Testimonials

By Jessica Woodruff - February 2004

My experience with Pilates began after I sustained spinal injuries in two serious car accidents, and was left with constant tightness and pain in my back, neck, shoulders, and hips. Over a two-year period, I tried just about everything to rehabilitate myself, but was never able to completely recover and resume my previously active lifestyle. My chiropractor told me that she felt Pilates was the only thing I hadn't tried that might help me recover. I immediately began taking one-on-one sessions at Excel three times per week. Right around my 10th session I started feeling a subtle difference in my body - just like Joe Pilates said I would! I improved rapidly over the next several months; it was astonishing. More and more often, I'd realize that my back and neck didn't hurt, and that it had been days since I'd felt even slight pain.

After about six months, the focus of my sessions began to shift from rehabilitation of my injuries to increasing my strength and flexibility. Pilates became more of a workout than a form of physical therapy, and I really began to get a sense of the power of Pilates not only to heal the body and the mind, but also to condition both for optimum performance. Despite my very active past, I'm stronger now than I was before I was injured, and my strength is more useful to me in performing everyday tasks - I've learned how to use my center to support my body whether I'm carrying groceries, sitting at the computer, or riding my bike.

Perhaps the greatest benefit of Pilates that I've experienced is that the lessening of my physical pain has allowed my mind and spirit to recover, as well. I am no longer burdened by the anxiety and depression that accompanied my injuries, and I have gained an incredible amount of discipline and empowerment from my study of this amazing method. Pilates is certainly the most powerful tool I have come across for nurturing, re-educating, and challenging both the body and the mind.

Because of the profoundly positive effect that Pilates has had on my life, I recently was accepted into the Teacher Training Program at Excel so that I can learn how to share Pilates with others. With every passing day I realize how much more there is to learn, and enjoy that Pilates continually offers new rewards and challenges for both me and my students.

Thanks to all of the instructors and staff at Excel for providing such a supportive and encouraging environment in which to learn, and for sharing your enthusiasm for Pilates with me.

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