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for real...I've started writing this testimonial more than a few times, but it comes down to this. You helped me love and trust my body again. Thank you for that. And big love to both you and Claudine for making me laugh, making me work, and keeping it real. I don't think I knew how much I needed it.
-Kate Guerrina
The opportunity that Ellen gave me is the kind that people dream of being offered... the opportunity to remake themselves. We can all do it - truthfully we could all do it at any time - but Ellen saw me, right where I was, as I was... struggling, fighting for something more from myself - and made a safe space for me to do that work. She committed her time and invested her heart in the work of me. What words are there to possibly express my gratitude?
-Zephyr Soun, Brattleboro Vt
As I finish my first year as a Spinner, I want you all to know that what a difference the experience has made in my life. The amazing value of the exercise, as well as the high spirits in the classes, have enriched my life immensely. Thank you.
Beth Muskat, Putney VT
When I went into the challenge, I wanted to get 'unstuck', I was feeling like I needed a jumpstart. I was feeling like my clothes didn't fit well, I was eating like I was trying to fill an empty container, I wasn't very motivated to change on my own- so, I thought, OK, this will inspire me to get back into shape. Well... not only do I feel inspired to get back into shape, but I feel a shift has taken place. I think for the first time, I have felt seen and heard from my own eyes and ears- for ME and not for someone else. I have done athletics before, gotten into shape, looked good....but this experience was something else. Ellen, pushed me to a level that I hadn't been before (except during childbirth).Thank you so much for doing this work! It's affected so many people on so many different levels.
Elisabeth Bickford Wells, Saxtons River VT
Both Brad and I have seen our doctor this week. Brad’s doctor was extremely pleased and wishes that there was a spin class closer to Springfield, VT for more of her patients. The last time he saw her she thought she might have to increase his diabetes medication but his tests were good enough so she didn’t. I saw my doctor today and she also was very pleased. I haven’t had my blood work done yet but my blood pressure was the lowest it has been in a long time so I can try reducing the RX for that. She suspects that the cholesterol levels will be much improved.
Thank you from all of us.
Beverly Dunbar, Dummerston, Vt
I've been working on this for a while...keep starting it over and never sure of what I want to say. I feel like there are so many angles to approach a testimonial about this challenge...ie the actual exercises, how many inches I lost, how it's changed Dave's life too (I hope he writes one himself), how it has done wonders for our marriage!!! .. If it hadn't been for some of things I read about the challenge, I may not have done it, so I really wanted to write this:
I approached the 28 day challenge with the goal of losing weight, but on finishing, my outlook has transcended that mundane wish. I have discovered sheer joy…joy in this body that I’ve been so unkind to for so long. I have found pleasure in my ability to accomplish this mammoth task—thankfulness for being able to complete 20 push-ups, ecstasy in a 45 minute spin class, and bliss in a workout that brings me to places I never imagined for myself. The greatest pleasure, however, is the epiphany that this is the same body I’ve had all along…the same body that gave me two beautiful children, that endured a marathon labor, that hiked mountains, and played sports and hugged friends… a body that has always done that which I asked of it. This body has supported me through this beautiful, beautiful life. After the challenge, I have vowed that I will always take care of it, I will always appreciate it, and I won’t talk smack about it! I will take joy, not in sizes and numbers, but in my ability, intensity, and my willingness…my health, my practice, and my good fortune. Thank you, Ellen!
-Amanda Gilbert-Hodgson, Vt
28 Day Challenge for 2- $900
New shoes to accommodate supination- $100
Hearing you call Amanda a pu$$y AND get away with it- PRICELESS. Thank you so much for offering this program and being such a wonderful teacher, advocate, and friend. Obviously I am thrilled with the weightloss, but I am more excited about my new outlook on things (making myself a top priority) and renewed interest in physical activity and healthy eating. You and your staff have been awesome through the whole process. Thanks again for all you do.
-David Hodgson, Vt
Three months after my 28-day program, my mantra remains "I can do it." I am more aware of the limits I attempt to place on myself out of fear or discomfort. I continue to move beyond my limiting beliefs with the confidence that my body can handle the challenges before it.
-Kate Link, Vt
I am a 56-year-old man. I have a terrible family history of high blood pressure. I have been on medication for decades. I decided to attack this problem on several fronts: accupuncture/Chinese herbs, diet, and spinning. After about 4 weeks of spinning, I asked my doctor if I could try getting off my medication, and he said that I should cut it in half. After two weeks, my blood pressure was 118/62. That was lower than when I was on the full dose. I am now taking no medication, and we will see how that goes. I have been spinning three times per week for about six weeks now.
Dan Heller, Brattleboro, Vt
Walking into the studio was an act of bravery for me. Having been overweight my entire life, it was intimidating. But I was welcomed with warm support and genuine acceptance. It's been a life changing relationship for me. Not only because of the friendship and affection that I feel for the spectacular human beings that I sweat and laugh with, but also because of the opportunity it has given me to develop a deep appreciation and love for my own body – a body I've spent most of my life resenting. There aren't really words to describe the impact this beautiful, loving place has had on my heart, my mind and my body. It's a precious sanctuary and a great gift to my life.
-Zephyr Soun, Brattleboro Vt
I was putting my favorite belt on this morning, and it was loose, but when I tried to tighten it-I had run out of holes!!!
-Natalie Thomson about the 28 Day Challenge. Walpole NH
This studio has a very welcoming atmosphere, which was important to me as a relative newcomer to yoga and spin (I still haven't tried pilates!). From my very first class I have always felt welcome and supported by the charismatic, knowledgable and motivational instructors. I personally have benefited greatly from the hot yoga classes and appreciate the flexibility to accomodate different skill levels / fitness in each class. Through these classes I have found better balance, posture and comfort in my day-to-day life and a decrease in my overall stress level. I have a few chronic injuries and in general am not a very flexible person, so imagine my joy when I grabbed onto my toes for the first time in a seated stretch! Many many thanks to the talented staff of Hot Yoga, Pilates, & Spin.
-Dr. Tamera Mcnamara, Brattleboro Vt
Doing Pilates at the studio, has changed my life. I came to the studio after a desparate cry to the universe for help. The answer was try the yoga Studio. I got up off my bedroom floor and called. When I came to the Yoga studio I could barely walk, I had trouble breathing, walking upstairs and standing. I was overweight and I avoided excercise like the plague. When I walked in, EVERYONE was friendly and so encouraging. I knew they really wanted me to succeed and that my size didn't matter. All the staff made a special effort to know my name--that meant a lot to me. It's been almost 6 months and I've lost 12 pounds without dieting, I can walk upstairs without holding on to the railing, I can pick stuff up off the floor, I've conquered my fear of physical challenges and it's hard to believe, but I look forward to exercising now. I actually miss it. If it weren't for Ellen, Pilates and the people at the Yoga studio, I wouldn't be walking today. I've done Pilates, yoga, boxing, step aerobics, and spinning at the studio. Ellen is awesome at coaching about food and diet too! Working with Ellen and the staff at Hot Yoga Spin & Pilates has changed my life!
-Nancy Aldrich, Teacher, Putney Vt
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