WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT ARWEN
"After a session with Arwen mentally and physically I feel refreshed and renewed, her encouragement and passion helps push you to go the extra step and try harder. Working with her and learning pilates has been a life changing experience."
Barbara Knight
"Over the past few years I've been involved in a variety of athletic endeavors, and have been lucky to have many knowledgeable trainers and instructors, but without a doubt, Arwen is one of the best teachers I've ever had. Of course she is great one-on-one, but I think one of her greatest strengths as an instructor is her ability to lead group classes such that you feel like you're the only student in the room. When I first started pilates with Arwen, I was amazed that each class not only gave me a great workout, but also left me feeling very calm and relaxed. I've since learned (from being exposed to other instructors) that this feeling of calm and focus is pretty unique to Arwen's style of pilates. In addition, Arwen knows a great deal about how the body works and uses this knowledge to make the goals of the movements/positions clear and accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. Moreover, her focus on not only the how's but also the why's of each pilates sequence makes even the most basic movements incredibly rewarding. The self awareness I've gained from Arwen's classes has percolated into all other areas of my life, with the result that most everything I do - whether it be running, swimming, or sitting at a computer all day - I do much better."
Olivia, UCSC Grad Student
"I came to Arwen almost nine months ago and presented her with a daunting challenge: My 56-year old body had performed admirably during a 30-year career as a practicing arborist and student of classical ballet. During the last five years my body absorbed additional impacts from marathon road cycling, resistance training and a newfound love of Vinyasa Flow, a strenuous yoga practice. I was constantly fatigued and frequently in pain with stressed hip joints, knees and ankles. I had been cast aside by resistance trainers and identified as “chronically injured.”
Arwen designed and implemented an individual program that focused on re-alignment, recruitment of little used muscle groups, deeper breathing and less stressful methods of moving that allowed me to continue the physical regimes I so loved. She frequently reviews my status and modifies the program to ensure our work develops strength and flexibility without injury.
Today I am able to continue my study of the moving arts with passion and energy. Arwen continues to challenge me in ways that have been appropriately described as “sneaky”. She has a wonderfully infectious, positive and uplifting view of all that surrounds her which permeates her work. She begins each session with a specific plan building on the previous session. She is patient, considerate and understanding while maintaining focus and meeting the session goals.
I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Arwen and benefit from her perspective. I highly recommend her to those that seek relief from chronic pain, structural imbalances or just want to feel better and move with ease."
James P. Allen, Consulting Arborist
"I have had back problems for several years. Someone had recommended Pilates. Luckily I found Arwen through a recommendation of a friend. After being with her for about a year, I can say I have almost no back problem; my back and Abs are much stronger. Arwen showed me how to work out smarter. I have always worked out, but I learned at Pilates, that all those crunches and sit-ups I was doing were wrong. I know now why I didn't see any result in the look or feel of my abs. Arwen is truly a great, patient, and knowledgeable instructor, always positive and happy. What I like most, she is very caring, and when she knows I have weak spot, she does her studying first and then tries to help me. I am happier these days because I have no pain in my back."
Fatima