"My back is killing me!"

That is a phrase my wife has heard me say for fifteen years since I crashed my motorcycle. If you have chronic back pain like I had, check out Paula Williamson's training program targeting lower back pain.  After several months of working out on my own with little progress, I decided to try something new. What a revelation. I feel like I have turned back the clock ten years. And I don't carry Advil with me at all times any more.
Paula's expertise as a Pilates Instructor, Massage Therapist, and Physical Trainer has made a dramatic change in my physical well being.

Talk to Paula, you have nothing to lose but the pain.

Scott Brown
ARFC Member

Pilates Helped Cure My Chronic Pain

I have been exercising over 20 years on a regular basis and have always considered myself fit and healthy until about five years ago when I injured my back at work.  I ignored the pain for four years, even as it got progressively worse, thinking that I could make it go away on my own. Unfortunately, I ended up with back surgery (L5/S1 disc removal/spinal fusion) on December 28, 2006.  Once my back was fused and continued to heal, the doctors realized I also had a bad case of hip bursitis (a side effect from all the years of compensating for the back pain). 

I joined AR-FC to help rehabilitate myself and started taking Pilates three times a week.  When I first started Pilates, I informed the instructors that I was healing from surgery and would start out slow, doing only what moves I could.  Suzanne and Jacqueline’s classes helped me get my core muscles stronger.  I was battling the pain of bursitis but kept coming to class hoping it would go away. I am happy to say that after attending their classes for three solid months, I am 100% pain free!  I never thought I would see the day that all the pain I had for so long would be at a manageable level, let alone be completely gone!  I would encourage anyone that is in pain to attend the Pilates classes. If you get on a consistent program, you WILL see results! 

I really want to thank Suzanne and Jacqueline for watching out for me during their classes and encouraging me to keep coming. I am thrilled to have my normal life back!  I have incorporated Pilates as part of my normal workout routine and will continue to attend the classes, as they helped relieve my pain.

 Melissa Gratiot, ARFC Member

"I was diagnosed with a phase 4 non-recoverable liver tumor plus an intestinal tumor and given 4-5 months to live in February 2008. By July, the side effects from chemotherapy were severe. The doctor told me I had about one more month. I decided to move to California, to Applegate where my daughter lives, for my final month. I moved in September 2008 and actually joined the Club in October where my daughter was already a member. Before becoming ill I was playing racquetball almost every day. Since joining the club, I have averaged playing three times a week and maintained my weight Earlier this year, 2009,  I had a cat scan that showed the liver tumor was no longer there and that the intestinal tumor had shrunk. I have moved back to Oshkosh, Wisconsin and credit the Racquet Club with aiding in my recovery."

Lee Wilson, ARFC Member

“I became a new member two months ago. I have been taking Pilates Reformer classes with Linda Moeller for over a month, and I love these classes! I have lost thirteen pounds and the pain in my back—I’ve had it for years—has subsided. I am amazed at how strong I am in just a one-month period. I have been taking classes two times per week. You must try these classes. You will love the results.”

Ashley Spann, ARFC Member

“I have been taking Reformer Pilates classes with Virginia Key, and I am amazed at the results in my strength, balance and endurance. My recent ski trip was proof. My core muscles, calves, and biceps look so much more defined and toned. I could not believe how well I skied. I also took off the additional five pounds I have been carrying, and I am back to my ‘fighting weight.’”

Kate Crane, ARFC Member

“I have been taking Reformer Pilates with Brad, and I love this class! My core strength and endurance have improved and I cannot believe how my posture has improved. I highly recommend these classes for anyone who wants to improve their posture and tighten up their ABS.”

Kathy Gosch, ARFC Member