My posture is better and my gait is more even. I feel longer and leaner but most importantly stronger and slighted. And it must be said head to toe healthier plus mentally refreshed. Pilates is a satisfying workout you get cut and calm and that’s what I’m after.

Why did you begin a Pilates workout?

I started taking Pilates sessions and classes because I needed a stretch and strengthening routine to balance out my distance running.  Before Pilates, my back would ache once I hit the 8 mile mark.  After doing Pilates and strengthening my core, I no longer had issues with my back during my long runs.   I got pregnant last year and moved into prenatal Pilates because I wanted to maintain my core strength throughout my pregnancy.  It really helped keep me stay in shape and to feel great all the way up to delivery. Moreover, I did not suffer from backaches or other typical pregnancy related back issues!

What were your top 2 or 3 goals to meet when coming to your Pilates sessions/classes?

My goal with Pilates and prenatal Pilates is to stretch and strengthen my core, improve my balance and enjoy a challenging workout.

How has your training at Core Pilates NYC and the classical Pilates Method helped you achieve those goals?

The instructors at Core Pilates NYC are awesome.  They really look to make sure that you are doing each move and position correctly.  I feel like I get a great workout with Pilates. Even small movements are incredibly challenging when done correctly.  I’m much stronger and balanced than I have ever been before.

How has your body/athletic performance/physical and mental health improved from Pilates?

YES!!! I feel great, my running improved, and I became much leaner in my core.   With prenatal Pilates, I felt awesome and was able to schlep around the city all the way up to the day I gave birth.

Any weight loss? Noticeable strength difference? Physical differences?

Yes, I am much stronger!  I’m so glad that I did prenatal Pilates because I recovered from a C-section in no time at all – as a matter of fact, I walked home from the hospital because I was strong enough to do so thanks to my Pilates work.  Plus, now that I have had the baby, I am still in great shape – the baby weight came off pretty quickly.

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I can’t believe how balanced and great I feel thanks to Pilates.

Anything else to add?

Thanks for keeping me in great shape and being such awesome instructors!  You guys are the best!

Why did you begin a Pilates workout?

To tone up and slim down for work

How long have you been doing Pilates?

3 times a week for just over a year. I do 1 private session, 1 tower and 1 mat class a week and like how all of them are different but work together to target all areas of the body.

What were your top goals to meet when coming to your Pilates sessions/classes?

To tone up and also to work on improving movement in my back because I have a really bad back that used to be very stiff.

How has your training at Core Pilates NYC  helped you achieve those goals?

Through Pilates I have seen a tremendous difference in my back. I rarely have pain now and have noticed that I am more flexible. As well I have lost weight, turned fat into muscle and become much leaner.

How has your body/athletic performance/physical and mental health improved from Pilates?

Physically I have seen a great change in the way my body looks and feels. As well I feel better because I am not in as much pain from my back anymore.

Any weight loss? Noticeable strength difference? Physical
differences?

I lost a lot of weight by doing Pilates and some cardio on my off days. My body has totally changed and I feel stronger and healthier now.

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I can’t believe how great I look and feel thanks to Pilates.

Anything else?

I definitely recommend Core Pilates NYC and their top notch instructors to anyone wanting to tone up and lose weight.