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March 2016 Client of the Month: Marc D.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 04:19:25 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I have been suffering from chronic back pain for most of my adulthood. After trying chiropractic care and physical therapy, my back doctor suggested I give Pilates a try.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
It has only been 10 months but I went from practicing Pilates once a week to three times a week now!

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
Pilates has really helped me control my back pain but I now also really enjoy the workout as well as the studio. It allows me to counter the negative effects of having a desk job and sometimes having to work long hours. I try to spread the word about the benefits of Pilates whenever I can!

How has Pilates effected your life?
Pilates has truly changed my life. I haven't visited my back doctor for the past 10 months and Pilates has greatly increased my body awareness. It is truly a therapeutic workout for me with many other benefits!

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
I love the basic back extension because it feels great!

February 2016 Client of the Month: Daina K.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 04:18:14 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
As a cyclist, I'd been reading about strengthening the core to stay strong on the bike. Pilates was mentioned as an alternative to a basic club fitness class. I saw Amy's studio, met Amy and gave it a try. Loved Pilates, Amy and her studio from the first session.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
Since 2003. I remember the chiropractic office space and that Caetano (Amy’s son) was an infant when I began. So, 13 years?

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
Pilates helps me FEEL strong and resilient. I was working as a ski instructor in 2007 when I had low back, herniated disk issues. Through PT and Pilates, I rehabbed my back. It feels better than ever now. If I skip, I begin to feel flabby and I much prefer strong and resilient.

How has Pilates effected your life?
I've made friends through Pilates and I've brought friends to Pilates. In addition to helping me stay strong "in body and on the bike," the instructors at Pilates Denver Studio have helped me feel strong in life, building selfconfidence which recently helped me triumph over a cancer diagnosis. The connections with people through my Pilates connections have created an invaluable support network.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
Short Spine Massage because it feels so good!

January 2016 Client of the Month: Jessica S.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 04:17:05 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I was looking for an excercise program that could help me maintain my flexibility and strengthen my core. When Debra Kogut mentioned Pilates, I knew I found the workout that fits me.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
It will be 10 months on January 17th!

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
The things that keep me going are the exercises that are still challenging to me. It gets me excited when I see an actual progress when I am able to do some of the exercises that I was not able to do in the beginning.

How has Pilates effected your life?
Pilates has helped me feel stronger; I am more physically active and that makes me a happier person. Just ask my husband and my kids!

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
I love the Roll Over. I am still not perfect at it but each time I do the Roll Over, it massages my back and I love the feel of having more control over my body the more I practice.

December 2015 Client of the Month: Mary A.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 04:15:35 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
Some years ago I was living in Boulder and working full time in Denver leaving me with little time to stay in shape. A friend encouraged me to consider Pilates. So glad she did.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
On and off for 20 years. Mostly on.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
I truly think Pilates keeps my body strong, agile and more comfortable. The exercises push me to use my body well, thus minimizing the effects of aging and osteoarthritis.

How has Pilates effected your life?
I have had two knee and two hip replacements. I prepared for the surgeries with Pilates; and, as soon as possible, resumed Pilates. Pilates was a blessing.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
Do love that figure four stretch. Hmmmm!

December 2015 Client of the Month: Jarred T.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 04:14:28 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
My wife Bernadine was working here as a Massage Therapist at the time. I was having back pain from working, and she thought it would help. So I started working with Monica and I've been working out ever since.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
Six years.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
After a car accident in 2010, I needed to rehab my back, shoulder, and ankles. Pilates helped me heal all of those things. Now, it just makes me feel better overall.

How has Pilates effected your life?
I'm now more flexible than I was twenty years ago. My back and ankles are healed and stronger than they have been. My weekly appointments with Suzie keep my back free from pain.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
I don't know that I have a favorite exercise. When Suzie isn't turning me into a pretzel, I guess I enjoy working with that exercise working with the gondola pole and balance. It has really helped tremendously. (or just overall stretching.)

November 2015 Client of the Month: Taylor D.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 04:13:07 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I felt like I needed to increase my flexibility and wanted to work on my core strength.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
I have been practicing Pilates for a little over a year now.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
I feel like I have a better sense of all my muscle groups since starting Pilates. My flexibility has definitely improvedthis has really impacted my ability to run without pain. I also feel my overall level of fitness has increased.

How has Pilates effected your life?
It has improved my flexibility, my balance, and I think it will have a longlasting impact on my general health.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
Tough question. Leg/Hip work on the Reformer. It creates a range of motion that equipment in a standard gym could not replicate.

November 2015 Client of the Month: Jennifer A.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 04:12:08 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I was intrigued about building core strength. Throughout my youth I studied ballet and Pilates offered a similar level of body muscle and alignment awareness.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
Almost 11 years ago!!!

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
I began taking classes because I wanted to build strength and flexibility. I continue with Pilates practice to retain the strength and flexibility that I have. I enjoy walking and doing other weight- bearing/cardio exercise but Pilates engages muscles and helps me maintain correct alignment in ways that those other forms of exercise do not. I know no matter how tired or tight I feel when I walk into class, I will feel significantly better when I leave. I also enjoy the instructors and people I have met in the classes at Pilates Denver which serves as a critical social element that gets me to class on Monday mornings!

How has Pilates effected your life?
I credit my Pilates experience for a successful recovery from hip surgery in 2013 to repair a torn labrum. I also hear Amy1s voice in my head in my daily life reminding me to engage correct muscles and to check my alignment! Pilates is a fully integrated part of my life.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
I enjoy the exercises that provide great opportunities to stretch and any that include back extension.

October 2015 Client of the Month: Jonathan L.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 04:10:54 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
My wife has been doing Pilates for about 15 years and after teasing her about it for most of our marriage, I tried it and figured out that the reformer is a pretty cool device that appealed to my mechanical nature. After a few sessions with Jean, I was hooked!

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
I've only been doing Pilates for a few months, really; actually 9 months!

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
It's a great way to start my morning and it's nice to challenge myself with more difficult exercises and with a variety of instructors. Plus, it's fun to see Jean every Tuesday. She's cool.

How has Pilates effected your life?
It's given me something to look forward to a couple mornings during the week. I've got a bit of structure and something that I have to plan for.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
I'm a big fan of the roll down. I love it because it's the start and the finish to the session; sort of a gauge of how I'm doing. I start out all stiff and miserable and when I'm done I feel the benefits of the past hour. There are days when I really wish I could have stayed in bed, but after that final roll down I can feel that I've accomplished something that a lot of people miss out on. I'm heading to work feeling relaxed while others are stiff and bitter.

October 2015 Client of the Month: Dotty B.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 04:03:56 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
Back surgery. I was advised by a physical therapist that Pilates would be beneficial for me.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
Since August, 2012

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
I believe it is good for my health and well being.

How has Pilates effected your life?
It keeps me strong and flexible as much as I can be and it helps me regulate my blood sugar.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
Side Stretch on the Wunda Chair. I just like the stretch it gives me! ☺

September 2015 Client of the Month: Ned K.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 04:02:13 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
A spinning instructor I enjoyed suggested it would be a great complement to the aerobic exercise I was doing.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
At least 10 years

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
To balance my aerobic exercise activity with much needed strength and flexibility work.

How has Pilates effected your life?
It's an enjoyable break and stress reducer in my day that allows me to change focus from a mental intensity to a physical one.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
Pikes on the chair. I could never do a handstand as a kid and these feel like I sort of can. They are challenging and involve upper body strength, core strength and balance.

September 2015 Client of the Month: Barby S.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:55:38 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
Several Things: I had never really strengthened my core after having 3 csections. I also have scoliosis and was starting to have some lower back pain. Pilates was highly recommended by my doctor.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
10 years

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
My desire to continue having good posture as I get older and my desire to keep my body flexible. Also, remembering to put on the “tight girdle” when walking and sitting helps to improve and support my lower back compression and alleviate the pain.

How has Pilates effected your life?
I had a total knee replacement last year. The physical therapists told me that I had a faster and more successful recovery because I had been taking Pilates and that my body was in much better shape.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?

The Half Plank/modified Front Support – because it makes my back feel good through the core strength and support it requires
The Elephant – because it stretches my back out and elongates my spine

August 2015 Client of the Month: Trisha C.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:54:01 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
Jeff started Pilates and then invited me to join him. I thought it would be a good addition to my fitness routine.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
I started Pilates in 2004 after Jeff had done some private instruction and was ready for classes.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
I have continued Pilates because I enjoy the classes and I feel it has helped my physical fitness. Jeff and I enjoy doing Pilates together.

How has Pilates effected your life?
I think Pilates has helped to ward off the slouching and shrinking that comes with osteoporosis.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
I enjoy the Leg Work, Upstretch and Elephant on the reformer as it provides great stretching and strengthening. The jumpboard on the Reformer is also a favorite. I love that because it is such a great workout.

August 2015 Client of the Month: Jeff C.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:49:44 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I was having what seemed like waytooearly onset of various issues due to lower back pain caused by arthritis (degenerative disc). I didn't really know what Pilates was, but I was interested to see if it would help me to get some flexibility and strength back.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
I started with private instruction with Amy back in 2004 at her studio in the bank building.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
I believe that it is a very critical part of the regimen that I follow to deal with my lower back issues. By strengthening my core muscles (& remembering to use those rather than my back muscles), I can continue to be active and do the other activities (swimming, walking, etc.) to try to stay fit.

How has Pilates effected your life?
It is something that Trisha and I do together; we both have realized the health benefits and it was part of our Saturday morning routine for years. We have met a lot of nice people, clients and instructors; you can't discount that. We aren't going to go out and climb mountains, but feeling good allows us to be active and do the other things that we enjoy.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
Honestly, I think it would be the rolldown (when I can do it). It feels great and every time that I do manage to get all the way down and back up, I feel a little victory over the people that told me that one should never lean over and touch your toes because it was so bad for your back.

July 2015 Client of the Month: Carol S.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:48:25 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates? How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
I began Pilates when it was probably in its infancy stage, 22 years ago. I worked with a girl trained in the method developed by Joseph Pilates in her apt. that expanded to a studio as awareness grew! At first, I was unsure about it, until I became hooked! It grew on me. Then the compliments starting coming in when people asked why my stomach was so flat (for someone my age). I always credited Pilates with that (those 100's)!!

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice? How has Pilates effected your life?
I need Pilates in my life because I am not a flexible person, I have extremely tight muscles and ligaments. Pilates helps prevent back pain and stiffness. If I miss a few weeks, then I am reminded of how important Pilates is for maintenance! (like keeping a bicycle wheel oiled)!

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
I like all the exercises in Pilates equally but I have to admit the stretching, warm up and cool down by the instructor at the beginning and end is the best!! Suzie is so good about understanding my body and what my body needs. All the instructors I have had at Pilates Denver (Amy K, Hannah, are great). Pilates will always be a part of my life and I am excited that I convinced my husband to start. So many men (especially athletes) don't realize or are just beginning to realize the role Pilates plays in strengthening the core and therefore preventing back issues. However, once they do, they are hooked because they feel the results!

July 2015 Client of the Month: Bob L.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:46:19 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I just decided I needed to get into better shape. I had read that the military has started using Pilates to build core strength so I figured that was a pretty good recommendation.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
I started five years ago but took an 18 month break for financial reasons which I now regret because it's been tough starting over.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
Well I'm almost 70, and I plan on living another 30 years, so I want to do my best to stay in reasonable shape.

How has Pilates effected your life?
I think it has helped a lot to enable me to keep physically active while many people my age are struggling. I just finished shoveling 9 cubic yards of wood chips for my yard, and other than being a little tired, I'm feeling no pain!

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
Well, as an architect, I enjoy trying to make perfect “Leg Circles” on the Reformer! :) (I call my Reformer classes "Reform School !")

June 2015 Client of the Month: Jason F.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:44:49 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I began Pilates as another extension of my desire to become healthier. As an avid golfer also knew that Pilates would help my overall game.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
2 years

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
Overall health, continue focus on strengthening my core and staying limber as I get older. It also benefits my golf game.

How has Pilates effected your life?
It has allowed me to become stronger and more limber. Overall Pilates gives me the confidence that as I get older I can still be able to go pretty hard at the golf ball and know that my core is strong as well as having the foundation to protect me.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
Child's Pose, because I knew it would make Hannah laugh and it allows me to give her a shout out. In all seriousness, I don't know if I have a favorite, I just know I like the benefit of all the exercises within my hour session and love the way my body feels when my session is over.

June 2015 Client of the Month: Ellen F.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:43:37 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I was diagnosed borderline osteoporosis and I needed a new exercise routine to help strengthen my core and muscles which in turn would help my bones. I wanted something that was not too stressful on my body. I was recommended to try Pilates and I have loved it ever since! I am happy to say that I have reversed my bone loss.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
I have been doing Pilates for almost 3 1⁄2 years.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
I have continued doing Pilates for the health benefits to my body and also my mind. If I have had a stressful day both physically and mentally, Pilates helps stretch out my body and relax my mind.

How has Pilates effected your life?
Pilates has helped to relax both my body and mind. Also, I am now able to do activities that were harder for me to three years ago. I can now do things that require strength which Pilates has given me.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
My favorite Pilates exercise is the Short Spine Massage. It feels so good to stretch the muscles of my back. I feel that I stand taller and that my posture looks better. I also like the Full Pike on the wunda chair because I couldn’t do it at first, but now I feel that I have mastered it!

May 2015 Client of the Month: Bonnie F.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:42:24 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I am an avid cyclist and I wanted to strengthen my core as a way to increase my power and endurance on the bike.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
I began practicing Pilates 4 years ago

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
After several months of group lessons, I went on a bike trip to Spain and fractured my pelvis and sacrum after a fall. I returned to Pilates after after six weeks and started to recover some strength and mobility. I believe that without Pilates and regular massages with Bernadine, my recovery would have been much slower and less complete.

How has Pilates effected your life?
I enjoy doing Pilates because I want to be as functional and flexible as I age and it continues to positively effect my life.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
My favorite Pilates exercise is the Short Spine because it gives me a good hamstring stretch and stretch for my lower back. I also like the stretches on the barrel and the full lunge on the reformer. As a cyclist, I spend a lot of time hunched over on my bike, so I think the Pulling Straps is a very good exercise for me as well.

May 2015 Client of the Month: Art B.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:41:19 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
a. Good friends who spoke so highly of Denver Pilates quality of instruction and its positive results
b. Finding an effective and sustaining way to get my cranky knees, neck and pesky posture back in order.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
It will be 2 years in August.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
a. Feeling stronger, taller and more conscious of my body.
b. Being able to enhance and wellsustain my active physical activities.

How has Pilates effected your life?
a. Becoming more aware of my posture, breathing and everyday movements allows, more and more, for the opportunity of a conscious connection between my body, thoughts and feelings.
b. Experiencing more flexibility, strength and balance provides a certain sense of confidence and capability.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
The Hundred. It has a real sense of accomplishment and it is a challenge to be able to experience the core strength this exercise requires – to try to stabilize the elements involved, including coordinated breathing.

April 2015 Client of the Month: Seth W.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:35:52 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
My wife starting practicing Pilates 15 years ago and kept encouraging me to try it because of my recurring back problems and super tight hamstrings.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
8 years

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
I really feel that it helps with functional fitness, and has significantly improved my lower back strength, flexibility and core.

How has Pilates effected your life?
It’s helped me become stronger, more flexible, and it has given me the confidence to do things I love to do outdoors without worrying about my back.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
The “Long Stretch” because I feel like this exercise brings a variety of exercises into one and it is very challenging for me.

April 2015 Client of the Month: Lynn K.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:34:47 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I have arthritis and back problems. I knew that I needed to strengthen my core and just get more exercise overall, and I knew that something low impact would be best for me.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
I have been doing Pilates for 5 and a half years at this point.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
I have seen an overall improvement in my physical condition and I do not want to go back to where I was before. I feel like Pilates is an activity that I can continue into my senior years. I love it so much I bought my own Reformer.

How has Pilates effected your life?
I used to throw my back out every couple of months and would spend time and money at the chiropractor trying to get the pain to stop to the point where I could just function properly. Now, I only do that every couple of years and my recovery is much faster.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
I think I like footwork and hip work the most. My two weakest areas are my knees and hips/back, so these exercises give me the most benefit I think. Although from a visible result, arm work rules!

March 2015 Client of the Month: Leslie E.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:33:29 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I was looking for an exercise regime that included weight bearing exercise, toning, and an emphasis on abs. I think I first heard of Pilates from reading magazine and news articles about various celebrities who swore by it. So I thought I would give it a try. I started working with Amy de Sa when she first moved to Denver and we really clicked.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
Almost 15 years ago. I started working with Amy then, and she has been teaching me ever since. She is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic. She keeps me challenged and interested.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
Bottom line is it makes me feel great ‐ body and mind. I like the way my body looks and feels when it is strong and toned. I now understand that as we get older it is of ultimate importance to work on strength, flexibility, balance, posture. I know that I can continue to practice Pilates for the rest of my life.

How has Pilates effected your life?
I have found a body conditioning program that I love. I am much stronger, toned, and flexible. I gained a new appreciation for my body and the amazing things it can do. I gained confidence. I grew to love pilates so much that I took my practice and study to the next level by taking program ‐ even though I have a more than full time job.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
I love so many of them it is hard to pick a favorite. I feel a major sense of accomplishment doing hanging back. Sometimes Amy adds pull ups which I could never even dream of doing before Pilates gave me adequate upper body strength. I have also dabbled in trying some inversions which are big fun (but should never be attempted without professional instruction ‐ and are not sanctioned by BASI).

March 2015 Client of the Month: Hecky H.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:31:28 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I am very active playing ice hockey, golf, hiking and fly fishing. Pilates reduces injuries to my body and keeps me flexible. This allows me to perform at a higher level.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
In April it will be 9 years with Amy!

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
Pilates helps me reduce stress. After every session I thank Amy for the way I feel. Stress relief is important to me due to running two companies. In addition, I am looking forward to having a healthy and active life as I grow old gracefully!

How has Pilates effected your life?
Pilates has been a blessing to my mind and my body! I truly believe it has allowed me to stay healthy, active and enhance a positive relationship with my spouse and children. It allows me to live the life I choose to live! Thank You Amy De Sa!!!!!!

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
My favorite exercise is the Hundred because it focuses on my abdominals. My core development has been a key factor in my health and active lifestyle. I also have to say I love a good Push Through it focuses on my lower back, shoulders, abdominals and stretching my hamstrings. Love, Love, my Pilates guru Amy De Sa! I am very grateful for your expertise and teaching you are my favorite reason to do Pilates!

February 2015 Client of the Month: Paul L.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:29:26 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I first began Pilates because I was experiencing back pain. I am an active person, hiking, skiing and, most important to me, cycling. I wanted to do what was necessary to improve my conditioning and to help get rid of annoying low back pain. I read that Pilates could help. Unfortunately, my initial experience wasn’t great and I quit for a time before my wife, Ruth, gave me an introductory package to Pilates Denver as a gift.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
My first experience with Pilates was 8 ‐ 10 years ago but I didn’t find that it helped much so I quit (I attended a different studio at the time). About 2 – 2 1/2 years ago (or was it longer than that), my wife, Ruth, gave me a gift of an introductory package at Pilates Denver. The experience was totally different. I found that in short order I was experiencing much less back pain and generally felt better.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
I found almost immediately that Pilates as taught by Pilates Denver was helping me with the sports activities I like, especially cycling. I rode better, felt stronger. Subsequently, I have had to have back surgery for a herniated disc. Pilates has complemented the physical therapy I was prescribed and I credit Pilates with getting me back into cycling and skiing. I joke that I am addicted, but it is true, I am. When I am unable to participate on a regular basis, I feel it.

How has Pilates effected your life?
I credit Pilates with both improved general conditioning and more recently with accelerating my recovery from a herniated disc and subsequent spine surgery. As I mentioned, I am addicted. I can tell when I haven’t been able to participate in Pilates at the studio, even though I try to do exercises at home on a daily basis. I credit Suzie (and others at Pilates Denver) with enabling me to maintain a very active life.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
I can’t really name an exercise which I would call a favorite. I do hate quadricep stretches, however, though Suzie assures me that I need to do them.

February 2015 Client of the Month: Amy U.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:28:09 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I wanted to improve my health and lose weight. I was searching for exercise that was challenging and restorative.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
Five Years

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
Practicing Pilates has made me stronger and healthier. My body’s increased strength and flexibility improves every area of my life. Suzie and Hannah’s encouragement and coaching keep me coming back to push myself, even on those days when I’m worn out.

How has Pilates effected your life?
Pilates has given me strength and confidence. Confidence that I can master things I didn’t possible and confidence to keep challenging myself.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
The Full Pike. It was scary and seemed impossible when I first tried it. Now, I feel a sense of achievement each time I practice it.

January 2015 Client of the Month: Bruce M.

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:26:24 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
Pilates training was first suggested to me by my health care provider at the Denver VA. I had only heard about Pilates before then, but knew very little about it. I had been suffering from severe low back pain for about twenty‐five years after injuring my L5/S1 vertebrae while in the U.S. Navy. I’ve always enjoyed endurance sports, such as running and cycling. My low back pain progressed to the sciatic nerve in my left leg and numbness in my foot. I passed the studio every day when it was located on Orchard Rd, next door to my office building. I stopped running after completing the Denver 1⁄2 Marathon in 2006, but it still took me a few years before I took a leap of faith and walked into the studio in April 2010.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
I’ve been training for almost five years.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
I was desperate to find a solution to my low back pain, especially, when a surgeon told me that he did not recommend that I have surgery. My only option was to develop a pain management strategy. I love the people at Pilates Denver. The staff is great and really dedicated to their work and clients. I train at the studio twice a week. This has helped by continue my active lifestyle and avoid further injury to my back.

How has Pilates effected your life?
The discipline of Pilates training teaches one the benefit of approaching goals in a positive and effective manner. This spills over into other areas in one’s life, such as career, endurance sports, and just living a healthy life. These benefits include:

Patience ‐ Understanding oneself and body. In whatever you do, you must start from where you realistically are, rather than where you imagine yourself to be.
Mindfulness ‐ Learning how to focus your efforts in a deliberate way and not just going through the motions.
Consistency ‐ Learning and performing the right techniques and performing them to the best of your ability every time.

I have observed much in our American culture – especially as a man ‐ that reinforces and rewards the attitude that winning, achieving the goal at all costs in most important. Through Pilates I have learned that the journey, the process is just as, if not more important than the destination or goal.

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
I really like the spinal articulation exercises, such as short spine and long spine on the reformer. I also like the full tower exercise because they really help relieve back pain. I also love working on the Wunda Chair and the Cadillac. These exercises have challenged me boosted my confidence in my ability to do the more advanced training.

January 2015 Client of the Month: Beth C

Thu, 10 Mar 2016 03:23:09 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
I first learned about Pilates more than 25 years ago. I was intrigued by the idea of exercising in a way that emphasized flexibility and alignment and could be continued no matter what your age. Unfortunately, the only Pilates studios in Los Angeles at that time were located impractically far away and it was not until I moved to Denver years later that I was able to try it out.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
I have been doing Pilates for about fifteen years now. Yes, I should be better at it than I am! You could say that is one of the great things about Pilates, that there is always another level. You never "conquer it" and get bored.

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
I am operating under the idea that if you never quit doing something you won't lose that skill no matter how old you get. So far it seems to be working. Also the alignment and core work keeps me "in tune" so I have far fewer little aches and pains in my problem areas of back, hips and shoulders.

How has Pilates effected your life?
One word ‐ alignment. Pilates is my own personal tuneup ‐ I leave classstraighter which allows joints to work like they were intended to so you don't build up compensations that eventually become limiting and/or painful. Pilates allows me to do pretty much anything I want to. The workouts keep me strong and fit enough to travel extensively ‐ to take long plane rides, carry backpacks and luggage, to walk all day long on cobblestones and to enjoy it all. Or to spend the entire day curled up reading a book and still be able to stand at the end!

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
Well, not the hundred! I think my favorites are the ones where you roll up and down your spine and feel it open up ‐ cat stretch or semi‐circle. And, of course, the final roll down where you feel all the progress you made that day.

That is always good.

December 2014 Client of the Month: Val S.

eric@bootstrapwebsites.com (Eric Evenstad) — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 15:14:02 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?

I went to a running camp and they had a demo of Pilates mat work for core strengthening. I was always interested in core work, being a runner, but didn’t think much about it until I had foot surgery and was non-weight bearing for 12 weeks. My massage therapist knew Amy was opening her practice in a chiropractor’s office about a mile from my home. I showed up to my first session in a hot pink cast. Mainly I needed a form of exercise that I could get to on crutches.

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?

Since May, 2001

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?

The main reasons are for strength and for cross training for my running and cycling. I am not a fan of traditional gyms because I need someone making sure that my form is correct, to avoid further injury. I’ve met a lot of my best friends through my Pilates practice and I can usually find a studio anywhere I travel. Another reason I love Pilates is that it gives me an hour to let go of everything and focus on small accomplishments. It helps my brain as much as my body.

How has Pilates effected your life?

I’m addicted. Seriously, it has become a part of my lifestyle, just like my family, friends, running and work. I am fortunate in that my instructors have all been exceptional professionals who love teaching and making sure the movements are right for my body. Pilates is always evolving. My practice started on a classical foundation with Amy when she was teaching the method and approach developed by Joseph Pilates and continued through Romana Kryzanowska and then her training evolved to BASI Pilates. I’ve also trained under instructors with a Kathy Grant heritage. I really enjoy the BASI Pilates approach because it fits my body best. This method in particular has helped me balance the strength between my left/right and front/back. As I’ve aged, and moved into longer running distances, my lower spine becomes more of a concern. Pilates has allowed me to continue my passion with running. It addresses every single part of my body from the feet to the head. Also, my mom started doing Pilates in her 70’s and continued well into her late 80’s. She never moved like an old person. That is my goal. I want to be doing this the rest of my life. Plus, it calms me down, and I know that my husband appreciates when my emotional intensity is balanced too

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?

I have a love/hate relationship with the “Teaser”. It took me years to master it on the mat and on the reformer. It’s a balance of timing, strength and control. Some days I’m tired and it’s not going to happen without a modification. When I do perform it without correction, it’s a great sense of accomplishment! It’s something that requires other exercises as a warm up, reminding me that I need to slow down and be patient. It’s a gauge of where my body is on any given day.

December 2014 Clients of the Month: Sam P. & Zoni P.

eric@bootstrapwebsites.com (Eric Evenstad) — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 17:35:23 GMT

What prompted you to begin Pilates?
Sam:
My friend Paul had been practicing Pilates for quite a while and he had been wanting me to start for many years. Finally I went to the studio and observed a session of his with Amy and signed up. I have been practicing since!

Zoni:
Sam referred me!

How many years have you been practicing Pilates?
Sam and Zoni:
10 Years

What are some of the most influential or important reasons you continue with your Pilates practice?
Sam and Zoni:
Our Pilates Instructor, Amy de Sa

How has Pilates effected your life?
Sam:
Pilates has kept me feeling more mobile and flexible, stronger in my core, legs and arms and it has helped me with balance

Zoni:
Pilates has helped my back and my hip and it has kept me out of surgery I feel so much stronger from continuing with Pilates

What is your favorite Pilates exercise? and why?
Sam:
Breathing (the exercise!)
It helps me feel lengthened and strong and it is an exercise on the Cadillac

Zoni:
Bottom Exercise (on the Cadillac)
It helps my back and hip feel better