Sandy Porcella

“I knew I had to make a lifestyle change to be able to continue my career for years to come. After 10 months of Pilates, I find myself excited about my energy. I feel stronger and more balanced. Pilates gave me confidence to make more lifestyle changes like walking more and further, horseback riding, and even riding a bicycle again.”

I started Pilates 10 months ago. I knew I had to make a lifestyle change to be able to continue my career for years to come. I grabbed that issue of Hippo that came out with the New Year motivation and read page after page keeping in mind, "no trends, something for life!" I told myself and family back in January that I have a new job, "Pilates"! I adjusted my schedule to allow me to make it to Concord Pilates with NO Excuses!

I started with my private sessions with Mara and by my second session I was hooked. With my schedule book in hand, I started putting in Pilates classes everywhere. I highlighted and even put the time I have to leave the house, as not to be late. I tried a variety of classes and times to see what really worked best for me. Mat classes, equipment classes, roller classes that were helpful with my ofascial tissue issues. Let's just say, life changing. Every class is different and builds on your strengths and weaknesses. With a few months behind me, I have settled in to a mat class (Roots), and Equipment class (Full Body Equipment). 

When I started Pilates, my thought process was not to gain weight anymore. As I continued weekly with Pilates I found myself not so worried about the weight. I started to find myself excited about my energy and feeling my body being awakened by the movement. I was feeling stronger and balanced, giving me confidence to make more lifestyle changes like walking more and further, horseback riding, and even riding a bicycle again (I did 50 miles over the summer on rail trails). I'm also thinking of getting out the old skis this winter. Even my Doctor excitedly said, "You're making real lifestyle changes! Keep up the good work!"

I have no favorite exercise or piece of equipment. I do enjoy the variety and feeling the different muscles work (even the muscles I never knew existed). Most of all I love the attentiveness and support of the instructors in each class.

I tell everyone Pilates is amazing. It still is work and a commitment, but if you look at your health and well-being as an important job, it is one of the best commitments that will benefit you and those you love for a lifetime!"