Sara

Sarah is a gorgeous gal in her thirties with a toddler to chase after as well as a teenager . She has never been afraid to exercise-her husband is a personal trainer- and she is also a runner who is used to constantly challenging herself physically.

3½ years ago Sara had some back problems that she couldn’t seem to relieve. She tried masseuses, chiropractors, osteopaths…  to no avail. Luckily, she was working in a hospital where two nurses recommended Breathe! Pilates for her problem. Pilates combined with Stella’s expertise was the answer. In subsequent sessions not only was Sara’s back pain was eliminated ,she  found that Pilates was the solution for many ailments, from pelvic alignment to  mild depression.

Sara realizes the value of private classes with Stella, even when money is tight. “Group classes are great for yoga or kickboxing but Pilates requires concentration. It’s impossible to find that specific focus and attention in a group class”. Sara thinks Stella combines “discipline and compliments” with perfect tact, but more remarkably, Stella always makes Sara feel “so much taller”.

Mark

Mark lives a pretty busy life. Given his arduous work schedule, most people would have little time for exercise, but 6 months ago Mark and his wife recognized an opportunity to go to Breathe! Pilates together. Now they both show up at Stella’s serene studio, take off their shoes, and immediately decompress from the day’s troubles and stresses.

Stella is the ideal trainer for Mark. He enjoys her personality but also likes that she’s not afraid to boss him around. “She’s extremely knowledgeable about both Pilates and fitness. You can tell when someone has passion for their job and enjoys what they do. With Stella… you can tell… she loves it!”

But what Mark loves most about his training with Stella is the fact that it is time for him to put the week’s troubles behind and simply focus and do something for himself. Interestingly, he described his workouts as “relaxing” and his time with Stella sounded more like a visit with a  friend, rather than a workout with a typical fitness trainer/coach.

Mark also pointed out that he appreciates the pricing packages that Breathe! Pilates offers. He bought 20 classes at a great rate and because the classes are prepaid, he is more than encouraged to show up .

Marty

Marty lives in Cannon Beach and after 4 years, she still manages to see Stella 2-3 times a week. Prior to working with Stella, Marty admittedly suffered from bad posture and frequent back pain. Climbing the rocks between her house and the ocean had become increasingly challenging.

Gyms and workout classes were a wash. “I wouldn’t show up for a class because no one would care if I showed up” but private classes with Stella demanded accountability and gave her the incentive she needed.

Stella gave Marty the confidence she needed to completely transform her body and attitude. In the past, Marty had never committed to things that were physically difficult but once she started working with Stella she started to look forward to new challenges both physically and mentally.

What Marty likes most about Pilates and working with Stella is the mindfulness. “Pilates pushes me to focus. Each movement is very deliberate but I also like that it can always be modified to be more advanced, to engage more muscles. Even when I feel unmotivated, I make myself show up because I know, I will always feel better when I leave”.

Beverly

Like many women in their early 50’s, Beverly was becoming increasingly discouraged with her general health. Daily duties as simple as walking up stairs were getting more and more difficult and she wanted to do something about it.

Unlike typical “getting back to the gym angst”, Beverly was relieved to discover that Stella was completely non-judgmental. The experience of getting back in shape was “totally non-intimidating,” and for Beverly that was a huge part of keeping her inspired and on track.

That was a year and half ago. She has since committed to Breathe! Pilates two to three days a week and has not only changed her body but her lifestyle as well. She  finds Stella to be supportive; mentoring with the perfect balance of encouragement and persuasive pressure to try just a little bit harder. “Stella honors my abilities, but at the same time, she inspires ‘me’ to be a better ‘me”!”

Alan

Alan is a self-proclaimed‚“desk sitter”. Four years ago,  just getting out of his office chair was a nuisance. Lower back seize-ups were common and he was exasperated with his physical condition. Years of chiropractic treatments weren’t helping either and to make matters worse, he suffered a heart attack in 1999.

He needed a solution and some inspiration so he did what many people do in his situation: he joined a gym. And like many other people, all he ever did regularly was pay his dues on time and kick himself for not actually going. But in Alan’s defense, there was no one there who really wanted to help him; no one to show him the latest equipment, and no one to hold him accountable if he didn’t show up.

Alan had no preconceived notions about Pilates because he had never heard of it . He wasn’t looking for the latest fad but he knew Stella and he was willing to give it a try. When he started at Breathe! Pilates, his first impression of the Pilates equipment was that he had just entered a “torture chamber,” but he says that with a smile and he has never stopped going back.

Alan hasn’t been back to the chiropractor since he started Pilates. He credits his success to Stella; she’s a “coach” that requires him to be accountable and that sense of accountability makes him go back even when he’s not up to it. But on a larger scale he can tell she is always looking out for his best interests. She is completely prepared and focused during their training sessions, but he is also impressed that she seems to have been thinking about his progress and his future even when she’s “off duty.”