Testimonials
"I’ve never been an exerciser. I sailed through my childhood swimming, bike riding, skating, all the things kids used to do. That fitness, along with a naturally quick metabolism, let me coast through my twenties and the birth of my first baby. Things started slowing down a bit in my thirties; I had another baby and was diagnosed with thyroid disease. Full on denial hit me at about 36, and the weight and lack of fitness started to catch up with me. I tried to pick up different regimens, tried yoga and loved it but couldn’t fit it in the schedule with a small child, walked when the mood hit me, flailed around to too many DVDs to count, and had a very short foray into running. None of those things appealed to me or kept me interested. I figured I wasn’t an exerciser. I started playing tennis in the winter of 2008 and fell in love with the game. However, it wasn’t enough. I tried a Pilates class with Amy last fall and the light bulb went on. I loved it from the beginning. When I heard she was starting a Boot Camp with Pilates and Zumba, I jumped on it even though I was very unsure about my ability to keep up. From the very first class I have been energized, excited and enthusiastic. Almost immediately I saw a difference in my body shape, my endurance and my attitude. My husband commented about 5 weeks into the first boot camp that it seemed I had finally found something to “get my ass out of bed in the mornings”. I think he meant that lovingly…
The classes are a challenge, but not so much of a challenge that you feel like a failure. The ladies in my class, as well as Amy, Cheryl and Debbie have formed a wonderful bond of support and encouragement. I look forward to class every week; even when I hear Debbie say “let’s kick it up this week”. I’m amazed at the changes in my body and my energy level.
If you think you can’t do it, believe me, you can. Do this for yourself. Every part of your life will benefit from the work you will do. If I can do it and love it, then you can too!" - Julia Jessee
"I have had three major lower back surgeries and lost all strength in my lower back. After attending Pilates classes at Centered it has made a huge difference in my lower back muscles. They are strengthing and are starting to "show". My husband stated that he has not seen those muscles in a lot of years. Pilates has worked wonders on my strength and posture. I even notice a difference in how I sit when driving. I no longer sit slumped over. Every woman, man, and child should try it! It truly conditions the body and mind." - Nora Johnson
"I loved being pregnant with my first child Emma and after the first trimester of morning sickness, migraines and ridiculous hormonal shifts from tears to rage was over, my husband also loved my pregnancy. Thanks to Amy, with the complete blessing of my ob-gyn, I started pre-natal pilates training at the close of my first trimester. Ultimately, pre-natal pilates was such an integral part of my pregnancy, that my last class was right before I checked into the hospital to have my daughter. I credit pre-natal pilates with keeping my body in reasonable "shape", but, more importantly, I credit Amy for teaching me to remain connected with my body as it changed over the course of my pregnancy. Through pilates, Amy also enabled me to have a sense of growing strength and grace throughout my pregnancy. These skills not only helped maintain my actual physical balance during pregnancy, but also helped cultivate a better understanding of the new balance of being a wife, a mother and a lawyer. During all the stages of my labor, I utilized pilates breathing techniques, I called upon the strength and grace that Amy fostered and in the final stage of labor, I did a lot of bridging... a lot of bridging. The skills that Amy cultivated through pre-natal pilates ultimately enabled me to find clarity during labor that allowed me to remain focused on my husband, my ob-gyn’s instructions and ultimately our daughter. I started back to pilates 6 weeks after I had Emma. As with my experience with pre-natal pilates, the time I spend in the studio each week allows me to connect with my body and continues to make me a stronger, healthier, leaner, and more focused mother, wife, lawyer and woman. My thighs just hurt a little more now." - Rachael Cipoletti
CENTERED'S First Baby, Emma Cipoletti, at 6 mos.
"A year after giving birth to two children in two years and working full time, I found myself with two toddlers, 30 pounds overweight and extremely out of shape. It was so bad that my mother actually purchased a pair of jeans for me and cut the tag out, so I would not see what size I had become. To say the least, I have never enjoyed exercising. I started pilates with Amy at the end of December, 2007. I loved the calmness and strength I would find at each session. I loved it so much that I started going twice a week shortly thereafter.
I truly look forward to each and every session with Amy, and I have noticed major changes in my body. I actually wore my "skinny jeans" that I had not been able to wear since 2005 out in public by May and my husband bought me a bikini for Mother’s Day this year!! My sister was so impressed with my abs that she had to start attending sessions.
Pilates is the only time during my hectic schedule that I focus on me and me alone. It has returned to me an inner peace that I was missing for a few years." - Sara Frame
"At 49 years old I had almost given up on my goal of toned arms and a flat mid section. Pilates has changed all that. I have been taking classes from Amy for seven months now, and I highly recommend her innovative teaching style. Her energy and enthusiasm seem to be contagious as she coaches me to perform my exercises properly and cheers me on to meet my fitness goals.
Like so many busy working mothers ... it is tough making time for yourself, but I never miss my sessions. Although I am a work in progress, I am thrilled with the results of my labors. Pilates has created a much more energetic and happier me!" - Dee Smith
"A direct benefit of taking Pilates with Amy has been the improvement in my golf game. Through seven months of Pilates, I have increased my strength, control, balance and overall awareness of how my body generates energy to produce a shot. Harnessing these elements is a challenge and Pilates has led me to a clearer understanding of my body and golf.
The power of a golf swing is generated in the core. I am learning how to 'turn on' my core, unleashing more power and importantly, maintaining control. I am hitting drives farther and more consistently. Overall, my scores have been dropping due to better control and flexibility. In fact, just yesterday I shot my lowest score...ever.
Thank you Amy for how you teach Pilates in such an enjoyable and practical way. "
- Brad White
