IN THEIR WORDS
Clients Share Their Journeys

"Approximately two and a half years ago, I was afflicted with stenosis and sciatica and spent a long year walking around in the shape of a question mark. After seeing orthopedic surgeons, who wanted to inject me with steroids, and getting a ton of advice that proved useless, I decided to take a multi-stage approach to healing myself. One of those stages was resuming Pilates which I had been unable to do with the current instructor, who had left the discipline. Fortunately, I called Donna Longo, and we began a slow process of healing my back. Through Donna, I had been able to really appreciate the art and practice of Classical Pilates, to which I had not been previously exposed. After 6 months, with the addition of correct footwear, some chiropractic adjustments, and twice a week sessions with Donna, I was able to stand straight up and perform all of my daily tasks with minimal pain. At this point, a year and a half out from beginning Pilates with Donna, I have absolutely no pain or discomfort. I have gained new knowledge of how my body works and, with the strengthening of my core muscles, front and back, I know how to move myself to prevent any further recurrence of the injury to my spine. I have become faithful to my practice of Pilates and am grateful that I've gotten to know Donna Longo and the other women at Integrated Fitness. This has been one of the most important steps that I've taken in my life."

- Abby Frantz

I started working with Donna, Patti and the other wonderful teachers at Integrated Fitness several years ago when I was on a mission to rehab my back and avoid surgery. At 57 years old, I am stronger, healthier and more fit than I've ever been. But, I found something even more important at the studio. I found a community of compassionate, welcoming individuals - teachers and students alike -- who are as important to my emotional well-being as they are to my physical health.

- Lisa Reeves Smith

"Pilates is the pivotal element of my fitness program. It's enabled me to develop core strength and flexibility, improving my performance in any sport or fitness activity."

- Charlie Galbraith, Business Manager

We are 'mature' adults and have done Pilates with Donna for over 20 years. Her workouts are both stimulating and relaxing and avoid the boring repetitions of other exercise programs. Donna's insights into how the body works, how to deal with normal aches and pains and the effects of aging are a constant source of inspiration."

- Carol Smith and John Konvalinka, University Professor and Retired Partner,
Accenture Ltd.

"My daughter, Ali, is a 14 year old with Autism Spectrum Disorder. She had done Pilates with Donna for about a year and I saw such a positive difference in her strength, body awareness and mental focus."

- Angel Fruscione, Mom

After a lifetime of pursuing various exercise programs, I am more than delighted to have discovered the Pilates Method with Donna, an exceptional and knowledgeable instructor. After working with a customized program suited to my needs, I saw results in a short time and am accomplishing my goal of a stronger, healthier body while enjoying exercise I love.

- Maggie Hoffman, Retired Antiques Appraiser

What differentiates Donna from others is that she is always present and tuned into my abilities and with a gentle encouraging word or touch, she is able to coach me to achieve, consistently, beyond my expectations."

– Lynn Davis

  Oddly enough, a degree in physics, a career in heavy and general construction prepared me to begin studying Pilates.  I say “studying” because it’s become a continuing education program, part of my daily life.  It’s changed the way I stand, walk and breathe.  Sitting is different now; whether driving (readjusted seat conforms to a straight spine, foot on the accelerator is straight, not splayed) or working on a keyboard (sitting erect, neck straight, shoulders back).  These adjustments have made me more comfortable and capable. And breathing; learning to fully breathe, exhausting the lungs, holding, filling them.  It has become a part of my daily practice, and during other routine maneuvers, such as tooth brushing. And, I never thought I could have so much fun with my spine!

  Donna trained my first teacher, Allison, whose enthusiasm for the program kept me coming back.  Allison talked about the study of the discipline, retreats, books, magazines, catalogs, etcetera.  The source material is always where I like to start, so I borrowed “Return to Life”, by Joseph Pilates, from the studio.  Wound up spending enough time with it that I bought my own copy and continue to study it.  Reading the words I hear in the studio, first from Allison and now from Donna, affirms that the instruction is true to the original intent.

  I continue to find parallels in other fields, notably the way of life involved in the twelve step program of Alcoholics Anonymous.  I don’t understand either program completely but both have brought me great rewards and changed my life for the better.  The “light bulb” experience, finally realizing what’s important and what’s not in a given exercise or relationship, is common.  Another shared element is instruction/sponsorship.  I’d not be able to work either program very well without a knowledgeable/competent individual to show me the ropes.  In both, I’ve had it made clear to me that I’m more capable than I thought I was.  All I have to do is be willing to try.  Knowing that I don’t know it all and never will has made me a much better student.  They’re both simple programs for complicated people; I’ll not achieve perfection but I CAN improve! So, Yes, it is a “Return To Life”.

- Pat Marshall

"I've been working with Donna and Integrated Fitness for the past two months. I cannot overstate how much it has helped me in terms of flexibility, pain relief, and overall fitness. I have a fused spine (L5-S1) and was having issues with pain, mobility and quality of life. Donna has changed that. She is kind, patient, and knowledgeable. I cannot recommend her practice more highly. I can play golf again without pain, and while not easy, my core and legs have rebounded to college levels (I am 49). In terms of fitness and health, this is the best decision I have ever made. Do yourself a favor and check out Integrated Fitness. It will change your life for the better."

- Joe Defillippi