Jay B.
I have enjoyed my introduction to Pilates at SAP. Besides attractive, enthusiastic teachers and free parking downtown, I have found that they are open to questions and very supportive as I coax my saggy body thru the routines. At first, I was trying too hard and I got discouraged in the last ten minutes of each class. Now I have learned most of the fundamental versions of most exercises, so I do fewer reps than the rest of the class. I am beginning to feel that my core is stronger than when I started. The various packages of private and group lessons make a commitment of a few months affordable and their expiration date is an incentive to get my money’s worth. I am glad that I began working with this studio.
Will R.
Dear Fellow Earth Men,
Pilates will get you dates with beautiful women. Why, you ask? Because Pilates (which was started by a dude) helps you to understand the logical system of how our bodies move. Once you begin to become more aware and sensitive of how body works you will make wiser choices that display your new-found more sensual and less vulgar understanding of the body. You will use brute force less and become more confident. Women will recognize your sophisticated understanding and begin approaching you. This is because women are smarter than men and already know these things. So man up and do Pilates!
Wick C.
Here are the physical changes I noticed by practicing Pilates:
• Core: From “I didn’t know what the core is” to significant, useful strength, endurance and flexibility from pelvic floor to thoracic spine. (Imagine the possibilities!)
• Flexibility: From “Yeah, I’ll stretch first” to working on flexibility and core strength at every session.
• Upper body – from mush to noticeable definition. (Not enough to warrant emailing pictures to women I don’t know, but enough to feel good about privately.)
• Weak right shoulder (due to injury and surgical repair) – now significantly stronger and more flexible.
• Balance (on one leg): from not good to somewhat better and getting better.
• Breathing: easier, more relaxed even under stress provided I have it together enough to use the additional strength and flexibility in my diaphragm and lungs.
Here are the mental changes I noticed:
• I am now sure there is a mind – body connection
• Feeling of calm power sometimes
Reasons enjoy coming to the Studio:
• SAP teachers: Superb. Pilates is an interactive process (especially with private or semi-private lessons) between student and teacher. The SAP teachers are very well trained, observant, give excellent cues, listen to the students who have questions and offer thoughtful responses. The teachers are smart and inspiring and adapt well to the needs of different students.
• Fellow SAP students: Interesting, friendly, non-competitive–I’ve met some very cool people.
• Studio space: beautiful, an oasis for me (also convenient to one of the places I work: The Bourse)
• I always look forward to going to Pilates and always feel energized afterwards.
• I’ve not once been bored. There is a great variety of exercises and stretching for flexibility.
Other:
Through Pilates I’ve come to better understand the connection between dance and sport–for me tennis especially. I’ve also learned a bit about dance and have come to appreciate dance as an amazing – actually mind-blowing – combination of skill, strength, creativity, balance, emotion, resilience and intelligence. As a result of practicing Pilates for about three years I’ve come to realize, through experience, that movement is one of the keys to mental, physical and emotional health. Pilates is a way – and may well be the best way – to build a foundation that makes efficient, enjoyable movement possible on a daily basis.
