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I was watching television one day and they were talking about the benefits
of Pilates. I had taken some classes at a gym a while back and I decided to check the internet to see if there
were any other classes in my area. That's how I happened to stumble across your website. Barbara, I want to tell you how happy I am to have found you!!! I immediately joined your
Pilates classes and I am addicted. Your classes are small and I always leave there feeling as if I had a one on one
with you. I thought I knew Pilates (because I took classes at my gym) but you have taught me the REAL Pilates and explained
the benefits of each move. You challenge everyone to their own potential and never make anyone feel out of place.
Thanks to you, I cannot imagine my life without Pilates!!! Fran
Recine - Farmingdale, NY
It is amazing what a difference pilates can make. I have been faithfully
going to the gym for years but since having started pilates can visually see a difference in my body. My overall positioning
has improved significantly and I can feel my core beginning to get stronger every day. Friends have noticed the
difference as well - I tell them all it's because of Pilates and my wonderful instructor Barbara. The classes are
very focused on helping each individual and that makes a huge difference. I am so glad I started Pilates and found Barbara.
Jenny - Farmingdale, NY I am working with Barbara in private sessions. I didn't even notice that my body was getting weaker and my shoulders were up in my neck. Thanks to Barbara's insight, experience, and knowledge of pilates I have started to feel my muscles working and my balance and posture improving. It is only the beginning of our work together but I am noticing a difference and am looking forward to continue our work. The sessions go quickly and I feel like I am getting a good workout. Harriet,
58 - Wantagh, NY
Barbara's classes are wonderful! You get the feeling you're having a one
on one training experience. Barbara is very hands on and challenges you to be in your mind/body zone. I leave class feeling
relaxed AND energized! I'm very happy to have found someone as dedicated and fun as Barbara. I joined pilates to lessen the stress I accumulate throughout my week. My
friend had taken the class and raved about how much it helped her, so naturally I was curious to see what was so amazing.
At first, there wasn't an opening, due to the popularity of this class. I was fortunate enough to get a call from
Barbara that there was an opening in her Spring Session. Since that first class, I felt relaxed, and comfortable with
my body. I now am in my second session with Barbara, and I can't wait for the fall session to continue working toward
releasing stress from my body from a long week.
Jennifer Stanley, 26 - Merrick, NY I would like to let women who have NEVER taken pilates or ANY other exercise class know that there is someone out there who wants to help you have a pleasant experience as a beginner in
pilates. I didn't know quite how I felt about this class at first;
I wasn't anxious to do any type of exercise; I had no idea what pilates entailed,
how it is done, what it should accomplish. My first session this
past spring was in a class of women who had been with Barbara or doing some form of exercise for a long time. I was out of my element for sure. Barbara never made me feel uncomfortable
and I actually tried some things I never would have thought I could even
attempt but little by little, I'm beginning to catch on (or so I think!)
So would I recommend Forever Fit Pilates - YES - we all need some form
of exercise and why not do that for yourself with someone very willing
to help you keep yourself healthy - Thank you Barbara! One Of
Your Newest Recruits- Evelyn
DeNucci - Massapequa, NY I have a very stressful
life - a career and three children. I started attending Pilates to help manage my stress and also to give myself the
needed "me" time that would create a more centered balance. Barbara skillfully and aptly took the time to
assess my needs and she provided me with a wonderful Pilates routine. She is knowledgeable, patient and astute in understanding
what movements would better suit my body and overall physique. I am very grateful to her. Maureen - Massapequa, NY I have been working with Barbara for almost 2 yrs. Joining her class has been
the best thing I have ever done for myself. The classes are low impact, so you dont have to worry about your knees or
ankles. And, at my age, (60) that really means a lot. The classes are FUN. She takes a personal interest
in each and every student and actually worries about you. I have never felt better in my entire life. She is not
only my teacher, but has become my friend. Maria
- Farmingdale, NY "I have been taking pilates mat classes with Barbara for 1 whole session
now and I am loving it! Not only is it fun, but it is challenging too! It gives me some time away from home and all the stress
that is related to it. It was exactly what was missing from my life. I was never really into the whole sweating your butt
off and not seeing results exercise routines. Between these classes, doing cardio and eating healthy, I have dropped TWO PANTS
SIZES. Not only do I look amazing, but more importantly I FEEL amazing! I feel healthy, energized and younger than I have
in years! I also had a lumbar disc bulge going into these classes and now my back pain is completely GONE. I had to take a
month off for surgery and the pains came back, the back and sciatica. I couldn't wait to get back to into it.
Barbara really personally trains each of her students and tailors each exercise based on the individual. You will never get bored or feel like you are not being challenged! Everytime she pushes me I thank her because I know the results will show. I encourage anyone who is looking to destress and lose inches to join these classes. You will have no regrets!" Karena Baer, 32, Levittown, New York “I started Pilates about 6 weeks ago. I had always wanted to try Pilates
and I found Barbara by chance on the internet. I cannot express enough how these past 6 weeks have made a tremendous impact
in my life. I had experienced a tragedy in my life over a year ago, and ever since I started Pilates, in such a short
time, I have noticed a change in my sleeping habits and my focus on my strengths and my weaknesses. I feel that with
Pilates I am progressing very well with my flexibility and my mental focus. Barbara is truly amazing with her work, and
I feel I get stronger and progress more with every session. I am hooked for life! I am very thankful to have found
Barbara.” "I have been working with Barbara for a year and have seen a great
difference in my flexibility, posture, and core strength. I had done a lot of Pilates DVD's prior to coming to Barbara
but the live instruction far outweighs the DVD's. It is a great complement to the cardio and strength training that
I do. Not only am I less stressed from taking Barbara's classes but I also get a great workout each and every class.
Barbara is a wonderful instructor and helps put students of all levels at ease by reminding the class that it is
not a competition and every body is different. Thank you Barbara for teaching such wonderful classes!" "I am so happy I
found your class. After having gone through cancer, and now being in total menopause, I felt I needed something more
then walking, biking and light weights. Your class is the perfect addition to my exercise plan! Since I started
your class I feel stronger and more flexible! I also noticed that I have much less tension in my neck and my posture
is improved. Your classes are fun and easy to follow, and I am enjoying the support of the other women in class. I can’t
wait to see and feel more results in the future!" Thanks. Sally Waskewich - Massapequa, NY " Barbara- Thank you for introducing me to Pilates! Since joining your class, I have noticed significant improvements in my posture, and relief of the tension I had been experiencing in my neck. Your patience, expertise, and enthusiasm has made it so easy to learn the Pilates techniques and immediately feel comfortable in the class. I've already noticed a difference in my muscle tone and I can't wait to show it off in my wedding dress this September!! I wish I had found you sooner!! Thanks for everything." - Lauren Shulman, Massapequa, NY - Lauren Shulman, Massapequa,
NY
"Barbara,
This class was exactly what I needed in my life.
I wasn't so much looking to get toned (although it would be great) but for more of a mental exercise. I used to do yoga
and tai chi and missed it but wanted something a little more with exercise. This class has helped me focus on my inner strengths
and helped my breathing and mental focus. And i love it. I feel it has done wonders with my flexibilty and I'm starting
to see a little different shape in my thighs and core. This has been a great experience for me and I never want to stop. I
feel pilates just helps me keep in touch with me and it is good for me as well. Thank you for the opportunity to be
in your class and look forward to many more." - Danielle F., Lindenhurst,
NY "I am just finishing my first 10 week session of Pilates with Barbara. I found her by chance while
searching for yoga classes. I had heard of Pilates, and wanted to try it, but always felt it would be too advanced for me.
I envisioned a room full of much younger women, all in great shape already (that's me, always the optimist!). After watching
the video segments on her web site, I decided to give it a try. Never for a minute did I feel out of place. The class size,
the atmosphere and Barbara's patient and encouraging manner are just what I was looking for. Until now I have never looked
forward to an exercise class and can't believe how fast the hour goes. I'm hooked."
Marie Simms - Levittown "I am just completing my first session of Pilates with Barbara and I can't wait for the Spring session to start. I take the class twice a week. I had just found Pilates after getting a tape. Going to the gym is not for me. Pilates classes with Barbara are a great de-stresser for me, being a mother of 2 young boys and working full time. It gives me so much more energy, as well as getting me in to shape after having children. I am so glad that I found Barbara. I searched on the internet and I found her in Massapequa. I travel from West Bayshore to attend her classes and don't mind the drive at all. She teaches a great class and it is worth it to me. I love the fact that she makes sure you a doing the exercises correct, who wants to do things incorrectly. I highly recommend these classes to anyone who is interested in de-stressing and a getting a great work out. You won't regret it!!!! Looking forward to the spring session.." Jennifer
West - West Bayshore "When I leave a class with Barbara I feel the perfect balance between calm
and energized that only a great pilates workout can give you. Even though we're in a class setting, each
of us gets personilized attention that allows us to excel at our own pace. Beacuse of this I was amazed to see how quickly I
progressed in flexibility, stamina, and strength. I have such a better understanding of my body, what it can do, and
how, because of the way Barbara teaches us to be concious of our form and realize the mind body connection. I will be doing
plates forever because of what a positive experience her classes have been." Stacey Stark - N. Bellmore "I was convinced to try Pilates
by a friend of mine who had been taking classes with Barbara. I was sure I wasn't going to like it but I decided to try,
and I'm glad I did. I love Barbara's classes; the music she plays during the class, the atmosphere of trust she creates
and the individual attention she gives all her students. It's the best exercise class I've ever taken, and I'm
also beginning to see positive changes to my body."
Tina Jensen - Massapequa Return to top "Firstly, I was very skeptical and nervous because it has been many years since I was involved in any exercise class. Having my children and taking care of my family was my priority. I was always on the back burner. The first time I met barbara I felt very comfortable. She has alot of patience and compassion and was able to read into me quite quickly. No matter how frustrated I was, she was always there to pick me up. I have looked forward to going to class and hope to continue. She is a fabulous instructor and I would highly reccommend her." Penny Balducci - Massapequa Park Testimonials 2007 "I was under a tremendous amount of stress last September, from both a high pressure
job and medical issues for myself and my husband. One day, I decided I was going to find a Yoga class for the sole purpose
of relieving some of the stress in my life. I searched the Internet and found 3 local "Yoga" studios. After visiting
the first 2, I stopped at a private studio, knocked on the door, and after a moment of confusion in which Barbara said, "I'm
a Pilates instructor, not a Yoga instructor, but come in anyway," my fate was sealed. Thank God for Internet blunders! The Fall session
had already started and I missed the first class, but I came back that evening for the second class and was amazed at how
I felt. The stresses of the day just fell away. Not having exercised on a regular basis for many years, I thought I would never be able to keep up with the rest of the small class, but
Barbara's individual attention and soothing manner ("this is not a competition") made me feel very comfortable
even though I was a little bit clumsy. At this stage, I've experienced only 7 of Barbara's Pilates classes, but it's
become an important part of my life. I sleep very soundly and feel much stronger after only a short period of time. My intention
now is to cut back on work hours and increase the number of Pilates classes per week. Can't wait to tell my husband!
He'll be thrilled. Also, I really, truly scheduled some required surgery around Barbara's classes, so I can finish
the Fall session, have surgery, recuperate and be ready for the Winter session in January. If I can feel such an improvement
in my body and my attitude in 7 weeks, I'm determined to continue working with Barbara to improve my overall health
and fitness, mind and body, over the long haul. Thanks Barbara, for not really being a Yoga instructor!"
Maureen Febbraro - Massapequa Barbara: "In
a short synopsis I would like to Thank You for helping me get back in touch with my mind body connection. I have always been
an athelete but life had gotten crazy as it does and I forgot to find time for me.. I was feeling out of shape and needed
someone to push me in the right direction. That person was you . I made the first move by calling you and starting private
pilates sessions back in late June . But your passion, knowledge and support has made we want to continue. I enjoyed it so
much that I also joined your group sessions in the fall. I look forward to coming every time and always leave feeling recharged
and ready to face lifes challenges. I did not realize how out of balance I was. Since I am athletic and fairly strong
I was able to muscle my way thru most sports or activities . You have taught me my strength needs to come from my "Core"
That is my control source. Once I lose that focus and implant I lose my balance. That has been a major factor for me to work
on my center core becoming my control panel for all the wonderful pilates movements. I feel much more aware of my strengths
and weaknesses in my body. I also love the fact that with pilates I have toned up my body but not "Bulked out with muscle"
where as the gym always made me to muscular looking. Pilates has made me leaner looking and toned. The key is not lifting
a lot of weights or doing to many sets, it is about controlling the sets you do and getting the most out of each movement.
Barbara loves to see you "Shiver" or know you felt the "fire" then she knows you are getting the most
out of her training. Once you feel the connection it is awesome. So, Thank You again Barbara for helping me reach my goals
and feel good doing it."
Stacey Walker- Massapequa Thank you so much for having me pursue my hip pain with several
doctors. You knew it was more. It turned out it is not a pulled muscle in both hips but my last doctor found the
degeneration in both hips and I will need two total hip replacements. I need to lose 50 pounds prior to surgery and
I'm on my way to that. I'm looking at an early winter surgery and will go to a rehab center to get me walking
again. I look forward to working with you again thereafter. Thank you again and be well till then. Testimonials 2005 - 2007 "How can I begin to say how Pilates has changed my life.
Thank you for making me feel like I can do anything, mind and body. I have been working with Barbara Pantino for the
past two years now in private sessions and she has brought me from beginner Pilates practitioner to an intermediate/advanced
level. Barbara continues to amaze me every session with her knowledge of giving me the exercises that have brought me
back into balance and improving my posture besides the strength and flexibility that I have gained. I wish you
much success and congratulations on your website. The information that you have included in it has been very useful." Danielle Horrigan- Farmingdale, NY Danielle Horrigan, Cardiac Nurse, St. Francis Of Assisi Hospital 5/18/07 -" I've had the opportunity to observe a CardioFitness Infused Pilates class in session, from start to finish. I've found it to be a fantastic way to not only stretch and tone the body, but the Cardiovascular work is wonderful. During the aging process the heart needs to be worked, starting out slowly and then increasing the intensity to the beneficial level to keep the heart strong. Staying within the "training zone" does just that for Cardiovascular and muscular endurance while keeping the work safe. Including the mandatory heartrate monitor is what I believe, the first time it has been suggested. You know your stuff. Hats off Barbara, you've created an awesome program! And I'm very proud. That's my Mom!" "I have had the priviledge of having private pilates lessons with Barbara Pantino for over 2 years. She is professional and so educated in this field. I look forward each week to my session with Barbara and always leave feeling so wonderful. As I approach my 50's, I know how important it is to stay fit and pilates offers an intense workout while protecting me from stress and pounding on my joints. Barbara's love for training is evident and I highly recommend that you treat yourself to her magic! " Jackie Rubano - Massapequa Park, NY "I
first met Barbara Pantino at the gym when I began her Pilates class. I finally found an exercise I really enjoyed, and
Barbara's encouragement and patience were wonderful because, at first, the exercises were hard. She helped all of
us to achieve what each of us was capable of and to shed that competitive thing that often goes on in classes. Shortly
thereafter, I began private lessons with Barbara, and I have been with her for about 2 1/2 years now. We have been through
a lot together--I had to take about nine months off when I sustained multiple injuries. Barbara's encouragement
helped me to get back my strength after those injuries. I think the thing I like most about our sessions is the peace
and calm I get from them. Barbara encourages me to do the best I can, not to be perfect. She takes me where I
am and brings me forward. She cheers as much as I do when I am able to do something for the first time. The most
important thing about our time together is that we have become friends which continues as we continue our work together." Mary Lambert - Merrick, NY "I took a 10 week pilates Fall session with Barbara Pantino and it was thoroughly enjoyable.
Barbara is a real professional and because of the small class size she's able to give each student personal attention.
Her passion came through and motivated us to do our best. I left each class with a sense of well being and calm.
Pilates is a great addition to any fitness routine." "My overall experience in taking Barbara Pantino's classes
was excellent. It was nice to take a class that the instructor demonstrates in to show us how to move the body. Barbara
is also very patient and would provide extra attention to those of us who needed it. Her classes are very soothing
to the body and mind. It is the perfect class for relaxation as well as helping you to feel good about yourself. If there
is one thing I learned from Barbara's classes, it's how to breathe and focus on myself." Lisa - Massapequa, NY "I'm a 51 year old male who has been training with Barbara Pantino and doing Pilates with her for over 3 years. I'm an active guy who likes to play hoops, raquetball and I even lift some weights....then I got into Pilates and at my age, saw my energy and my strength suddenly start to improve.....muscles that I didn't know I had were starting to get stronger that just made my body stronger as a whole.. However, the light really went off for me and I didn't really realize how much I missed Barbara and Pilates until I got hurt. I tore a meniscus in my knee necessitating surgery and physical therapy and had to give Pilates up for 4 months.. I was a little apprehensive about going back to Pilates, but the minute I got going again, I remembered why I loved pilates so much. I found my whole body come alive...all the muscles in my body were waking up; not just the usual ones. After one session, I felt alive again and couldn't wait to go back. Besides the muscle strengthening, toning and stretching Pilates does for you, Barbara makes it all so easy with her smile, her knowledge and just her love for what she is doing. I've been to the gym, i've even taken martial arts, but as an overall body workout that won't kill you but just make your whole body feel alive. Give it a try." Gary Bonanno - Seaford, NY Return To Top Of Page "Taking Barbara Pantino's class is a pleasure because
she is so eager to enlighten every student. The classes are small so you get her complete attention. It makes you
feel like youre getting private sessions. She makes sure that you're doing the movements correctly which is important
so you don't get hurt and you'll see results quicker!!! When the class is over you feel FANTASTIC.
I personally love that we end the class with some yoga. She works you out and then relaxes your body and mind.
I love it!" Connie Gasparino, Massapequa, NY "In 2005, I first heard about Pilates. I saw it on TV and read about how celebrities and fitness gurus raved about how Pilates has drastically improved their appearances and overall sense of well being. I knew my gym was starting to offer Pilates classes, so I said to myself, "why not try it" and took my 1st Pilates class. The first few classes that I took, which were taught by Barbara Pantino, were awesome. I couldn't believe how one hour of exercise went by so quickly and effortlessly. I honestly didn't think I was really "working out" because I didn't feel tired and fatigued. The following day after a class, my muscles would be sore, especially the muscles I have never felt before. That's when I knew that Pilates was the thing for me. I felt better mentally and physically; tension in my neck and shoulders would go away after I did Pilates. I often compare the feeling to getting a massage. That's how good I feel after I take a class. I was becoming addicted to it. Eventally, Barbara stopped instructing at the gym to start her personal training at her private studio. I took classes taught by other instructors and I bought Pilates tape for use at home. I can say that I truly missed taking Pilates with Barbara. There is something about her classes that are so much better than other classes I've taken. Honest to God. I feel, and I know that I get a better workout with Barbara. She really pushes you and keeps it moving which is what I love! I was really glad when Barbara started teaching group classes again. It is my favorite way to exercise and I love the "zen" surroundings of her studio. I have seen such a difference in my body since I started doing Pilates. It's amazing because before I did Pilates, I worked out with weights, kickboxing, etc. Since 2005, my body is toned and I feel so much better. And I've lost fat! I love it when someone tells me how "ripped" I look! I love Pilates! And I love Barbara for teaching me! Thanks Babs!" Michelle Ippoliti - Massapequa, NY "I would like to say that I really enjoy your classes. You keep the classes fun and so informative. I am such a fan of Pilates now and I would highly recommend you as a teacher!" Kathy - Levittown, NY "I began pilates with Barbara a short 9 weeks ago and already see and feel results. Family members have told me that I look thinner and can definitely feel that I've become stronger. Moves that we performed in the beginning of our session are now coming a little easier for me. I really look forward to my class every week. Even though the workouts are tough, they are still so relaxing for me!" Jennifer Hayden-Libero - Massapequa, NY You're probably feeling me today, specifically your core (back, sides, belly), and most likely your shoulders and neck. It should be a good sore. Don't let the soreness discourage you. It's a good thing! Means you worked! As you progress in the classes, the soreness will not be as intense and eventually will stop. Your shoulders and neck will take more work as you learn to get out of them. And it will happen, your posture will improve with continued work and you'll leave each class feeling revived and stretched. A sense of wellbeing as well. See you next week! Barbara Pantino/Your Pilates Instructor Thank you for your email. I enjoyed the class and am looking forward to the next one. Actually, I am not really sore at all, the only slight ache I had was in my right arm. Have a great week and Happy Easter. - Linda, Massapequa I just got back from my first class and I had to write to say thank you. Not only is your class a perfect fit for my abilities, but it is the personal attention I need to stretch me further. I look forward to next week's class. - Margaret, Massapequa Return To Top Of Page |
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