TESTIMONIALS ~ WHAT HAS TOPNOTCH PILATES & SABRINA DONE FOR YOU?

“I tell people that my Pilates sessions with Sabrina Svard gave me my life back.  This may sound extreme, but years of chronic, debilitating hip pain was eroding my health and compromising my quality of life.  Thanks to Sabrina’s creative and meticulous style of working, the pain is in the past, and I am continually gaining in strength and overall fitness.  Pilates sessions are an essential part of my health regimen.”
~ Kay Newnam, Los Alamos (in photo above – side splits on the CoreAlign)
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“I started Pilates because I was developing very poor posture over a computer keyboard and because I wanted to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle. In just six weeks, my muscles are stronger, especially in my back and neck, and I am much more aware of, and can more quickly correct, my posture when I revert to old habits. Pilates, and Sabrina, have motivated me to eat healthier and exercise more and I have lost 4 pounds in six weeks and plan on continuing weight loss and muscle strengthening. Sabrina is professional and always alert to ensure the movements are correct and safe. She’s also fun to be with and makes the sessions interesting, helpful and enjoyable.”
~ Debra M. Hepler, Executive Director, Ghost Ranch Education and Retreat Center

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After having a total hip replacement and completing weeks of physical therapy, I still had a limp and an unsteady gait. After clearance from my orthopedist and physical therapist, I started weekly pilates with Sabrina. She worked on strength and balance along with my pelvic floor and core muscles and my gait returned to normal. I feel her program was life-changing and I still continue with her pilates a year and a half later.
~ Michael Pattern, MD Christus St. Vincent Hospital (above – modified long stretch)

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“Pilates has made me stronger, leaner, and more flexible. Sabrina is an excellent instructor! Her explanations and cueing are clear, which is so important to doing the exercises correctly. She is fun and funny, but she is focused during class so that clients get the full benefit of her attention and instruction.”
~ Elinor Hoover, Los Alamos

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“Six weeks after back surgery I was encouraged to go to a physical therapist. I went to one for a few weeks and that wasn’t really helpful to my condition. I then saw a chiropractor who passed various potions over my chest (true) and I realized this is not going to make me feel any better.

Then I discovered Pilates. But this next attempt also failed because the Pilates teacher became discouraged with me and we parted ways. Finally, through a friend I found Sabrina Ellen Svard.  I will tell you up front that she is something of a Master Sargent insisting that you do what you are doing correctly.  That, however, is mitigated by a wonderful sense of humor and she is clearly well meaning.

Although I did not progress as quickly as wished, whenever I made a leap in the right direction Sabrina would up the ante and teach me new exercises. Most importantly Sabrina came up with a set of exercises for me to do every morning (and I mean every morning), which have practically eliminated my sciatica and gone a long way towards making my back feel normal again.  At 71 I am happy when I can continue to function normally and Sabrina has made that possible.”
~ Gerald Stiebal, Santa Fe (above – footwork series)

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I began Pilates class on a whim while searching for a challenging type of exercise after an arthritic knee ruled out any more soccer, skiing, and martial arts.  The physical and mental demands of Pilates intrigued and challenged me, and I’ve worked up to taking six of Sabrina’s classes, gaining over the months core and muscle strength and an improved posture.  As a fellow student of Tae Kwon Do with a 2nd degree black belt, I appreciate Sabrina’s focus on discipline, technique, and safety, as well as her dedication, quirky sense of humor, and high energy.  She tailors classes to her students’ needs and encourages them to move forward and excel.  With Pilates, no matter how proficient a student becomes, there will always be something to learn.  I expect to be learning for years to come.
~ Carol Mark, Los Alamos (above – advanced level side sit ups on the Ladder Barrel)

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“Pilates got me off the couch and into a healthy routine. It has completely changed the shape of my body- smaller hips and thighs and sculpted arms. Pilates also motivated me to add aerobic exercise to my life. I can’t imaging a life without Pilates.”
~ Janette Bennion, Santa Fe
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“Since starting pilates about 18 months ago I am stronger. I especially noticed this while holding my 26 pound granddaughter. I needed to pick something up from the floor and I just stood straight back up with very little effort! In addition my balance has improved and my body alignment and posture are better, which I believe is related to core strength. Because I have found Pilates to be so beneficial, my husband has recently started private sessions with Sabrina. He has had only a couple of sessions and has already started to correct bad postural habits. Sabrina is an excellent instructor who pays close attention to detail and brings humor to our workouts without sacrificing professionalism.”
~ Rebecca Howard, Los Alamos (in photo above – advanced classical reformer tree side)

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I attend sessions twice a week with Sabrina. She has years of experience to draw on and safety is always first. I can feel my body getting stronger and both my balance and posture are improving. I am planning on continuing with Sabrina because of the results I am seeing and feeling.
~ Lesley C. Los Alamos

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And on the lighter side, some comments from R&M in Los Alamos:

“Pilates has increased my flexibility and core strength allowing me to hit a golf ball 15% further.”

“Pilates has decreased my wallet thickness making my pants feel much looser.”

“Pilates has increased my leg strength and endurance for better balance and stamina in skiing.”

“Pilates has allowed me to do more squats with a much lighter wallet in my back pocket.”

“Pilates and a new diet of Advil and Aleve has allowed me to lose 10% of my body weight.”

“Pilates coupled with physical therapy has eliminated back and nerve pain.”