Buckle up- This is going to be a long one.
When I began Pilates my mind and body were riddled with chronic pain and illness. I was severely depressed from life, overworking and not paying attention to my physical needs. Iām a hairstylist/salon owner and weāre not known to be kind to our bodies. Iād been suffering with chronic lower back, neck and shoulder pain from 20 years on the job. Iād been to chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, acupuncture therapists and ultimately was put on pain medication when nothing worked. I was told I had degenerated disks and arthritis and there wasnāt much that could be done. Being 38 years old at the time- I wasnāt going to allow that to be my final truth. Iād been researching Pilaties for years and had a gut feeling that it would be helpful but was never in a financial position to be able to attend a class. They had a trial class to learn more so I went and to be honest, it was the hardest thing Iād ever done in my life. š But⦠I felt better than I had in years after just one class.
I wanted to go back!!!! I found out how much it costs, $500+ for 12 classes a month (with an increase each year). I discussed it with my partner and stressed how much it helped. We moved some money (and life) around so I could give it 6 months. If I felt better, weād reassess and see what we could do to try to make it work for our budget.
FF- itās been a year so Iāve obviously been able to make it work this long. Woohoo! Sabine is my main instructor and sheās incredible. I feel like she knows what my body is capable of before I realize what Iām capable of. She encourages us to listen to our bodies but at the same time to push and strive for something more. However, I learn something new every time I take someone elseās class, so really- everyone is amazing. Iām doing stuff I never thought Iād be able to do and I have less pain than Iāve ever had.
As I said before, I am also a small business owner in Long Beach and I know the ins and outs of business. Itās hard. Itās super expensive and inflation is real. I also feel like honest reviews are super important. Without feedback, we canāt grow.
While I have a million āprosā, I do think there are some āconsā to be aware of: If you are a marginalized person (black, brown, queer, trans), you may feel a little out of sorts in a Pilates environment. However at Vero- Iāve never felt āotheredā. They love me like family even though I donāt look like most people who do Pilates. Iām not white, not a dancer, Iām not thin or tall and Iām heavily tattooed.
Next- the cost, while I believe in my whole heart, these amazing instructors deserve to be paid top-dollar because they are the BEST, I do think it could be helpful to have some kind of scholarship or lower-cost option for folks who arenāt able to afford this kind of exercise. I think as a whole, the Pilaties industry could gravely benefit finding ways to make this exercise a more equitable and diverse experience.
Ending this, I want to impress upon anyone reading this that this studio is top-notch. Itās clean, itās attentive and small, itās personal and they vet their instructors well. I will continue my practice here as long as I can. Wishing you the best of luck on your Pilates...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreStarting out (a neverdonepilatesbeforenewbie) on my Pilates journey over a year ago, my motivation was twofold: to infuse variety into my triathlon training's active recovery regimen and to immerse myself in a community that champions holistic well-being. At Vero, I found the perfect blend of both!
This independently-owned studio exudes an ambiance that is both inviting and tranquil. What sets Vero apart is its unique approach to personalized workouts. While group classes are the norm, the option for one-on-one sessions adds an extra layer of customization for those seeking a more individualized experience. However, even in group settings, the attention to personalization is palpable. Each class is curated to cater to the diverse needs and abilities of its participants, ensuring that everyone feels seen and supported.
But make no mistakeāthe serenity of Vero's atmosphere belies the intensity of its workouts. The classes are designed to challenge and push you, all while keeping you engaged and invigorated. With each session offering a fresh array of exercises, boredom is simply not an option. In fact, the element of surprise adds an exciting edge, making the time fly by!
What truly sets Vero apart, however, is its unwavering dedication to holistic wellness. Beyond the physical exertion, there is a profound emphasis on cultivating a deep mind-body connection, fostering mindfulness, and encouraging participants to listen to their bodies and find balance within themselves.
In essence, Vero Pilates is more than just a studioāit's a sanctuary for the body, mind, and soul. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned pro, Vero welcomes everyone with open arms, inviting you to embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation. So, if you're ready to elevate your fitness routine and embrace a holistic approach to wellness, look no further than...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreI joined Vero Pilates in August of 2019 after searching for a studio Yelp. Pilates was recommended to me by a physical therapist, after having pelvic floor therapy and continuous lower back/SI joint issues it was time to manage the pain by increasing my strength. I knew I wanted to start a strength training program but have always been intimidated by gyms and large group classes. I reached out via Yelp and Veronica responded and set up a time for me to come in and do an introductory session with Steven. I knew it was a perfect setup for me, the studio is peaceful yet fun and my initial experience was exactly what I was looking for. Steven worked with me to identify my personal physical challenges and responded accordingly. Vero has navigated the pandemic exceedingly well, I know its been hard and they've worked to accommodate everyone and stay safe at the same time. The team is 100% committed to client safety and has set up a great little outdoor spot behind the studio for outdoor sessions. I now work with Andrea 1x per week and will pick classes back up soon. Andrea has been a pleasure to work with, I started with her due to a change in my schedule and my strength continues to improve. I am happy to report that after 1.5 years with Vero my SI joint issues are down to a minimum. I am now that person who preaches to anyone who will listen, if you've ever thought about Pilates, give Vero a try. The studio has managed to maintain both in-person (with safety measures in place) and virtual training. Veronica, you've created a great community in LB. **also a + Parking is super easy. If you are thinking about Pilates, just reach out and check out Vero. You'll be...
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