“My doctor recommended I try Pilates to rehabilitate my back after a car accident. My plan was to attend Pilates reformer sessions with Mandee for a month or two until I got the hang of it, then continue on my own or go back to my usual exercise routine. Five years later, I'm still seeing Mandee twice a week for Pilates reformer classes and aim to attend as many Pilates mat classes a week as I can! Not only do I feel better, but I'm in the best shape of my life. Mandee's care and excellent instruction of Pilates has dramatically improved my life.
Mandee was patient and attentive as we worked together to heal my back. She emphasized the principles of Pilates and used those building blocks to safely increase my strength and ease my back pain. Pilates is a perfect regimen for rehabilitation because that was its original goal. Joseph Pilates had been a sickly child and began studying and developing exercises regimens to rehabilitate himself, as well as others in an internment camp he found himself in during WWI. The reformer was a perfect piece of equipment for me after injury because standing up straight for long periods of time was challenging. Being able to lay down and still get a great workout was a game-changer!
Why have I stuck with it for five years even after I met my initial goals? After Pilates classes I feel awesome. My body feels loose yet strong. It's clear I just got a great workout, but the exercises are designed to both stretch and work the same muscle groups so you don't feel as exhausted afterwards. This, along with the focus on flexion (think a sit-up position), extension (leaning back while standing), and rotation (turning your head to check a blind spot while driving) all loosen you up and make you feel better when you leave class. How many instructors have we gone to who make us feel exhausted after our workouts with them? Or maybe we feel fine the day of, but can't work out for days after because we're too sore? Mandee is challenging, but never to the point of injury.
Growing up playing on sports teams, I never saw myself as someone who would be interested in group workout classes. Pilates satisfies that competitive drive in athletes just like playing a team sport did. I just switched from a team to an individual sport! Mandee strives to be a better instructor, regularly attending workshops and classes to perfect her craft and widen her breadth of knowledge. This keeps her workouts fresh and helps her serve her clients with special needs or injuries. She'll often return from a continuing education class and say, "I asked the instructor about your ailment and here's what they showed me!" She has formed a great community with her students. We're enthusiastic, encouraging and dedicated. She sets the tone for a healthy group dynamic that works together to stay strong, healthy, and happy.” - Jessica Russell