All my life I'd been clumsy, but very active. After developing a rare, untreatable, extremely painful spinal condition in 2000, (adhereing arachnoiditis) I grew even more clumsy. My left leg, which also suffered nerve damage, was significantly smaller than the other, due to atrophy. I couldn't move my ankle back and forth, nor could I complete simply ankle circles or toe lifts. Entire sets of muscles were unable to fire due to the disease and disuse. I had been unable to exercise at all due to my condition and gained fifty pounds.

In early 2007, sick of pain and feeling a real need to get a life back, I started a 20 minute pilates workout on tape. It was hard to stick to doing the tape daily, but I managed. Encouraged by that small progress, I decided to try pilates with an instructor.

When I first emailed Studio Blue, I worried revealing the multiple back fusions, knee and other surgeries I'd had for mechanical problems might mean the studio wouldn't take me. But Dan Walton's reply and our subsequent telephone conversation assured me that I'd hit on the right studio. However, when I hobbled in, cane in hand, hunched over and thirty five pounds heavier that I should be, I wondered if Dan still felt so sure himself.

He assigned me to Wendi Albro, whose gentle nature, combined with her interest in using pilates as a rehabilitation method made her the perfect instructer. Wendi used her extensive knowledge of physiology to locate areas where I was weak or tight. She paid particular attention to my feet, forcing me to put more wieght on the inside of my foot, which helped correct my walking.

After completing two private sessions with Wendi, I felt myself moving, standing and sitting differently. I felt myself walking straighter, and taller. My husband mentioned that he thought I was more graceful; I haven't tripped once! Within six private sessions, I no longer walked with a cane. My weight kept dropping. My arms and legs grew stronger, and because of my new core strength I was able to walk at a nearly normal pace for more than a mile. I NEVER thought I would be able to get to that level again.

The best result I've had working with Wendi is the pain reduction I've experienced. I'm not pain free, and never will be. However, my pain level stays at the 4 to 5 level on the pain scale (1-10,) down from the 5-6 range it had been before I started private instruction.

After five months of pilates with Wendy and Dan, I smile more often. I like looking for clothes again--I've lost 45 pounds! I feel healthier, sexier, and even smarter! I guess you could say I'm evangelical about pilates at Studio Blue. That's because pilates, Wendi and Dan truely changed my life.

Connie

I found Pilates three years ago; I was over weight and experiencing chronic knee pain. As a chef, I spend ten hours a day on on my feet. My body was failing it could not handle the physical stress. Through the training Pilates offers, I lost seventy-eight pounds and changed the way I move. I have new energy for life, and no longer have knee pain. Angela is an inspiring instructor that helped facilitate the changes I have experienced. I believe that everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, can benefit from Pilates.

Jake Sheffield

I love to challenge my body and stay in great shape. I have taken all sorts of Pilates classes, and have found Studio Blue to be above and beyond the rest. I have the DVD's. I have gone to the classes at the gym. I have worked out my own routines. None of those compare to the classes I've taken at Studio Blue.

The classes are so small and intimate that Dan and Angela are able to work with each student's individual needs. They really make the classes fun and comfortable for everyone; no matter what level you're at. In every class I take, I get personalized instruction and coaching. They make sure I am performing the exercises in perfect form and to the best of my ability and level - which leads to a much more efficient workout.

After one week I felt my waist tightening. After every class I feel strong, flexible, relaxed, and in a good mood. What more could I want from a workout?! Thanks you guys!!!!

Alice Cohen

"Pilates is the perfect cross-trainer for skater. It has proved to be the only solution for my chronic hip injury that neither physical therapy, chiropractors nor rest could cure. Pilates (POISE) has helped my skating immensely. I feel so much stronger and in control on the ice--it seems that everything we do in Pilates can be applied to skating. I've noticed dramatic improvement in the spring and crispness of my jumps, the deepness of my edges, and the flexibility of my spirals. Pilates helps to develop strong, long and lean muscles while increasing flexibility at the the same time. Plus, I've never felt more in shape!"

Kaylie Shallis - Competitive Figure Skater

I sing shape note music where volume is prized above music ability or pitch. Since I've started Dan's class I 've become even louder than I was before. Core strength!

Heather Ikeler

I was so excited to hear about Studio Blue. As a professional dancer pilates is the perfect combination of strengthening and stretching. Dan and Angela have been so fun and supportive while kicking my butt. Thanks to you both for helping me get back into dancer shape.

Bree Blevins - Professional Ballroom Dance Teacher - ballroomparkrose.com

I was introduced to Studio Blue by my friend Johnnie. Gong into it with a photo shoot a week away and not knowing what to expect out of this class, I was pretty excited. I needed that edge to cut up my stomach and harden my obliques, with no time to spare. The combo work out covered every essential aspect of fitness including, strength, balance, endurance and most importantly flexibility. It was just what I needed. The results were instantaneous. I will remain in pilates indefinitely.

I would definitely recommend it.

Cody Chaet

With such amazing energy, compassion, and detail, Dan has helped me shape my body, seeing results in less than six weeks. The studio has beautiful feeling when you are there, makes me feel part of the family. I am enjoying my mat class so much I feel so energized when I am finished it sets my day in a stronger positive outlook. I look forward to my classes each day. Thanks so much for reshaping and balancing my life with what I do.

Charles Airey - Kripalu Yoga Instructor

Today was my first class at Studio Blue and I am so excited about it. I plan to come tonight! I can't wait to watch my love handles melt away while I love every minute of the exercises. If everyone knew how good it could feel to exercise, no one would be out of shape! Dan's enthusiasm and personal connection makes me feel like this is my new home.

:)

Having never tried pilates before I had all these preconceived notions of what it was. Entering Angelina's class I immediately knew I was in the right place for myself. Her gentle yet reassuring instruction combined with her knowledge of the body and breath is amazing. Some classes I feel as if I need more space than other classes and somehow Angelina has the ability to intuit giving me exactly what I need. When Angelina moves my body to show me how a pose can be altered to achieve maximum benefit her touch is like a lightening bolt of nurturing and healing energy. Every time I leave Angelina's class I am amazed that I can be simultaneously so relaxed as well as energized. I am more aware of my body and my rhythms. Pilates has become an integral part of my life and I feel lucky to have such a gifted teacher. I know I am in good hands!

Penelope Rose Miller - Home and Office Organizer