It is my first time writing a yelp review or review of any business, but I feel compelled to write it because I believe it will help a lot of people in doubt of trying pilates or physical rehab through pilates. So far I have done 25 sessions at Piladaum with instructor Elisha over the last 3 months. My fiance has done 20 sessions, half with Elisha and half with another instructor.
I'm a dentist in my 5th year of practice. However, I have been struggling with back pain and shoulder pain for the last ten years. I was officially diagnosed with mild scoliosis of the thoracic spine during my senior year of college. Although, it doesn't severely impact my work, I do struggle with chronic back pain. For example, things like washing dishes, driving for more than an hour, or doing dentistry will strain my back. On bad days, I would need to be apply pain relief patches to go to sleep.
Before pilates, I tried to manage back pain with basic stretching and light strength training. I've received personal training sessions in the past (yoga and physical therapy) without much success. Looking back, yoga and physical therapy didn't work too well for me because either the exercises required were too challenging (couldn't even execute the posture), or too light (provided a sense of feeling good) but no lasting effects).
Now the story of how I started and the benefits I've reaped. To begin with, I'm a 29 year old 5ft 11inches 150lb male. I had high doubts about pilates - woman's sport, a feel good exercise, no muscle building etc. The only reason why I started was because my fiance forced me to do it. The first session I did with my fiance, and I got totally destroyed. I normally don't sweat too much, but my t-shirt was totally soaked. All the movements were extremely challenging, but because it is a private session, Elisha helped me to push through all the exercises. Now 25 sessions later, I still sweat to the point my t-shirt is heavy from the sweat. The exercises are still challenging (she increases the intensity and challenge to your performance), but my body is totally different.
I no longer have chronic back pain. Doing dishes is not a challenge. Leaning to wash my face does not strain my back. My hamstrings are free. Finally after 29 years of life, I know how to use my core. Visually, yes I have gained muscle, but the gains are not as apparent as weight training. I personally, stopped weight training during my 25 sessions of pilates because my muscles were so tight and I felt that weight training was actually becoming a detriment to my pilates progress. For others that are skilled at weight training, I'm sure you can do both and reap excellent results. I plan on resuming weight training after my upper back mobility becomes better.
For any having doubts on starting pilates at Piladaum, my advice is, if you are worried that it's going to be too easy, the instructor is not knowledgeable about anatomy, or I'm too stiff, DO NOT WORRY. You will be in for a challenge, all exercises are safe with the instructor watching and guiding you at all times, and there are exercises for even the stiffest person. If you put in the work (for me it was at least 2 times a week, sometimes I went in 3 or 4 times in case of cancellations), YOU WILL GET BETTER.
Now, reasons to avoid Piladaum. I can't really think of any other than, they don't have group classes, so if you come here it will be private lessons (I think up to two people). Also, if your lesson is past five pm you will have to pay 1 dollar for parking (valet).
To end the review, I am so happy to have found Piladaum (I thank my fiance). I also want to say, I think pilates will be an excellent supplemental workout for any person who has plateaued in whatever workout, sport, or exercise they are currently doing. For example, if you are weight training and struggling to increase weight in squats or deadlifts, I believe pilates can probably help you get to that next level in a safe way.
Thanks for reading this review and I hope it helped! read more