I was at my wits’ end with injuries-old and new-from 20+ years of high impact aerobics and competitive racquetball. I felt like one big “scar tissue,” so Pilates was recommended. Little did I know that Sandy Novembre of Monarch Pilates would change my life! One elbow and five shoulder surgeries later, Sandy has all of my body parts working smoothly and pain-free. Great location, studio, equipment, music and talent!!
Marcene Baker, Santa Cruz
_________________________________________________________
I started with Sandy when she was just starting out herself. From the beginning you could tell that not only had she been well-educated in her chosen field, but she had an instinct for it as well. Anyone can take an anatomy class and know body mechanics, but to be able to really feel what a person’s body is doing and correct it that minute, amount to making the movement most beneficial. Thatis what makes her so very special. She has opened a world of awareness to me, for the way my body works best. I could not have previously believed this was possible. I feel more in control and healthier than I did when I was younger, and it is all due to Pilates with Sandy’s patient guidance.
Lynn Howerton
_________________________________________________________
Working with Sandy Novembre and Pilates for about four years has saved my life! Or at least rescued my functionality! After being diagnosed with osteoporosis it was recommended I try Pilates to see if it might be helpful. Sandy was a godsend—teaching me what was safe and unsafe in terms of movements to minimize back curvature as well as what would help me stay straight and strengthen my upper back. Having had many injuries in other parts of my body, her suggestions and exercises have helped me regain and strengthen those as well. Using her suggestions and continuing with private lessons and a mat class have helped me to be functional and happier. I say, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, Sandy!"
Joya
_________________________________________________________
In 2000, at age 49, I had a back injury (L4/L5 for those in-the-know) that ended my squash playing (I had played since age 23). Over the next three years, I tried a variety of other forms of exercise and yoga, but did not find anything that hooked me. Then, in the fall of 2003, I took a drop-in mat class with Sandy through the Cabrillo Fitness Club. I was hooked and soon was doing the drop-in classes and some DVDs that I bought.
In August 2004, I started doing Pilates 4 times a week (a private with Sandy, a mat class in a studio, and two mat workouts a week at home with DVDs). The best testimonial is this: In October 2005, I flew from SFO to DC, and then drove 2 hours to Charlottesville, VA, where I spent three days sitting in a meeting. After that meeting, I drove 10 hours to Milford, CT and got out of that car straight and without any pain.
I continue my Pilates 4 times a week in the same manner and complement it with cardio (3 or 4 times a week for 20-60 minutes) and light weights twice a week. I am in the best shape I’ve ever been in and my back, which troubled me since my first squash injury in the early 1980s, is healthy, strong, and young.
Marc Mangel
Professor, UCSC
_________________________________________________________
I was referred to Sandy after experiencing the incredible pain and initial recovery from two lower back herniated discs. That was about 18 months ago and I firmly believe that without Sandy’s instruction and coaching I would not have recovered as quickly to resume full-time surfing, sailing and an active outdoor lifestyle. She has a great studio, brand new machines and patience for those of us who don’t quite get “using the core” the first time around.
Richard West
_________________________________________________________
I am 57 years old and started Pilates, the first time, in 1998. I
liked Pilates, but as usual, with anything physical, I had an injury.
After a period for healing I would try Pilates again. Since working with Sandy, I have been injury free and able to work out and benefit my compromised body. Pilates with Sandy has been both enjoyable and beneficial as she is so skilled in finding exercises I can actually do, physical limitations and all.
AEC, professor
_________________________________________________________
My Pilates experience started with rehab, trying to focus on all the stabilizing muscles for my knees. Sandy has the ability to see the most subtle movements, understand from where they originate, how to interpret them, and to encourage or correct them.
I have always tried to pay attention to my core strength, but I had no idea how deep that really goes until I started Pilates with Sandy.
Personally I get so into focusing on the movement I can't talk with her at the same time. Pilates has helped me in my daily activity whether it's standing, walking, surfing—really everything I do—I can apply what my body has learned.
Sandy's Monarch Pilates studio has all the equipment and Sandy’s creative mind is always approaching the movement with something new.
Thanks for all your help Sandy.
David King
_________________________________________________________
Pilates has helped me in more ways than any other body work/exercise I have taken up. I began doing Pilates 4 years ago to help with my carpal tunnel. It was a recommendation from my PT. I hesitantly started, thinking, “How could my core help my hand?" My hand had gotten so bad I was using voice-activated software for my masters program, and starting to strain my voice in the process. I very quickly found out that core strengthening has everything to do with the entire body. I am currently in a job that requires lots of desk and computer time. I truly believe that the work I have done in Pilates in the last several years allows me to continue working at the fast pace that is required of me.
Pilates has also been a godsend during my pregnancy. I am now 38 weeks pregnant and the one exercise that I have been consistent with throughout, because it feels so good on my body, has been Pilates. The weight of the belly has not been cumbersome as many report. Over and over again I have heard that “you’ll be miserable in the last month,” “your body will hurt everywhere”—maybe I'm lucky, but I think it’s because I’ve been fortunate enough to integrate Pilates into my life.
Shebreh
|
