Pilates is for YOU

Recently, our amazing client Tina, shared about her path to Pilates. Her heartfelt insights will undoubtedly resonate if you've ever wondered if Pilates is right for you. We are so proud of Tina and can't wait to see her accomplish her fitness goals - and so much more!

Tina demonstrating one of her favorite exercises: Horseback on the ladder barrel

How long have you been coming to Main Spring Pilates?

Since February, 2025 - 6 exciting months!

What first brought you to Pilates?

I’ve been curious about Pilates for many years—since around 2010. But somewhere along the way, I was made to believe that, because of some orthopedic issues, Pilates just wouldn’t be a good fit for me. Still, the curiosity never went away. I’d watch YouTube videos, follow my cousin who owns a studio in Malibu, and keep asking myself, what exactly is the limitation?

At one point, I bought PiYo—a cross between Pilates and yoga—and tried doing it at home, often with my dogs interrupting every routine. It worked for a while, like a Band-Aid on the symptom, but deep down, I was still left wondering: why wouldn’t Pilates work for me?

In late 2023, I committed to a health journey. As a woman in her late 50s, I was facing the realities of aging—shifts in my body, unexpected challenges. By 2025, I had lost about 35 pounds, but I could tell I was also losing muscle mass. I knew I needed something more. My husband, who was on his own health journey, felt the same way.

We had tried the usual gyms. You know the story: sign up with the January promo, go for a few weeks, then slowly stop showing up... and end up battling to cancel a membership we no longer used. We realized—we’re just not gym people. I’m self-conscious in those environments. I don’t like the feeling of being stared at or judged. And neither of us enjoyed the grunting, flexing, gym smells, or the competitive energy.

So, I decided to search for a Pilates studio near me. That’s when I found Main Spring Pilates. I called and spoke to Cami, who offered a tour—and just like that, it all clicked. From the very beginning, we knew we had found our place. She made us feel welcome, capable, and reassured us that yes—Pilates is for us.

Thank you, Cami, for believing in us when we weren’t sure we could believe in ourselves.

What keeps you coming back?

From the moment we walked into the studio, Cami made us feel right at home. She is warm, welcoming, and has created an environment that feels peaceful, supportive, and inviting.

The workouts are challenging in the best way—you feel the difference in your body, but not in the painful, “I can’t move for three days” kind of way that often comes with traditional gym workouts. There’s no pressure, no grunting, no competition for machines—just purposeful movement in a calm, focused space.

Each session is private and thoughtfully tailored to fit both my husband and me. It’s designed around us—our bodies, our needs, our pace—and it fits seamlessly into our busy lives. Saturday mornings have become something we truly look forward to. It’s not just a workout; it’s a reset. After a stressful week, our time at the studio grounds us and sets a positive tone for the weekend ahead. We’re so grateful to have found this space.

What surprised you about Pilates?

Sometimes I leave a session thinking, That felt too easy—there’s no way it challenged my muscles. But then, not long after, I feel it. My body is more engaged, I have more energy, and over time, the results speak for themselves.

Both my husband and I are noticing a real difference—not just in how we look, but in how we carry ourselves. There’s more strength, more control, and noticeable toning and definition.

It’s proof that you don’t need to beat your body up to get results. With Pilates, the challenge is smart, intentional, and effective—and the transformation sneaks up on you in the best way.

What’s your favorite Pilates exercise or apparatus?

One of my favorite exercises is the Frog—it just feels good! I also really enjoy anything that focuses on strengthening the back. After a long work week, using the barrel is pure relief—it gives me the best stretch ever and instantly melts away tension.

I’m especially drawn to the leg work on the reformer too—there’s something so satisfying about how it targets and tones without feeling harsh on the body.

Honestly, I love the entire Pilates experience, but those exercises are definitely my go-to favorites.

What changes have you noticed since starting Pilates?

At almost 58, I am concerned about losing muscle and am looking to tone, not bulk up. Pilates is definitely helping us to retain muscle mass while toning.

What hobby, sport or activity has Pilates helped you improve?

A year ago, I was noticeably losing upper body strength. I couldn’t even haul a bag of mulch without exhausting myself. But early this summer, I was able to load and unload our SUV full of mulch and spread it across the entire front flower bed on my own.

My husband, a veteran, and I enjoy going to the gun range—but last year, I struggled just to pull back the slide on my 9mm. With a family history of ALS—my father suffered from it—I couldn’t help but wonder if I was facing the same fate. Thankfully, my doctors reassured me that what I needed was strength training. Recently, we were back at the range, and I handled my 9mm like a boss.

These may seem like simple things, but they’re easy to take for granted—until you start losing strength and muscle mass with age. For me, Pilates has been pivotal. It has helped me maintain muscle, rebuild strength, and regain confidence in everyday tasks. 

Any advice for someone thinking about starting Pilates? 

Don't let anyone tell you that Pilates is not for you. I wasted so much time allowing other people's opinions to live rent free in my head and drive my decision about Pilates. If I can do it, so can you. You will feel the change emotionally, spiritually and physically. Just do it!