yoga ~ flexibility and balance
Fortune was on my side when I found Rachel’s yoga class! As a little old lady I realize the importance of flexibility and balance. Rachel challenges and encourages me. I can’t wait to get to her classes!
– Nancy Jones
pilates ~ building core strength
I’ve got a couple of blown discs, probably from years of gymnastics and throwing myself against the ground as a soccer goalie. Although I really love yoga, when I was doing just yoga I still experienced regular bouts of severe back pain that would land me in bed dosed up on muscle relaxants.
I’m thrilled to say that since beginning pilates (maybe 3 years ago now?), I haven’t had anywhere near the same level of difficulty. I get stiff and sore when I spend too much time hunched over in the garden and such, but my body is stronger and I can work through it. Pilates focuses a great deal on building core strength and maintaining proper spinal alignment. The exercises are usually done on either a mat or with a “reformer” (a machine loaded with pulleys, springs, and straps for resistance, leverage, etc.).
Rachel usually offers the first session free of charge so you can see what all the hoopla is about. I do semi-private, which means I work out with one other person; the cost per person for semi-private is $25 for the hour. It’s kinda pricey relative to other exercise options, but I justify it by the fact I am highly unlikely to cancel the standing appointment (e.g., the “I’m too busy to get to the gym today” excuse) and I know it is a good form of preventative medicine.
– Deb M.
body loves pilates
For my seventy-fifth birthday, I gave myself pilates classes. That gift has proven that you can teach an old dog new tricks. My body loves pilates!
– Dee Cole
yoga ~ pain completely disappeared
“I have been practicing yoga for approximately six years. It is very rewarding to be a member of Rachel’s class, and I am extremely grateful. I have always exercised, and besides yoga I participate in pilates and aerobic fitness. The reason I started yoga was because I started having radiating pain down one of my legs which I believe was a form of sciatica. After taking a few yoga classes the pain completely disappeared. I will be 82 years old in March and continue to have excellent health and lead an active life.”
– Jane B.
pilates ~ feeling so much better
“I started pilates to help with my posture and figure, and of course, because I am getting older, my balance. When I started with Rachel I was totally a mess and uncoordinated. Thanks to her help I have moved up and can do things I thought I could never do. I am feeling so much better and my posture has improved so much too! Thanks to Rachel for all her patience and help!”
– Nancy Sperling