For me, Pilates has become more than just a weekly workout. I find that I use the principles of this method when I’m going about my everyday activities.

Pilates has also had a significant impact on my past injures. For example, I was recently talking with a friend who has trouble with her hip. The symptoms sounded similar to bursitis, which I had several years ago. I mentioned how Pilates exercises facilitated the healing process, got the blood flowing in that area again, and allowed it to become more fluid. Once that happened, adding more advanced routines into my sessions strengthened and developed the weak areas that support the pelvis, allowing me to regain full range of motion with no residual evidence of bursitis!

I first encountered the Pilates Method, via Laura Burdo, years ago, when I had a serious concern with my neck. I had a herniated disc, 6 bone spurs and a mild case of spinal stenosis. Although, I may have some limitations for the rest of my life, Pilates has lengthened, and once again, strengthened the injured area and surrounding muscles.

Crediting coaching and my trained awareness, I now not only know what I can’t do, but what I can, and more!

Pilates is not my only form of exercise. I lift weights twice a week and do cardio too. I find that I incorporate the Pilates principles into other workouts all the time, as this helps insure greater control and injury-prevention.

THE main reason I love Pilates is because of my teacher, Laura Burdo. She is a gifted practitioner because she truly espouses Joe’s philosophies and holds true to his practices. She has such passion for her clients. It is expressed through her desire for them to excel, gain confidence and love their bodies – in whatever condition that may be.

Laura is compassionate, yet challenging, and has a gift that she shares religiously. I guess you could say, for me, she is the “core” of it all.

Pilates, and it’s principles have greatly improved my quality of life. I was born with Spina Bifida, a birth defect that left me with significant neurological and muscular challenges. I’ve been working with Laura Burdo for over 5 years, and every week I discover new ways of applying the core principles of Pilates to help me overcome my challenges. This is due to Laura’s incredible knowledge of the human body, and how it ultimately functions at its best.

From my first session, Laura was able to assess my specific issues, while listening intently to what it was that brought me to her in the first place (my doctor had recommended Pilates to help support the demands upon my body and mind.) Then together, we determined short and long-term goals to achieve.

Laura works passionately to help her clients reach their goals. She is amazing at figuring out goals for her clients that they have never even imagined that they could reach -and then she makes you, as her client, believe fully in your ability to reach those goals! Bottom-line, I would highly recommend Laura and the Pilates Method to anyone who seeks a high level of life.

“What I love about Laura is her ability to challenge me. Her personality, humor, and knowledge of not only Pilates, but of medicine and the body, make her an outstanding leader!”