Pilates: A Reshaping

Exercise has never been my thing. In fact, I successfully avoided breaking a sweat for the majority of my life. I played some team sports in high school but that was more for the social factor. In college, when my sorority sisters went to step classes, I opted for other “recreational” activities. So, it was no big surprise that, in my late 20's, I started to put on weight. I went to Weight Watchers and lost a few pounds here and there, but it inevitably returned.

Before I had my first daughter, I was the heaviest I had ever been. The additional “baby weight” gained during my pregnancy did not help matters any. Although friends told me that the weight would melt off with breast feeding, that was not the case. The only thing I lost after nine months of nursing was my perky boobs. After my second daughter was born, I remember that I didn’t even want to look at myself in the mirror. My weight adversely impacted all aspects of my life, especially my self-esteem. I recall how emotional and frustrating it was getting dressed and thought that this was totally unacceptable. How could I raise two daughters with a healthy sense of self if I was such a poor role model!

I needed to make changes in my life so that I could set a positive example for my girls. I knew what had to be done. Take care of myself, eat right and make exercise a part of my daily routine. I began walking and went to a local gym, but had difficulty staying motivated and being consistent.

And then I found pilates at Pulse. From the first time I entered the studio door, I felt welcomed and supported. I began slowly with personal training sessions with Vivian. She introduced me to the basics and encouraged me, despite my lack of coordination and flexibility. Her skill and teaching gave me increased confidence.

I moved on to the reformer classes and found Kymberly, Jami and Nicole to be excellent guides. They all had different styles, but each one helped me refine techniques and always had words of encouragement. Their passion was contagious, and I soon found myself eagerly awaiting my next class and striving to tackle new moves. Not only had I found something that I enjoyed, but I began noticing changes in myself. I felt good about myself and my body. I continued to progress and ventured into the Cardio- Reformer classes and Andrea’s Xtend class.

My transformation has been dramatic. Not only has my body been reshaped, but so has my mind and spirit. I smile when I look in the mirror and recognize changes on the inside and out. The confidence I obtained at Pulse has carried over to other aspects of my personal life, as I seek out new challenges and push myself more than I ever imagined. I have become the person I set out to be. I am proud to say that I am a positive role model for my girls and they can learn from my journey.

Thank you to all the wonderful woman at Pulse who have inspired me, motivated me, supported me, and most of all kicked my ass.

Fondly, Jennifer Wilens

I've been training with Kymberly for 5+ years. I first started doing Pilates at the behest of my Chiropractor and it has been the best thing I've ever done! Because of Pilates, my back issues rarely (if ever) cause any problems now. I've been doing "Xtend" since it was first introduced at Pulse & cannot say enough good things about that workout--it has totally re-sculpted my body. It is an ever-changing and challenging class, producing amazing results! It has made me longer, stronger & leaner than I've ever been. I love it! "Thank you" to Kymberly & the entire staff at Pulse Pilates for making getting into shape the best experience ever!

Mary Pat Kraus, Boca Raton

As a professional NFL Football player, I believe Pilates has added years to my potential career. I have been playing eight seasons. With Pilates my body actually feels better than after a chiropractor and massage. I recommend this place to all my teammates for off season conditioning.

Lional Dalton, Defensive Tackle, Kansas City Chiefs

I love Pilates. I began a couple years ago and Kymberly was working at another studio. She was so great, my husband and I scheduled all of our classes around her availability. After leaving Florida for a couple of months, I discovered Kymberly opened her own studio. The studio is so relaxing and everyone there is as exceptional as she is. Not only do I release stress but am now in the best shape of my life. I owe it all to Kymberly’s Pilates.

Kim Dalton

Dear Andrea,

What have you done with my cellulite?? Never mind, I don't want it back. Just above my knees, on the inside of the legs had awful cellulite. I haven't worn a bathing suit or shorts in two years. A few days ago, getting out of my bath, I looked in the mirror and could not find the cellulite I once had. So…I visited two other mirrors in my house - very little cellulite. So…I went shopping and checked out the dressing room mirrors in Bloomingdale’s…okay, maybe I'll find the cellulite in Saks’ mirrors. Well, I've searched everywhere and boy has it diminished.

I gave up on my legs after a Plastic Surgeon told me nothing could be done. Well, I guess he doesn't know about “you” and “Pulse Pilates” and after only about 20 classes!!! Can't wait to see what 20 more classes will do for the rest of me.

Andrea, thank you for your professionalism, motivation, caring about all of us, and looking so darn good it inspires me to keep going.

Edie Kennedy, Delray Beach

Dear Kymberly,

Thank you so much for coming to Patch Reef Park to work with us. Everyone really enjoyed Pilates! Thanks again.

Mary Daley, FAU Women's Tennis Team

On June 17th I walked into Pulse Pilates and never left. I knew I had found my second home. Kymberly and her husband, Stephen, greeted me with warmth and sincerity. Pilates has become a part of my daily life. Kymberly has helped me overcome a physical disability. The warmth of the staff and studio will keep bringing client after client. It is the best place in town to spend an hour or two.   Kym and Stephen - Thank you, I love you both.

Arlene Lipka

I have been active all my life and have tried many different exercise regimens - from private trainers to gym memberships to classes and organized sports. Nothing has been as satisfying as my experience with Pulse Pilates.

In less than 6 months I have dropped a dress size, flattened my abs, improved my posture and developed muscle tone where I thought none could ever exist. I also never dreamed I could become this physically strong. Before the last Hurricane my husband was bedridden with the flu and I actually put up all of our heavy storm shutters around our two story house without his help - wow! Best of all, the classes and private lessons are fun and challenging for both my mind and body. Kymberly and her well trained highly credentialed team works hard to keep the routines and class selections fresh and interesting.

Best of all, this workout fits into my life seamlessly. I can walk in for a session and leave in a suit an hour later to attend my next client meeting. This regimen is perfect for any woman who has a schedule as demanding as mine.

I love Pulse Pilates and all it has brought to my life. I look forward to being a part of the Pulse family for many years to come.

Suzy Girard-Ruttenberg

In August 2005 my Orthopedic Surgeon recommended I start taking Pilates for my chronic sciatica, which was very painful. I couldn’t sit or stand for any extended period of time. My doctor suggested Pilates instead of physical therapy to strengthen my stomach muscles, which in turn would help my back. I began taking classes at Pulse Pilates that same month.

I have been going to Pulse Pilates 2 to 3 times a week and have not had any pain or discomfort since; my sciatic pain has gone away.

I started with mat classes and since November I have been doing private reformer sessions with Emily. I look forward to going to the studio, working out and talking with all the terrific instructors that work there. It has been a very warm and wonderful environment.

Marla Beck

Amazing !!!...

It's been 4 years and 7 epidural injections since an auto accident robbed me of the active body I had worked out diligently for 2+ decades.

I made numerous attempts to rehabilitate via physical therapy and varying forms of yoga to no avail, so I set forth to afford pilates the same opportunity. Since my first session, with Vivian at Pulse Pilates 10 weeks ago, I have made exponential gains, including but not limited to greater mobility, flexibility and strength in my back and neck. In addition to losing an unexpected 18 pounds, I have achieved definition in my arms, shoulders and stomach not seen since my 20's.

Thank you Vivian and all at Pulse Pilates for the amazing benefits discovered. Bring on the Grasshopper!

Scott, Boca Raton, FL

I met Vivian Lukz over a year and a half ago. Her passion for Pilates was immediately passed on to me. Her descriptions of body positions and analogies had me quickly maneuvering into Pilates exercises. With each session I built a better understanding of what Pilates can do for the body. As I saw my body change I grew convinced that this person, Vivian was the wave of the future. Just hitting 50, I noticed my stomach and mid back were not my friends. Vivian changed that. I have a four pack and a line of definition that goes down my midsection for the first time in my life! I could not lift my neck by myself when I started. Today I am a new person. I preach Pilates to all my friends and anyone else who will listen. I have only missed one or two weeks of Pilates in all that time because it is a priority for me!!

Deborah Berke