This picture of me on Mt. Mansfield says so much. Without you, Lilia, there's absolutely NO WAY I would've completed that hike with my husband, Andy. Mt. Mansfield has been a very treasured place for Andy and me for many years. When I was incapacitated by last year's attempt, I was SO sad. The idea that I'd never be able to do it again was devastating. However, it is because of you and Pilates that I was able to utilize completely different muscles -- physically and spiritually -- to get to the top of the mountain. Thank you, Lilia. This has meant the world to me and Andy, too. You are such a gift to us.
— Stephanie W. Holzman VMD
There is a palpable difference in my "wellness" when I don't do at least three Pilates classes a week. It is really the glue that holds me together in so many ways — body, mind, and spirit. My pain level has been reduced, even at the worst of times, like during this heat wave, and every month I get more of my body back. I see it as a constant for the rest of my life. It is ideal for me in so many ways, and the subtleties keep challenging me to go deeper, to observe myself and my responses in ever-greater detail. Being in a class with others and working together has healed the wounding of the isolation that is one of the most damaging things about Lyme disease.
Lilia, I want you to know that you are on my "Gratitude List," morning and night (Yes, even on the days I could barely drag my nauseated self out the door!). As I was struggling with some of the worst of the Lyme, I asked the Universe for a Pilates teacher and classes I could take, and you manifested! Your teaching and classes have given me back a quality of life that was becoming more and more a distant memory. As the Seneca say, "Thank you for being."
— Reverend Claire Longtin North
I am a fifteen year breast cancer survivor. I live in New York, but we have a second home on Bromley Mountain. This summer I decided to try Pilates at Lilia's studio. It is absolutely the best thing I have ever done for myself! Lilia is helping me regain the upper arm strength that I lost 15 years prior. I am strengthening my core, which in turn relieves my lower back pain. For 55 minutes, Lilia gives me her undivided attention, correcting any mistakes in my form and she does it with kindness and humor. I leave much more flexible and come away feeling wonderfully invigorated and alive. I have become a total Pilates convert! She even helped me find a good studio in NY so that I can continue what I am learning here. If you only have time for one hour of exercise, spending it with Lilia is the best thing that you can do for yourself!
— Carri Rubinstein
Having had two spinal fusions and a total hip replacement, and plagued with an incurable spinal disease that affects the nerves and muscles in my legs, I have to have some form of exercise to remain mobile. Through Pilates, Lilia implements a one-on-one program for me that varies based on my abilities at each session and that has me in remarkable physical condition. My hours with Lilia are creative, challenging, energizing, and much more beneficial than physical therapy. She is caring, fun to be with, and sincerely devoted to the well-being of her clients.
— Claire Genser
I began Pilates exercises with Lilia early in 2005 and noticed a difference in my core strength very quickly. In July 2005 I sustained a dramatic back injury, bursting a lumbar vertebra. For several months I was in physical therapy and was warned that regaining full movement again might be unlikely. In January 2006, I resumed my Pilates work with Lilia, adjusting the exercises to accommodate my injury and build the core strength I now needed more than ever.
What a miracle! As I write this in October, I can do roll ups and many movements I thought would be beyond my abilities ever again. Yesterday I played golf; this winter I intend to ski; I now feel as if I am in better condition than ever before. Thank you Lilia and Joseph Pilates for all your help!
— Linda Tors
“I move better than I did ten years ago as a result of Pilates and Lilia's precise reinforcement
of the proper technique.”
After more than 20 years of working at a desk and heaping abuse on my body as a
"weekend warrior" in various outdoor sports, I endured chronic back spasms and other
athletically limiting joint pain. I reluctantly accepted these deficiencies as a matter of age
and prior injury.
I started classical Pilates training with Lilia shortly after she opened her studio in Manchester. Working under her disciplined eye, I have much lower occurrence of back spasms. My ankles, knees and hips are more functional, stronger and far less painful. I move better than I did ten years ago as a result of Pilates and Lilia's precise reinforcement of the proper technique. Lilia has also customized exercises for me that have improved my performance in my mid-life passion of Masters ski racing.
I recommend Pilates training to anyone whether they are a competitive athlete or just want to enjoy feeling healthy and functional in their everyday life.
— Mitch Whiteford