I started taking Pilates at the Pam Forth Pilates Studio two years ago and in that time have experienced a number of benefits – both physical and mental. Physically, my body shape has changed. My obliques (abdominal muscles) and leg muscles have become more defined, I've lost inches off my thighs and I've gained upper body strength. I also have much better posture. While part of my success can be attributed to my perseverance, much of it, I believe, is due to the instructors at the Studio. Their focus on proper technique means that I have reaped the maximum benefits from the exercises while at the same time keeping my body safe from injury. For years I jogged every day, took aerobics classes and worked-out with weights and never achieved these results. Another benefit is that Pilates has introduced me to my body. I am much more aware of my muscles and joints and can tell when I've slipped back into old posture habits and am able to correct them. With all these changes, my confidence and overall sense of well being has increased.
~Melissa Brisson~January 2005

As a runner and one who has been involved with a variety of team sports I wish that I had discovered pilates earlier. After only 6 months of pilates I have noticed significant improvement in my flexibility, range of motion and in my shoulder mechanics. Awareness of improving core strength and in lengthening muscles is making a difference. Taking group classes and following an individualized studio program have resulted in a more balanced approach to my fitness program.
~Mike Jordan~January 2005

I'm not a big fan of exercise classes but from the very first day at the studio I felt at ease and taken care of. The teachers at Pam Forth Pilates Studio focus on more than just Pilates. They teach you about how your body works and how you can improve yourself through increased awareness. It's a refreshing technique that has dramatically improved my health and well-being in a very short time.
~Sophie Nadeau / Pilates Beginner~January 2005

Pilates at Pam Forth Pilates Studio has been exceptional at helping to develop my sense of posture as well as my core muscles. The knowledge and specific exercises I've learned here have enabled me to continue my athletic pursuits while rehabilitating my back. Indefinitely better for the experience and would recommend it to anyone.
~Will Lusby~April 2004

The lovely Studio, the quality of teaching and the warmth of welcome are only surpassed by the integrity to the work itself. Thank you Pam, Maddy, Liz, Halona and other staff and clients for making this a great week in Ottawa. All the best for continued growth and success - you have a studio to be proud of.
~Kathy Bond~April 10/04

Three years ago I was suffering from chronic low back pain. At the end of the day, the 20 minute drive home from work was barely tolerable; flying or long trips by car were out of the question. Circuit exercises with both free weights and machines as well as massage therapy did not help. Then I decided to give Pilates a go. After a few months of supervised exercises at the Pam Forth Pilates Studio I was experiencing only sporadic back pain. The staff selected activities for my specific needs, insisted on precise technique and by perseverance, I have resolved my back problem. I have even been told that I walk a little taller these days!

A few months ago, I had major abdominal surgery. As soon as I recovered from the anaesthetics I was able to use my Pilates techniques to get my legs moving and deep breathing to keep my lungs clear. During those early bed-ridden days, lying on my back, I did my ab curls to strengthen my core. I was back to work within weeks instead of months as anticipated. I also showed up at the Studio a little earlier than expected and am now building strength and flexibility to resume my normal activities.

I am 61 and enjoy an active life which includes cross country skiing, canoeing and cycling. I am convinced that the techniques and exercises I am learning at the Pam Forth Pilates Studio will extend my active life and help alleviate those aches and pains that appear as we age.
~John Simmonds~ January 2004
 

I have been taking classes at the Studio for a year now and have nothing but praise for the thorough and body changing approach taken by the teachers. Having been involved in exercise regimes all of my life I find Pilates to be the one that makes a difference but at the same time avoids straining and injury.  I look forward to many more years of fitness at this Studio.
~Linda Loder~ February 2004

After taking your classes for 1 month I have noticed tremendous gains in the areas of pain relief as well as my posture and flattening of my abdominal region. Having suffered from lower back pain for literally years I can see that in this short period of time my future seems bright with regard to enjoying the high level of sports in which I  compete as well as participate in. I am writing this E-mail to you to encourage you to promote the gains in the areas noted above that are possible to anyone who is willing to participate in working with you.
~ David MacDonald

Since beginning Pilates in August 1999, I have noticed a tremendous difference in how I feel and look. Pilates inspires me to continue improving my fitness and health levels because it challenges my physical and mental being at the same time. After each workout I have a sense of inner happiness due to my own personal accomplishment!
~ Dorothy Malandra

I'm addicted to how your classes make me feel. Peaceful, stretched out and alive! I have a very stressful job and this really helps. Also, it has helped reduce my very stubborn fat around my abs by about an inch and a half so far! Thanks, Pam!
~ Heather Levecque

I was a prisoner in my body. My body was in charge and limiting me and since I've started coming to the Pam Forth Pilates Studio I've been taking charge! Slowly I am becoming the master of my body and it is very empowering!

At first my goal was to not end up crippled like Mum. I have her heredity and I've lost a lot of bone mass, so much so that I had to pick up my legs to merely cross them over! But as I have progressed in the work I can see that it is realistic for me to set more ambitious goals like being strong and having long lean muscles as well as having a hard body! Before I began my program with Pam I could not even imagine having these as goals; my main goal was "let's not be a cripple, let's not be all hunched over and needing someone to do things". My mum is at a point where she is not able to open a window or even a jar, and must have shrunk by a foot already. I have exactly the same bone structure as she does and my initial goal was, "oh my god I want to avoid that" - NOW - I'm having visions at 60 looking better than I looked at 30! I am already firmer than I have been in decades!

Pilates has given me an immediate sense of awareness; awareness of my posture and the realization that good posture doesn't just happen. I now also have a renewed sense of HOPE - hope for the future. Because as you get older you feel oh my god you know it's downhill from here and it doesn't have to be!
~ Louise Normandin

Since I have started taking Pilates I have seen a change in the way I move. The Method has made me more aware of my posture, especially my abdominals. The Pilates method is not only an intense and satisfying workout, but can also be applied to everyday movements. it is not the type of exercise that starts and stops at the gym."
~Sandra Abi-Aad

I'm amazed at how quickly I've been able to gain control over my muscles. It's been three months and I'm now able to master what at first seemed a distant goal.
~ Connie ten Bruggenkate

Friendly, relaxed atmosphere -- clean studio and washrooms. Classes start and end on time. Lots of individual attention: precise instructions, given knowledge about body mechanics and helpful handouts. I'm really enjoying the classes. Thanks so much!!
~ Lynn Cahill