What our Clients Say

I am a woman in my fifties who started Pilates classes a couple of years ago, and have found myself becoming stronger, more flexible, and more aware of the muscles in body. I almost laugh when I look back to those first days of trying only to stay on the mat while "rolling like a ball." Now I do that exercise along with many others, with the proper breathing, and focus on core muscles that allow for the most benefits. With proper instruction, I believe there are only benefits from an exercise program involving Pilates.

Tom Floyd’s expertise in Pilates is essential to the successful program at Pilates Connections. He is able to gauge our abilities and adapt the exercises appropriately. Along with that, he varies the mat work to "keep things interesting" and to offer us new challenges when needed. His quiet reminders and encouragement during classes also enable us to work up to our potential.

I had heard of Pilates before I started taking the classes, but didn’t really know too much about it. Now I find myself encouraging friends and family to try it out as I hope they too will discover its positive effects. With that encouragement, however, I also emphasize the importance of a good teacher. The benefits I’ve had, I attribute to Tom Floyd’s excellent instruction at Pilates Connections. My positive experience has gone way beyond the expectations I had in those beginning days while trying just to stay on the mat.

Before I started, I heard that Joseph Pilates said "You will feel better in 10 sessions, look better in 20 sessions, and have a completely new body in 30 sessions." I have to admit that I didn't really believe it. But it's true! After only one month, I could see my posture improving, my neck was strengthening and no longer hurt all the time, and my shoulder had regained some of the lost mobility. I've been doing pilates for 6 months now. I stand a full inch taller than when I started because my posture is so much better.

In pilates, you only need to do a few of each exercise, and every movement counts. This makes it easier for me to work hard, because I know I can keep the effort up for those few repetitions. Some of the exercises require a little bit of coordination and balance, both of which I lack. Attempting them is entertaining, and it is very rewarding when I finally do manage to do them.

The instructors at Pilates Connections are excellent, encouraging you to work hard, but safely. Just when I get into a groove and get complacent, the instructor mixes it up and throws in some exercise I've never done before.

I would highly recommend pilates to anyone interested in improving their health.

So far, I have lost 30 pounds in the 6 months that I have been in Pilates training. But the real testimonial is that I feel so much better going about my daily life. My energy level has increased dramatically and life is just so much more pleasant, feeling the way I do now. I have strength in my step and a smile on my face that attests to the way I feel. I no longer grimace in pain as I move about nor have to massage my back after bending over to tie my shoes. When I go to bed at night, I sleep better, because I have less pain in my joints and my muscles are relaxed.

Certainly, there are times when I have muscles that feel a little sore, but now that soreness is from the stretching and flexing through exercise rather than that pain caused by a muscle that has been injured because I was out of shape. It’s a soreness that puts a smile on my face because I know that I have been doing something good for myself that will really pay off. I’m getting back into shape, and it feels good!

Tom Floyd is a skilled and patient teacher who challenges each participant to their individual limit. Pilates Connections has helped me to develop greater strength and stamina, which has carried over to all areas of my daily life.