Testimonials

"I am absolutely hooked on Pilates: My posture is better, my body is stronger and more toned, and I have been pain-free and not needed a chiropractor since I started this method of exercise. I began classes at another studio, but the instruction at Upward Spiral Studio is just plain superior and superb. It changes and progresses and never gets stale or staid."
Janice Murray, Age 62, Administrator

"Doing Pilates with Martha and Paula has been a transformative experience for me, with abundant physical, psychological, and cognitive benefits. They are gifted teachers who put a great deal of thought, care, creativity, patience, energy, and expertise into their lessons. Pilates offers the satisfaction of gradually achieving new levels of self-mastery over time, and the surprise of finding out one week that one can do things that one couldn't do even a week before. The sense of change is immediate and palpable. One holds one's head up higher after finishing Pilates — not only because Martha is very clear that the readiness to look up and ahead is part of the work, but because it is such a gratifying experience as well. Martha and Paula and Bess create an atmosphere that is friendly and supportive but challenging and stimulating as well. For people who spend much of their time doing intellectual work or sitting at a desk, Pilates presents an opportunity to reconnect one's mind to one's body and to remember that, in the words of dancer Martha Graham, "the body never lies." Pilates is both a wonderful learning experience and a deeply rewarding source of increased strength, flexibility and enhanced well-being."
Suzanne Smith, Age 34, Educator

"When I was 20 years old, I had lower back surgery to repair a herniated disc. The acute pain disappeared, but I was left with minor lower back pain and decreased flexibility. Although I could function on a day to day basis, I wasn't able to play sports, take a dance class, or do other physical activities without pain. On the recommendation of a friend, I started taking Pilates classes and the improvement has been incredible. It didn't take long until both my flexibility and strength increased, and after 4 months I was able to play softball for the first time in 5 years. I have now been doing Pilates for almost a year and a half, and it is the most important part of my exercise routine. It has been the only thing that significantly helps my back, and I can feel the difference when I don't go consistently. The type of studio and the quality of the instructors definitely play a part in the whole process, and I would enthusiastically recommend Upward Spiral. I have been to a number of different studios over the last year, and they have been the best by far. They continually impress me with their extreme attention to detail and overwhelming knowledge of the classical Pilates method. I would highly recommend Pilates to anyone - it will not only improve your overall health and well-being but it's fun too!"
Lauren Stolar, Age 26, Structural Engineer

"I started Pilates on the advice of my daughter as a way to avoid a recurrence of nerve pain apparently caused by stenosis of the cervical spine. It worked-I have been pain free for three years. In addition, Pilates has been a wonderful complement to my other physical activities (such as Scottish country Dancing) in that it focuses mostly on the core, but also on flexibility, posture, lengthening, and upper body strength. Now I can't imagine NOT doing Pilates. At the end of a session with Martha, Paula, or Bess, I float back to my car with a sense of accomplishment and with body and spirit stretched, strengthened, and refreshed!"
Linda McJannet, Age 66, Professor of English, Bentley University