If you have a story to share on this page, please email to

                

 

 

         Someone else in the world needs to hear from you, learn from you.

 

 

 New:

Dean Kesler
Four-time Ironman Finisher
Two-time Vehicle/Cyclist Collision Survivor

As a recreational triathlete, I have found pilates work with Kathleen at PilateSpa to provide me two substantial benefits. First, the increased core strength has significantly increased my overall stamina and improved my sport-specific form. Secondly, the intentional practice (of pilates) creates and reinforces for me a deeper awareness of my mechanics while I am swimming, biking, and running.

The balance and movement principals I learned from pilates have manifested themselves both physically and mentally in my recreational athletic endeavors. This season provided absolute validation of those benefits. I began my 2010 multiple-Ironman-event season with very little core work. Even after six months of focused, sport-specific training, it was challenging to hold form over long workouts. It was clear I needed to supplement my training plan with pilates. Rehabilitation from injuries sustained June 27, during Ironman Coeur d'Alene (IM CdA), essentially forced me to back to pilates. In retrospect it should not have taken that type of motivation.

I was unable to get an appointment for physical therapy for four weeks following the accident. Thankfully Kathleen was available immediately and we went right to work as I had a second event, Ironman Louisville, only nine weeks after IM CdA. The physical therapy exercises I was later prescribed further reinforced the value of pilates. It seemed as though Andy, my physical therapist, and Kathleen were conspiring to convince me of the benefits of quality core work.

It was extremely clear to me that this investment in core work paid significant dividends to my form and stamina for the remainder of my season. There are few things that test a person's stamina and form quite like an Ironman-distance event consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. IM Louisville on August 29 provided extreme conditions in the form heat and humidity. Despite battling serious dehydration issues, I was able to maintain great form on the bike and run, going even faster in the second half of the marathon. Several people commented on how good I looked late in the race. Further dividends were evident just two weeks later during Ironman Wisconsin. Weather conditions were perfect but the additional fatigue of doing Ironman events two weeks apart should have demolished my form. Late in the day, twenty-plus miles into the marathon, people were still complimenting me on how good my form looked. That did not happen by accident and I owe a significant part of that success to Kathleen.

Few people I have worked with understand movement better than Kathleen. She has an extraordinary ability to apply that understanding to a staggering array of situations and abilities. She's efficient - I always got my hour's worth and then some. I was typically more than willing to surrender by the end of a session without feeling like there was too much thrown at me. Each individual session was catered to what my needs were and how I was feeling at the time.

Kathleen also demonstrates a remarkable willingness and ability to "meet me where I'm at".  I wanted specific and practical application of pilates and she spent the time, asked the right questions, and watched my form and provided incredibly useful feedback and suggestions. Working with her this season made a tremendous difference for me.

   Men Discovering the Interaction of Brain, Body and Breath

 

 

 

Roger Young MS, LPC, LCSW, CSAC

Academic staff, UW-Whitewater

 

It is somewhat fitting that I write this on 9/11, a day of conflict and destruction that appears to last a lifetime and influences our very psyches for generations to come. The results of this action has been to create a world of fear, tension, despair, depression, etc…; all taking it’s toll on our lives and bodies!

 In this context we need, more than ever, a way to peace, calm, healing, and well-being in our very bodies that contain these very disturbing messages and images. In this narrative, it is essential that we find ways to a calming peace through tension reduction that will start the fires of peace in our brains and bodies. If this can occur, we will be able to handle the vicissitudes of life in a much more stable state.

Pilates, as taught by Kathleen and others, is a resource that not only can help to change our inner beings but can serve as a form of relaxation, calm, and create other benefits that help us survive in this hectic world.

 I have worked with Kathleen for years and I am only now realizing that the techniques she teaches can really alter our brains and bodies in significant ways. My story, as it is being written, includes weekly sessions with Kathleen where we breathe, stretch, speak, move, and alter our brains and bodies in ways that, I believe, has “saved” me and given me prolonged breath and life. In 2006, I had pulmonary embolism that resulted in significant damage to the 4 lobes of my lungs. That, coupled with a naturally intense and anxious body, has caused aches and pains of all sorts. In working with Kathleen, I have discovered how to use the remaining capacity of my lungs in significant ways. In addition, she is teaching me how to “use my brain and body to change my brain and body”. Through her teaching of pilates movements and techniques, my very muscles have learned to “relax and be happy” no matter what state I find myself in at the start of each session. I can truly say that I always breathe deeper, feel better, walk slower, and have much less tension after each session. I have been able to carry this state over in my life, work, and view of the world, for the ensuing week. It has always worked.

 Recently, I have been studying the work of neurobiologists and their understanding of our brains. It was a wonderful discovery for me that the very evidence they have on “using our brain to change our brains”  -especially for people with addictions and with mental health issues like anxiety  -  coincide almost exactly with the techniques that Kathleen has been teaching me. Yes!- breathing, stretching, muscle opposition work, touch, and movement all alter the very nature of our brain and bodies leading to neuronal growth and one-mindful peace. I plan to continue……………….

 

 

 

 

                FreeMind Pilates                                           

 

 

 

Doug Reuhl,President and CEO

American TV and Electronics

 

 

 

 

      Men Who Dance and Create            

 

 

Michael Stanek 

Artistic Director and Choreographer

Hope this finds you well.  I MISS YOU.  I will be back in Madison in November. 

I wanted to update you.  I am taking pilates at _________ NYC.    I took an ADVANCED Mat class yesterday.  LOL, I know what was I thinking...well it was a joke compared to what you teach.  It was all about the steps and what comes nexts vs. the quality and correct alignment and choreography that you teach. I wanted to share this with you so you know how valuable your work and commitment to Pilates is.

You are truly a Pilates guru and should be teaching workshops everywhere.  I appreciate all that you have done for me.  I know I have a ton to learn but you have been so instrumental in my Pilates journey.  I look forward to seeing you in November.  I will keep you posted.

I started auditioning this week so wish me luck.

 

 

 

 

     

 

      Women Discovering Healing of Movement            

 

Robin Alpenglow

Options in Community Living

 

I just turned 60 and have never been fit or athletic.  I have some left side weakness due to MS.  My happy space is when I am square dancing or round dancing, and the increasing left side weakness would probably keep me from dancing, if it weren't for Kathleen Conklin's incredible knowledge of bone and muscle mechanics, and her dedication to helping me fight back against age and disease.

I have been pretty consistent once or twice a week at her strength and stretch classes, and have a bi-weekly private session where we work on spine flexibility and core strengthening.  If you watch me in class, you will see my form is bad, but what is amazing is that I can do most of the routines with only small modifications.

Kathleen's perception, patience, and perseverance have helped keep me upright and dancing.  After a foam roller stretch session, I literally walk better.  I am grateful for Kathleen's friendship, and her dedication, and for her encouragement to breathe. 

 

 

with deep gratitude,

Eugenia Sherman Brown, Ph.D.Historian 

 

At the invitation of a friend, I walked in the door of PilateSpa only vaguely aware of what Pilates was, and with a slight desire to find a once-a-week exercise class.   Only mildly physically active in my 52 years on this earth, I was increasingly aware that it might be time to get in shape before aging got the upper hand.  

After several return visits, I realized that I had found  1)  an exercise program that even I could learn,   2) instructors who nudged me past my comfort level but not beyond my ability,  3) a collegial community of fellow-students who did not notice (or care) when I lagged behind, and who encouraged each other after class.    

Another student told me, "It really takes off when you come 2 or 3 times a week."  I did not "get" that, but as an educator, summer afforded me some free time, so I attended more frequently.   Indeed, multiple classes a week have helped my body to "wake up."  I sleep much better; I feel increased strength in my back and belly; my chronically slumped shoulders are improving; and I generally feel better about myself.  Now when I do not attend class for 2 or 3 days, my body gives me a good talking to:  "Get back to Pilates class right quick!" 

        In L.A.                                               

LA Actress Praises PILATESPA

"I have taken Pilates at some of the most famous studios in New York City, Minneapolis, Hollywood and Beverly Hills. PILATESPA, hands down, provides the most effective and comprehensive training. They truly are the BEST.  I specifically travel to Madison to prepare my body for the camera. I am currently negotiating with (trying to bribe) Kathleen into moving PILATESPA to Los Angeles."  
Andrea Anders
Star of ABC's "Better Off Ted"


 

      After Surgery             

  

Maryann Meunier

Well, I am home from the hospital and everything went very well.  I had the surgery at 9 Monday morning and I was home by noon on Wednesday.  Dr. Barbara O'Connell is a remarkable doctor and I feel very lucky to have found her.

I am very tired, but other than that I feel really good.  I think the pilates has to be a contributing factor to how I feel as they gave me a prescription for 60 pain pills and I have only had to use 3 pills, and that was the day I came home!  My belly is looking bloated and I can't even suck it in!! This is depressing but Mark keeps reminding me it has only been 4 days!  I guess I have to give it another week!

I am so thankful I found you when I did back in February.  You have truly changed my life for the better!  It is not just the pilates but also you personally. Your knowledge and the way you are able to teach and reach people is truly a gift!    hope to be seeing you in the next 2 weeks - at least for the stretch class.   

I really miss everyone at PilateSpa!

 

 

  

 

                Long-Term Practice of Pilates                                 

 

Beth Zaher

VP Marketing UW Health

 

I started Pilates when my son was a toddler.  I had visited a chiropractor  who told me I needed to increase my core strength to keep lifting my growing son without injuring myself. I practiced Kathleen's training class teachings in the dark, on the floor, next to my three-year-old son's bed because he wanted me to be with him while he feel asleep.  It didn't take long for him to doze off and I had an opportunity to think about Kathleen's cues and practice internalizing them alone, at home, breaking each exercise into chunks of movement.  I needed to understand exactly what the movement intended to accomplish.  

Sometimes that meant going very slowly.

After the training class ended, I continued to attend mat class and scheduled private lessons with Kathleen on the equipment.  I was fascinated with how the teachings repeat themselves with subtle variations adapted to each piece of equipment. 

Fast forward a decade and I, unfortunately, don't get to attend class as frequently as I would like.  That once three-year-old is now thirteen and plays competitive soccer in the State Premier and Midwest Regional League with three training sessions each week and out-of-town weekend tournaments.  

Although I love to attend both group and private training sessions, Kathleen's gift for teaching extends beyond her studio, giving me the discipline to do Pilates almost every day.  I've invested in some equipment so I can do the mat routine and equipment variations when I have the time.  

Anyone who has the opportunity to visit Kathleen's PilateSpa is exposed to her gift.  To me, she seems to have been hand-picked by Joe to continue his teachings.  But, beyond the process of  Kathleen's teaching lies the real benefit of Pilates.  The outcome of the exercises is a strong, attractive mind-body that walks taller, moves more confidently and accomplishes its goals. I've found there truly is a return on the investment that one makes in the Pilates way of life. 

 

Jeannie Cullen, Athlete
Construction Project Manager

I have now been practicing pilates for the last 8 years. The first few years I did it off and on but over the last two years, I have been doing it at least once a week. I got into pilates because I was having back pain and had not found any relief through physical therapy, massage, or chiropractic care. My back problems started in high school when I threw my back out for the first time and I did not know why it happened.  My mom suggested pilates to strengthen my core and back. At first I was hesitant because I did not think it would work or provide enough of a work out for me. Boy, was I wrong!

After the first summer of pilates, I was in great shape and passed my pre-season conditioning tests with ease; despite the fact, that I did less actual running that summer. In addition, I was not having back pain and had not thrown it out in awhile. Unfortunately, once I returned to school I got out of the pilates routine and immediately noticed the difference. The back pain returned and I found that it felt a lot weaker. I quickly found a pilates studio out in New Hampshire and started attending classes again. I could feel the difference after a few training sessions. Through-out my basketball career, pilates was very beneficial for me. When I was doing pilates consistently, my back felt stronger and I do not remember throwing it out.
 
Now-a-days, I practice pilates for a several reasons. The first is still because of my back. I would like to avoid throwing my back out again and pilates gives me the comfort that I have a strong core and that it is not likely to happen as long as I train regularly. Secondly, pilates provides an alternative form of exercise to the aerobic training that I do. I do a lot of aerobic exercise and play sports that involve a lot of pounding and physicality. Pilates offers a great balance to these activities. Lastly, I do it to spend time with my mom. It is great to be able to work out with her every Monday evening.
 
Pilates is very much a part of my weekly routine now a days and I definitely notice when I miss a class. I benefit both physically and mentally from pilates and will continue to practice it on a regular basis.

 

 

 

      Women Who Have Worked Out all their lives        

 

Rachel Bruya Walker, NCAA swimmer

 

I started doing pilates about 7 months after my little boy was born.  I've always been an athlete (I was an NCAA swimmer in college) and I needed help getting my body back.  Pilates has really helped me get my strength back as well as lose most of the baby weight (only 10 more pounds!).  

I've been pleasantly surprised at how pilates has helped me with an old back injury (I fractured my back in gymnastics when I was 11) and a nerve problem similar to carpal tunnel syndrome.  I'm planning on continuing pilates forever and if I ever have another baby I'll definitely continue it through the pregnancy.     Thanks Kathleen & Bree!

 

 

Carol Cullen:

I used to tell people who asked me "what is pilates?" well it is like an active body massage. That is what it felt like to me at the time during the class and afterwards. I finished feeling very relaxed, clear-headed and stretched out. In the last two years, however, I have learned that my pilates practice produces and encompasses much more.

It is easiest to describe the physical attributes of pilates' effect on me. I feel stronger, more confident, more balanced and even taller. I feel muscles growing stronger and can even see them through my skin. M back is strong and I am capable of performing physical activities that used to tax my back. I actually feel taller. Pilates has been extremely helpful in stretching my very genetically-inelastic-engineered body. I feel very aware of my body's capabilities and how far I can go with it.

It is more difficult to put into words the mental and spiritual effect of pilates. I had never really thought about my muscles and body parts as separate entities until I practiced pilates. I am still amazed at their separateness yet how intricate their coordination is in order to perform specific physical movements. I have learned to appreciate how interconnected all parts of my body are. They are separate but can work as one for optimal results. I would never have discovered this with out Kathleen's teaching in pilates classes. Why is this important to me? It gives me a "whole" feeling in regard to my body, mind and soul. All are connected and in a collaborative effort as I perform the pilates exercises. Kathleen's pilots classes teach me to master that collaboration. It is a great way to challenge my total self. The energy produced during pilates class is stimulating to both mind and body which is so important to me as I age. Plus it is a great non-threatening, body-safe workout!!

Kathleen has the incredible ability to describe exact muscle areas so I can feel and experience exactly what she is teaching. It did not happen all at once. As my practice progressed she helped me to became more aware of single and probably very tiny muscles in my body and to learn their unique characteristics. Kathleen, through her patience and persistence, facilitates this discovery and follows through as to what it can do for my mind and body. So I guess I would repeat the massage analogy and Kathleen is the "masseuse' leading me through an active massage incorporating the beneficial involvement of my total body, mind and spirit.

Lauren Meyers:

As we turn the corner to yet  another year I want to make sure you know how important working with you has been over the many  years (10, starting 1999).  I have seen not only an improvement in my overall health - I attribute much of my strength to the work I do with you.  Thank you for always providing new awarenesses to our bodies - I now think about the way my hips and my arms go into their sockets on a regular basis especially after Monday night when the  pain and gain thing are happening!!  I breathe deeper and keep my butt tight and my abs in when I ride the bike  -  Monday nights are not only a work out but are fun. 

Thank you for being here, for doing what you do so well w/ such  style, grace, and humor ! Thank you for helping to keep me healthy and a few inches taller( at least momentarily). Thank you for being wonderful!
Happy New Year!!

p.s. the lemon water has yet to melt the 50 year old belly fat- could you work on that? 

 

Kristie Reiser Chijimatsu, Artist:

Having worked out on a regular basis for almost twenty years, I was skeptical that doing pilates at PilateSpa would have any real effect on my body.   After taking the initial mat technique training classes, I felt I really wanted to give pilates an opportunity.  So I challenged myself to take the Body ReVISION Program.

I was amazed.  By the end of the ten-week program I noticed changes in my body that I never thought were possible.  I have developed stronger core muscles, gained flexibility and actually feel longer and leaner.  I now have a whole new mindset, appreciation for and understanding about my body.  I can admit I went from being a true skeptic to a true believer.  I am hooked!  Pilates is and will always be part of my daily regimen.

Taking pilates at PilateSpa is the best gift I have ever given my body!

 

Eileen Fitzgerald:

Thanks for offering the Body ReVISION option. It's genius.

It's true that Ibuprophen helped through the first week, but for me there's been an exponential difference between two classes a week and four classes a week. I think there's real power, too, in articulating a desired outcome and making the commitment to do the work to get there. I'm just starting my fourth week of ReVISION and definitely feel stronger and more intentional in my Pilates work than I did three weeks ago. Most importantly, I feel like I'm working at a deeper level which is a breakthrough for me!

       When Looks Matter, The Pilates Patter                    

  

Dear Pilates Instructor,

I just wanted to thank you for changing my life. Before I started taking Pilates, I felt very uncomfortable in my mini skirts and go-go boots. Now, thanks to those heinous exercises where I slide my ankles up an imaginary piece of glass, I feel much better showing off my mis-shapen knees, as they are flanked by firmer, more toned thighs.  Also, thanks to "pulling my ears up and back" I am much better able to support the 14 lb earrings that go with my outfit.

Sincerely,  Middle Age Vixen (my go-go alias)

 

 

 

 

        Random Thoughts from People who Practice Pilates       

 

~

Wow!

I just love the work!   thanks for all the inspiration!

welcome back!

~

Hey! You were brilliant, as usual, this morning.  :)  thanks for the opportunity to assist.

~
I just wanted to thank you for the amazing session today.  I can actually say I think you kicked my ass and it felt so good!  I know that I am just starting out and have a lot of hard work a head of me, but I am so looking forward to this journey.  

~
Thanks again and thanks for your patience with me today.

~
I really want to thank you for yesterday’s session.  I came in with a headache, nausea, and was having difficulties breathing. After our session, I felt much, much better-and I could breathe with ease! This has continued. Your work is much more than a way to support yourself; I think it is a gift to others too!  

~
I've learned so much and your Pilates classes are amazing- the best I've ever taken :)

 

~

I was just admiring my body in the mirror, it has changed in the last 6 weeks.  This class is good for me in so many ways!  My legs look good and my pain (from labrum tear) has been reduced.  Anyway, that lovely interlude in the mirror got me to thinking . .  .

 

~
 . . . . came there at just the right time I guess, Kathleen, ... we were just (divorcing) and I had to find a new reality.  You, and Bree, and the studio, and the other people all just landed at the right time.  So I was open to it.  I fell in love with you, and Bree, and the reality of it all at just the right time...had hoped to get back to Yoga and realized I had to get back to my core first.  It was the only place I could love myself and the others involved.  I guess the only place I felt whole.....if a little stiff.   So .... why don't "men" get it?  Maybe they just haven't hit the wall as much, I don't know and I have long since given up worrying about gender roles since my guy empathy beyond a handful of male friends just isn't there.  My brother and I sometimes talk about it.  

~
In the meantime, speaking of "stature"  -- MY BODY -- with just the little bit of work we've done:  I feel taller.  I carry myself differently.  I have a long ways to go, obviously, in terms of "ultimate fitness," (whatever that looks like at my age), but my underpinnings feel more rooted in something powerful and strong, and I'm so grateful for that!

~
Has been great this week so far!  (He) really seems to enjoy the pilates!  He keeps strutting his "new" figure around...today he compared himself to the "incredible hulk"...I joked with him...a bit of a stretch...forgive the pilates pun:)

~
Thanks for the great class last night.  It was a lot of fun!  As a physicist, I loved the use of wave/particle duality as a metaphor.