Instructor Highlight - Claire

Words of Inspiration from SFP instructor Claire on her eye opening experience! 

“Teaching Pilates has been even more special than I could have imagined. Working with the human body is an intimate experience that not only gives so much insight into one’s physical well-being, but also the mental and emotional well-being. In this short time I’ve seen clients who have come to SFP in hopes to make physical changes to their body, but have seen them transform incredibly on the inside as well. More energy, more self-compassion, more focus, more confidence and better sleep are just a few side effects that happen internally from a Pilates practice. To be a part of and witness these transformations is such a gift! 

I’ve always believed that your overall physical health is very closely tied to your emotional health; it is hard to have one without the other. Watching clients get to know their bodies during our sessions is so gratifying, but seeing them take that knowledge and information into their daily lives is even more special. One of my clients once said, ‘the world would be a better place if everyone did Pilates’ and I couldn’t agree more.”

Client Spotlight - Monica

Meet Rockstar Mama, Monica! Working with Lena over the last two years has helped strengthen her core after 3 childbirths, relieving her from sacroiliac pain and re-establish her pelvic floor power!  Her pelvic instability was leading to muscular imbalances throughout her body, and then she was diagnosed with a lateral and medial meniscus tear in her right knee. After a successful surgery, pre and post-pilates rehabilitation, she's on her feet again cheering on her kids during soccer and skiing is in full force back on her snowboard this season. Way to go Monica! We're thrilled to see you jumping into your many fun life adventures with the family!

Client Spotlight - Suramya

San Francisco Pilates instructor Claire Zimmer began classes with our client of the month Suramya last fall, to overcome joint pain and to jump start a new health regimen. Claire notes, " she had pain in her knee and shoulder as well as postural issues from working in front of a computer all day long. Since beginning pilates, Suramya's overall strength, flexibility and balance have increased tremendously. Not only is she now pain free, Suramya is completely addicted to her Pilates practice! Working with Suramya has been extremely gratifying; her endless positivity and dedication to a healthier lifestyle is incredibly inspiring as an instructor." In Suramya's own words, "Once you start you cannot stop. The benefits are tremendous and it never gets monotonous. There is always something new to learn and a new challenge to aspire to." We are so proud of the progress you've made thus far Suramya and hope to continue the journey through 2019!

New Instructor - Sue Free

Meet Sue! Our newest trainer at SFPilates. Sue has been doing Pilates for more than 20 years. She started her training to recover from shoulder injuries and has been hooked ever since. She currently works with swimmers, runners, rowers and triathletes as well as seniors looking to improve strength and balance while avoiding injury. As a pre-summer special you can book 2 privates with Sue for $150. Let her demonstrate how the power of Pilates can help enhance your sports performance at any level. Book her today!
 

Client Spotlight - Andrew

We want to highlight the amazing transformation of Andrew. He started with Lena after trying almost everything to help with his back pain and leg numbness, which was due to spinal stenosis and herniated discs. Because of Pilates with Lena, he no longer needs to undergo surgery!

This is his story in his own words:

"By the time I actually started pilates, I was up to the point where I could barely stand longer than 2 mins and walking anything more than a city block was incredibly painful. At the time of dealing with all of this pain, my wife was also pregnant with our daughter...  As of today, I'm proud to say after four months of working with Lena - my body has done a complete turn around. I admit I still have occasional cases of numbness however it is nowhere near the level of intensity and pain prior. My mobility and range of motion have increased tremendously. Even up to the point where I surprise myself everyday.  [Also,] I couldn't express in words what pilates has done for my mentality. Body Trauma is exhausting and depressing. Not being able to accomplish day to day ordinary tasks like going grocery shopping can make one feel hopeless.  Being pain and numb free have a been a huge positive milestone for me. Being able to pick up my daughter pain free has been something I couldn't have imagined 10 months ago."

We are so proud of your hard work Drew and can't wait to continue on the journey to health with you!

Client Spotlight - Lucy

Meet Lucy! She has been working with Junko Sodeyama for 13 years, and never misses a session unless she is on vacation. Her doctor recommended that she start Pilates as part of her rehab efforts with an ulnar nerve problem. She has osteoporosis, and her poor posture was leading to falls and rib, back, knee, and feet issues.

Here is her story about how Pilates has changed her life: “As a result of doing and continuing to do Pilates, my body has become stronger and I am walking taller. I also do not use my hands while walking on the treadmill. The other day I was walking from the SF bus terminal to work. With my new posture standing tall, I was just observing everything around me. I realized that I had missed taking a right turn to get to my office. I started laughing at myself because I’m seeing things in a whole new light since I’m taller. I love this new me. Pilates has helped me physically and emotionally... If you are contemplating on changing the way you look and feel with your body, you should definitely try Pilates. No amount of money can buy health. It is well worth the investment. From the bottom of my heart, thank you Junko for your caring, gentle, loving support. I wouldn’t be where I am without you. As the song goes, “It’s a whole new world” for me.”

We love having you in our space, Lucy! You are such an inspiration to all of us at SF Pilates.

Client Spotlight - Leslie

“I truly feel that my body is so different now than when I started. I feel so much stronger in my core. Also, having guidelines for better posture and body carriage in my day to day life has helped too.The trainers have all been exceptional in cultivating a program to meet my needs. They have shown such care that it really keeps me coming back! “ - Leslie

Leslie curiosity drew her to a Pilates program in 2015. At the time she was dealing with constant back pain that she couldn’t resolve through other means. After committing to a regular equipment-based pilates program she has improved posture, a stronger core and enjoys her frequent hikes through nature pain free. We are thrilled to be a part of your growth Leslie and are in awe of your achievements in the studio. You look great! Xo, SFP team

New Instructor - Amelia Bonvento

Amelia Bonvento - San Francisco Pilates

We are happy to introduce Amelia Bonvento!  Amelia has been Polestar and PMA certified since 2015, and holds a BFA in Dance from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University.

Get to know Amelia with a new Instructor Special. Book 2 privates for $160 (that's $40 in savings) Amelia has openings on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. 

Debbie Lai on her Prenatal Pilates Practice

"Pilates saved me during my pregnancy and was hugely influential during my labor and delivery.  I suffered from a lot of joint instability, especially in my pelvis during my second trimester and on.  Working by myself and with my teachers helped me to function again.  I used my breath and my prenatal Pilates practice to train my mind to be calm during labor, and was surprised at how familiar the "pushing" stage of labor was to my body because of the preparation I had done beforehand.  A specialized prenatal Pilates program doesn't just help you 'stay in shape'  during pregnancy-- it helps your body deal with the incredible changes that come with nurturing a baby and prepares you for the process of bringing that new life into the world."  

-Debbie Lai

Client Testimonial - Ayumi Suzuki

As a massage therapist, I often see misalignment all day...working with Lena Koenig from SF Pilates made we aware of the misalignment in my own body.  The body has muscle memory which is quite strong.  There are many muscles in the body which are "lazy". We need to work on first feeling the muscle in the bpdy, then to "learn" how to use the muscle. The stronger muscles want to take over...

If you think of the "Check engine light" going on in your car, you end of taking it in to the mechanic (or not and a bigger mechanic bill later...) If not, the consequence being your car will break down and stop working.

What if my misalignment, if left unchecked, might become a future hip ir knee replacement. or arthritis...so I now work on fixing the misalignment now.  an investment in my future self, so to speak.

And the acupuncture I am receiving from Dr Winnie Chin is amazing!! I have grown up and lived most of my life, feeling healthy not knowing that my feeling of "well"-which I never understood as sick because I had never actually felt WELL before.  I have more range of motion in my neck-as if I have a new neck. 

I also understand that "issues" are in your tissues is a true statement.  The Pilates and acupuncture,  feels like it is helping to release old wounds and old buried stuff is brought back out for reflection, for attention and for letting go,

The journey in wellness continues...

Ayumi

Show your support for Instructor Olivia Eng

Olivia Eng, a wonderful person, beautiful performer, and talented Pilates instructor.

Olivia will be undergoing a surgery to fix a birth defect in her spine.  She is funding the surgical procedure through a fundraiser where you can buy her handmade jewelry online...

"Life has decided to hand me lemons again so I decided to make...jewelry...to help me with the costs of an extensive surgery I need to have in mid-December with a team of doctors in San Diego." 

For more information... read her story, visit her page, and donate here:  https://www.youcaring.com/olivia-eng-465446

Thank you for all of your support!

Amy Races for Cancer research!

Congrats to Amy for conquering the 2015 Komen San Francisco Bay Area Cure Race sunday!  She thanks our community for our generosity of spirit and commitment to the fight against breast cancer, enabling Komen to fund vital research, outreach and awareness programs right here in SF, bringing us another step closer to a world without breast cancer!

Congratulations to Junko for launching AMRITA Pilates!

AMRITA Pilates mission is to assist clients with injuries or health issues through the various stages of the recovery process. It helps them return to their daily activities or favorite sports, using Pilates-based therapeutic exercises. To book a post-rehab session with Junko please inquire here and pass the word along to anyone you know who needs a little more healing in their life...

New Instructors Summer Discount!

We are thrlled to bring on board two very talented new instructors at San Francisco Pilates. Please welcome Amy Terhar and Debbie Lai!   Amy has recently completed a Balanced Body repertoire and excited to be SFP's newest apprentice.  Debbie is a recent transplant from NYC who brings her yoga and classical Pilates expertise to our studio. In celebration of their new arrival, we are giving away an immediate $50 rebate on 2 privates booked with Amy and Debbie through the month of August. Take advantage of this now before their schedules fill up!

Debbie Lai

Amy Terhar

Congratulations to Amy who conquered the AVON39 Walk to End Breast Cancer

Congratulations to Amy who conquered the AVON39 Walk to End Breast Cancer last weekend! She walked 39.3 miles and raised $2100 to help with breast cancer research and community in honor of her aunt who was diagnosed in December 2014 and who is now cancer free! 

Instructor Olivia Eng Returns from Panama Trip with Movement Exchange!

"Hey beautiful people!

I wanted to thank each and every one of you soooo much for donating and helping me to go on my service trip with Movement Exchange to Panama! It was an incredible, refreshing, and fulfilling experience like no other and is something I strive to continue doing! Thank you so much for your generosity and spirit and for giving me the chance to give back to the community!

Peace, Love, and Strength"

OLI 

Wed. 4/15 @ 5pm CR 1185- Free mat class for Flood Tenants!

Come take a moment for yourself!  If you are a Flood Tenant, please join us for a free group Mat class  this Wednesday in conference room 1185 at 5pm.  All levels are welcome!    Hope to see you there!

Recovery Through Pilates: The Anne Carey Story

Despite a multitude of challenges she has faced, Ann continues to stand up a bit taller and stronger with every Pilates session under her belt! An unfortunate car accident in 2010, in which she was struck by a car on her left side, resulting in a broken ankle and foot on her right side, began to cause many alignment and gait issues over the years. She began to experience hip, leg and back pain eventually leading to a diagnosis of spinal stenosis (a narrowing of spaces in the spine) and bursitis (deep inflammation at the joint) in her hip. When Ann discovered this diagnosis, she began practicing Pilates with instructor, Olivia Eng. At the start of her programming, there were many positions that were simply too uncomfortable to even be in to complete the exercises. After a year and a half of discipline in the studio, she can now sit, lie, and stand in any position and do advanced exercises requiring complex movements and increased resistance (including a Standing Splits on the reformer!). Her Pilates practice has also proved helpful in keeping her circulation flowing smoothly as she has an autoimmune condition/Raynaud’s disease that affects her circulation most prominently to her hands and feet. Despite these challenges, Ann continues to show up to her Pilates sessions with a positive, hopeful and cheerful demeanor. With her discipline and dedication to pilates training in the studio and at home on her own, she is well on her way to regaining her strength and ability to perform daily tasks without pain!

When Ann isn’t in the Pilates studio, she can be found tending to her two lovely cats Wicca and Adso, reading one of Jane Austen’s or Diana Galbaldon's Outlander novels, and grooving to the inspiration of George Gershwin and Patrick Ball. We are proud of your hard work, dedication and positivity Ann! You are an inspiration to all of us here at SF Pilates, keep it up!