Energize Studios - Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pilates right for me?
These days of sitting in the car, sitting at a desk at work, sitting at home – many people have evolved into slouching, poor-postured weakened individuals with decreased control over their core, spine mobilization and flexibility. There is a mind-body symmetry that comes from the strengthening exercises involved with Pilates. After a short while doing Pilates you will find yourself standing taller, moving more smoothly and with increased coordination, and with better balance than you had before you started your Pilates workout. One way to think about a Pilates workout is to think of yourself as a tree. With traditional gym workouts, you will exercise your extremities, your limbs. A Pilates workout will work your trunk - the core, or base, of everything else your body needs the most.

Pilates is not a bulk-building exercise. It is a strengthening, lengthening exercise which will lead to more flexibility. Flexible muscles are strong muscles, and a strong core will carry you far into your future. As we get older and lose muscle mass, our bodies need the strength and flexibility to help us stay healthy and avoid some age-related injuries. Your shape will shift or redistribute, but you are not likely to build bulky muscles with Pilates exercises.

When Pilates was first introduced to the United States, it was taught to boxers and dancers – people who very often had back, hip and knee issues. Working with the machines at Energize Studios will be more likely to help those with limiting joint and back issues than mat pilates.

It is important to realize, however, that no one exercise is right for everyone, and if you have specific joint or back issues, you should talk to your doctor before beginning a Pilates workout regimen. Also, it is important to make sure your instructor knows of any limitations you might have, so that they can offer alternative exercises to help you strengthen your body and not stress or damage it worse.

Why should I take Pilates at Energize Studios?
Energize Studios has the newest 2010 model equipment, including Pilates reformers with towers, jumpboards and Pilates chairs. Facilities are located in a bright, open setting with beautiful views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Classes are available several hours throughout the day for maximum convenience. Clients at Energize Studios are not merely clients, but friends, as you will see once you enter this exciting, uplifting studio. Experienced instructors with years of teaching and various certifications are available to help you figure out a workout that will aid you in achieving your goals.

Testimonials
"In 1996 I wrecked a motorcycle up in the mountains, resulting in broken bones, loss of much of a major tendon and long-lasting nerve damage. Following the accident, I didn't rehab my leg properly and used it as an excuse to become sedentary and not work out. Shortly into the new century I decided to try to get back in shape, but nothing would work for my knee. Everything hurt and just made the situation worse. Then I discovered Pilates, which was the first thing that helped my mobility. In 2007 I committed myself to a renewed focus on fitness and started taking Pilates classes 2x a week. When my instructor left the area in 2008, I started taking classes with Kelly. I could not believe how quickly my body found itself being challenged and strengthened. Within 2 months I was realizing a huge difference in flexibility and what I could do with my knee and my ab strength. I can honestly say that I have never taken classes with anyone whom I felt did more good for me than Kelly. She challenges me in a fun way that makes me want to push myself to excel. She is amazingly inspirational and energetic, and she truly cares about her clients ... her friends. I would challenge anyone to take Kelly's Pilates class at least 2x a week for a month and not feel stronger and better for it. As far as I'm concerned, she has changed my life and my outlook towards being healthier ... and happier!" – Kippy, age 40+

“Energize Studios has the best Pilates in town. Kelly really knows her stuff and mixes it up so every class is something new. I've never had the core strength I have now after doing Pilates every week with Kelly.” – Wendi, age 40+

“In November 2011 we moved 2 Weight Watchers meetings to Energize. After meeting Kelly I did a free trial Pilates workout with her, feeling it was a positive way to regain my strength. In September I had abdominal surgery, and was very weak. Since starting Pilates I am feeling much stronger. I have always struggled with low back pain and in the last 2 months I have noticed my back is much stronger. I am enjoying riding my horses again! This last month I started doing row with her and I am addicted! I need some friends to join my team so we can compete. I have also lost inches from my back, hips and legs. Energize is a very special place. Give yourself the gift of exercise there.” – Judy Spivey, Weigh Watcher Leader

“I have been going to pilates, and have gotten the results that I have been looking for in approximately 6 months. I really enjoy the small classes and hands-on training that I have received. It is a great workout for any age or body type.” – Jody, age 50+

“I started coming to Energize Studios 3 months ago to work on getting back in shape after losing weight. Kelly is wonderful....extremely knowledgeable, straight forward and very personable. I started doing Pilates 2 days a week the first month and am now up to 5 days a week. Kelly challenges me with each session and I appreciate that. I feel stronger and in much better shape than I was 3 months ago. The best part....I look forward every time to going....it's like therapy for the mind & body! Kelly has taught me what an exceptional form of exercise Pilates is. ” – Ann Marie, age 45

“As a more mature woman, I needed someone to make me feel better about not exercising for years. Kelly gave me the very personal attention I needed to start a program I hope to continue for the rest of my life. I sleep better, I feel better about myself and I am having a great time with the small personally designed classes.” – Mary, age 50+

"I am 63 years old. Since I started taking Pilate classes at Energize Studios with Kelly as my instructor, I have felt much better both physically and mentally. I feel good about myself in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. I feel nurtured and catered to while under her guidance. She’s tough and she pulls things out of me I didn’t know I had. She challenges me to be strong and persevere through our workouts even with my lower back problems and a torn meniscus on my right knee. My lower back problems are 95% gone and I’m able to get a great workout with my knee without further injuring it.

My husband, who is 69 years old, now attends the classes with me and each week I see him progressing and hurting less as he gets out from a chair or walks around. She’s building his core strength like she’s built mine and I look forward to the day that we’ll both be “hot bodies”…. His lack of core strength has intervened with our last two vacations, because he just hadn’t had the strength and stamina to enjoy himself, while I felt like the “Energizer Bunny Rabbit”… I want that for him and through Pilates, he’ll get there.

Pilates isn’t a choice for us, it’s a requirement if we want the kind of life that will bring us many years of joy and fulfillment. Thank you, Kelly, for being our personal guardian angel and being there for us." – Margie Stoneman