Improve your golf game - Rowing - Sports Testimonials

Joseph Pilates moved to the United States in 1926, at the request of a famous German boxer who attributed his fame and success to his training with Joseph Pilates in Germany. After being offered a lucrative contract in New York, the star boxer sponsored his trainer’s move and funded Pilates’ new studio in Manhattan. He fully realized the impact Joe Pilates’ exercises had on his body, mind and fighting technique, and knew that his continued success depended on Pilates’ instruction.

This German student and benefactor is just one of the many athletes, dancers and Hollywood actors with whom Joseph Pilates shared his knowledge and experience.

He often packed his studio equipment, his trainer/wife and his long-time pupil Romana Kryzanowska in a caravan and followed the Circus around the country. The performers loved learning the acrobatic elements of Pilates (not taught at our studio - smiles) and were able to raise the level of their strength and reflexes.

After the turn of the century, renowned dance choreographers Martha Graham and George Balanchine, dreamed of “slimming down” dancers’ bodies and thus giving ballet a fresh new look. They chose to send their students to ‘Uncle Joe’s gym’ because they knew his exercises could totally reshape and strengthen their bodies and prepare them for the most demanding movements on stage. Some of the more advanced, sleek looking Pilates mat movements were actually incorporated into their choreography in mesmerising and innovative scenes.

Continuing in the tradition of excellence in achieving optimal performance set by Joseph Pilates, we at Symmetria, are proud to have had the opportunity to help many of our clients excel at their sport(s) of choice.

Young, local dancers have come to our studio with the goals of strengthening their legs and hips, and of learning how to move their bodies ‘from the core’, safely, fluidly and efficiently. Our marathon runner students have reported increased flexibility and reduced number of injuries.

We feel privileged to count among our clients some of Canada’s incredible, top Olympic athletes: the women of the National Rowing Team. Marilyn’s testimonial (below) speaks for itself. We are proud to have been able to add to their success!

Canadian Olympic Rowing Team 200

Avid golfers, who have learned about the experience of pros such as Annika Sorenstam are successfully using Pilates to excel at their game. London’s own pro golfing champion, Lindsey Edmunds, is a student of Pilates at Symmetria and also a future instructor! Lindsey details her experience with Pilates in a letter to you (see testimonials below).

Sport Testimonials
see also Testimonials

Michaela, thank you for making me strong and mindful of my body.
You helped me win gold! - Marilyn

I began attending classes and private sessions at Symmetria in January 2004. I had two reasons for adding Pilates to my exercise program. First, I am a competitive golfer and I wanted to add more power to my swing in order to achieve greater distance with each club. Second, I have experienced chronic hip pain for several years and I was curious to see if regular strength and flexibility training would help with this aggravating, and sometimes incapacitating, condition. Over the past five months, I have thoroughly enjoyed my regular visits to your studio. The instruction you provide is excellent. You continue to recognize my goals, along with my limitations, and you have tailored a program that meets all of my needs.
Through your most knowledgeable and expert instruction, I have found the key to increasing the power in my golf swing. Core strength not only makes me feel stronger mentally and physically as I address the ball, it also gives me the confidence and the power to hit the ball further. I have gained a minimum of 10 yards on every shot, which is quite significant as it allows me to use my more accurate clubs as I approach the greens.
In terms of my chronic hip pain, while the daily level of pain has not decreased, I am pleased to report that I have had no major flares since starting Pilates instruction. In the past, I have always had several periods of intense, debilitating pain during the winter months. It is most surprising to me that I am able to participate in such an intense strength training program without any major difficulties with my hip. Along with increased strength, I have noticed a very significant increase in my flexibility. Before beginning Pilates, I could not come close to touching my toes but now it is quite easy for me. This flexibility will undoubtedly help with my chronic pain condition and also prevent further injury from occurring.
Thank you so much for your dedication and sincere desire to help me meet my goals. I look forward to even more improvement as I continue to train at your studio. - Lindsey Edmunds

Gen & Fiona - Training in the double, Switzerland