Pilates Studio Ashland

Testimonials

I've been practicing Pilates for 7 months with Belkis. I cannot say enough great things about her.  First of all, this is not your typical pilates class.  I've taken a few "pilates" inspired classes and this is nothing like that.

Belkis works with you one on one and tailors the class to your ability and needs, constantly correcting your alignment so that you do not injure yourself and you train the right muscle group.  She has years of experience training in NYC with Romana Kryzanowska, who was a student of Joseph Pilates and took over his studio after his death.   After my shoulder injury and subsequent frozen shoulder, I've tried all sorts of exercise but they all seemed to aggravate my injury and I had nearly given up on working out.  That's when I met Belkis.  And during the entire time that I've trained with her, I have never left feeling over strained, and I've been able to gain strength despite the injury.  There are a couple of key things I've noticed from working with her.  First, sessions with her have a similar effect to a good massage.  You know the kind where you feel rejuvenated with blood flowing throughout your body and your body is able to move more fluidly?  It's great when you have a chronic injury like I do.  Second, I've noticed a distinct change in my body (esp my waistline), even though I haven't changed my diet and I don't have the time (or make the time?) to exercise more like I should.  She has an amazing eye for proper alignment, is a great teacher, and keeps me laughing during class.  And since she teaches from her home, it's way more affordable than private lessons at other studios.  Pilates is a great gift and investment in yourself.    



Mika 2017

My name is Rose Singarella. I am confident that you will benefit immensely with Belkis and Pilates.

I would like to share my personal story with you.

Three years ago I was in severe debilitating pain with my back and hips 24 hours a day.

I was unable to function normally and was terrified I would never be able to live a normal life again. I was diagnosed with 4 bulging discs in my lower back. 

By the time I got to Belkis I was desparate for the right kind of help. So far no one was able to really help me and the medical profession just basically told me I had to be on pain killers the rest of my life, and probably headed for surgery, which was not an option for me as I am super health conscious and only consider medication and surgery as a last resort. 

Upon my first meeting with Belkis I knew intuitively that she was right for me. She had an extraordinary strong fit body, which speaks for Pilates. She is compassionate, loving, and exudes a genuinely caring presence. I felt safe with her, she encouraged and supported me in believing I would get better. Her level of understanding the body was truly amazing. Her vision of whats right for the individual person, knowing exactly what to do for them is unique, and makes her one of a kind.  

When I first started working out with Belkis I was in a lot of chronic pain and extreme weakness. I did not think I would be able to even do any excercises. Belkis immediately knew what to do for me and set out on a mission to get me strong. Within 6 weeks of working with her I was well on my way to being pain free and rapidly become structurally stable and stronger. To this day, I am incredibly grateful to Belkis and to Pilates. Belkis and Pilates totally saved my life.  I will not go without Pilates, ever. I am extremely dedicated to it for the rest of my life. I do it at least 2 to 3 times per week, only one on one.

It is very very important that you have a one on one trainer to keep you safe and doing it properly. Especially if you have structural issues causing pain.  

I am now totally pain free, and I have absolutely no doubt that its because of the Pilates I do consistently.

I have been working out with Belkis over 3 years now.  I strongly urge you to set up a plan with Belkis. You will be a new woman in no time!

~ Rose Singarella



Belkis loves what she does. Her knowledge of true Pilates is awesome. She catches the smallest details in form. I got great results working with Belkis, stronger core and a longer, leaner body. My flexibility and strength improved as well.

December 29, 2010 

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

~ Maryann Durr

The "Pilates" world is filled with poorly trained half-baked teachers, but Belkis is the REAL DEAL and an expert in her field. She studied at Joe Pilates' original studio with teachers directly in his lineage, and thus she can offer both the classic workouts to your level of intensity, or do sensitive, individually-tailored rehab work. I worked out with her while I lived on Maui and she got me into top form and educated me immensely about body function.

November 27, 2010

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

~ Anne Hoff

Belkis is an amazing Pilates Instructor. Her studio is great, fully equipped with top of the line equipment. If you want "real Pilates" and real results, see Belkis on Maui!!!

September 28, 2008

~ Jessica Keith, Owner, Aloha Pilates  

worked directly with Belkis at Real Pilates Maui

 Belkis is a wonderful teacher with an incredible amount of knowledge. She teaches the original work developed by Joseph Pilates. Belkis prepared me before I went to receive my training to get certified in Joseph Pilates. Not only did I show up @ school well prepared, my love for Pilates became deeper the more I understood it. It truly is more than just exercise it’s science of the body. Learning from Belkis was very beneficial; not to mention she has an awesome personality which makes your session that much better! 

Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

~ Morgan Farnsworth

Belkis is an extraordinary Pilates trainer/instructor,I have been blessed to be showered by her "Radiance" and love, and supported by her expert hands, for over 3 years, 2 to 3 times per week, one on one.

Her presence, her knowledge of the body and Pilates, and her figure, speaks for the exquisite power of Pilates.

She is masterful in intuiting what a client needs.

I am amazed by her brilliance and sharpness in "seeing" the tiny subleties of her clients form and dysfunction. This helps direct her expert knowledge in doing what is right for her client.

The transformation that takes place under the consistent care, and training with Belkis will astound you. She is compassionate, gentle, and exudes inner and outer strength and confidence, and that supports her clients in feeling special and safe. She genuinely loves what she does! Belkis has made a huge impact on many peoples lives, especially mine, sincerely assisting them in becoming stronger, sleeker, healthier and happier. She is one of a kind, a true master of her craft!

Respectfully yours,                                                       

~ Rose Singarella

                                                                                                                            

I have worked with Belkis for six years since I came to Maui in 2005. I have  been a Pilates student for over 20 years. I also studied while I was in UK for four years until 2005.

I started Pilates  on the East Coast with New York  (Romana) trained teachers in NJ and then in Bermuda with a studio also with NY trained teachers and who brought inother instructors for short term assignments  from all over the USA and Canada during the four years I lived there.

In the process, I experienced many different outlooks on the development of Pilates methodology in recent years.

In my opinion, Belkis has all the elements of a first class instructor. Besides teaching "core" Pilates, she has the empathy in my case to understand the failings of a 70 year old body and the understanding to make the classes fun and instructive on a long term basis. Her ability to adapt to clients needs is superb and I would recommend her

 to anyone who is a seriously interested in experiencing Pilates to the fullest and practised as Joseph would have wished.

I shall miss her...Good Luck Belkis in your new venture.

~ Ann Blyde

76 years young            

Belkis is an incredible instructor as well as being a truley wonderful person. I highly recommend her! Belkis inspired me to become an instructor myself.



True Pilates Maui

Mabelle Bastien



Belkis is a Master! She knows the body well and she keeps a sharp eye on your movements to make sure you get the best results. She pushes you to the next level. She not only is a great trainer, but a wonderful and true friend. You will not go wrong having Belkis as your trainer. Go for it!

Mary Sloan

Photographer

I am getting so much out of my training with Belkis.                                

 I especially love how sensitive she is to the subtleties in my body, helping me realign and wake up sleeping muscles. I feel my body transforming. She is wonderful to work with.

Sarah Marshank

Therapeutic Massage Therapist,

Life Coach, Counseling Astrologer, Artist

Belkis taught me the original classic method of Pilates . She was with me through out my whole 2 years as an apprentise. I like to think I'm a mini Belkis, my mentor. And from the feedback I get from my clients, perhaps I am!

Susan VanderWoude

Pilates Instructor