|
Testimonials
I've had three Pilates instructors and Michael is the best. His knowledge of body mechanics because of his physical therapy and massage backgrounds gives him an extra ability to safely apply Pilates exercises and correct any physical pains or aches that may arise during the exercises. I could hardly walk because of my spinal stenosis when I started with him and now I can walk pain free!! It's like a miracle! And he's funny too which makes it fun.
Reevah S., Los Angeles
I began Pilates with Michael after having had a left hip replacement, and while also dealing with a painful osteoarthritic right ankle. I was weak, stiff, and scared. I've worked out with Michael 3 times a week, and he has diligently guided me to regain my strength, confidence, and health. I have made incredible progress!
J.B., Sherman Oaks
When I began working with Michael Holden, I had just finished a considerable amount of formal Physical Therapy after my below-the-knee amputation, done in July, 2002. I began looking for a program tailored to my needs that was affordable and personal, and was able to find that with Michael, who was working at the outpatient PT facility I was attending at the time.
My initial goals were to increase my balance, strength, and stamina using my remaining leg and my prosthetic. Gradually, we have built up the skill level to where I can walk on my own confidently, and maintain my strength and stamina greater now than at any other time since my amputation.
About a year and a half ago, I decided that I wanted to embark on a serious weight-loss program, and so we modified my Pilates program to reflect this as well, and Michael has helped me maintain my strength, coordination, balance, and stamina through losing 45 pounds, so far, since September, 2006. Michael has been a real friend to my health progress, giving me many usable and healthy suggestions as we continue to meet weekly.
Michael's experience in PT and Pilates has proved to be invaluable for both myself and my wife. We both strongly endorse his services for any future clients who may be interested.
Sincerely,
Dave and Debbie W., Burbank
I have cerebral palsy. I am a 44-year-old mother of a nine- and a four-year-old. When I came to Michael a year and a half ago, I was facing a debilitating lower back pain that required several days of bed rest every other month. The situation was degenerating rapidly and my quality of life was substantially reduced.
When I started working with Michael, to say that I was weak would be an understatement. I had rebelled for twenty or so years against re-entering any structured exercise routine. We started cautiously and patiently as Michael had to reconfigure a new "normal" for me. Through all the years of neglect my gait (the way I walked) was determined by layers upon layers of muscles with modified function. We had to re-teach them their rightful role through gait and strength training combined with stretching and balance exercises.
Michael's extensive knowledge of Pilates and physical therapy has brought me to the best physical condition I have ever had. I am pain free even after 15-hour flights overseas (I travel extensively for business), or when I danced at my recent high school reunion! My gait has improved substantially both in function and aesthetics. I now enjoy walking and playing with my children, where previously it could become quite painful. Pilates for me is not a luxury but a necessity. I am looking forward to another year of Pilates and to reaching new goals for my body.
Raduca K., Studio City
By the time I found Michael, I was in a pretty desperate situation. I had been having unbearable pain and numbness in both my hands and severe neck pain, which turned out to be the results of thoracic outlet syndrome. When I awoke in the morning I could not close my hands, which made everyday tasks like brushing my teeth, drying my hair, or even cutting my food, nearly impossible. Nothing I tried, including weekly doctor's appointments and medication, seemed to have any effect. When I started Pilates with Michael, I found it hard to believe that changing the way I breathe would make a big difference, but I began to gain more control over my hands almost immediately. Michael taught me some stretches to open up my chest, did a little deep muscle work to release the muscles that rounded my shoulders, and worked on keeping my shoulders "away from your ears," as he would always say. In the beginning it was a little difficult because my wrists were so painful, but Michael was very accommodating to that problem, and we were able to work around it together. I've been going every week for almost 2 years now, and given how it's improved the quality of my life, I can't see myself ever wanting to stop.
Vickie B., Glendale
|
 |
