Testimonials
Steadman/Hawkins
"I was blessed to have been introduced to Melanee shortly after I was involved in a head-on collision. I was extremely lucky I survived but I had significant problems. I was amazed how she could see what was going on in my body and how she genuinely cared. The dash of my car came into my knees. I knew after a certain time that I would need to see an Orthopedic Surgeon so I sought out Dr. Steadman of Steadman/Hawkins. Melanee offered to go with me so she could explain to him what she saw in working with me. He was impressed with her and her knowledge enough to prescribe her pilates method for my rehabilitation versus doing the usual physical therapy. Melanee continued going with me on my visits to Dr. Steadman to let him know how I was progressing, etc. I did have surgery on both knees and he continued prescribing pilates for rehab. This has been 8 yrs ago now and I’m still doing pilates with Melanee. Since I do have considerable permanent damage in various areas of my body, it’s important for me to do what I can to live a halfway normal life. Pilates with Melanee affords me that opportunity. Melanee’s background, experience and dedication is above and beyond what I would ever imagine. She’s very caring and encouraging. She truly treats Mind/Body/Spirit in her work." Vicky, Technical Recruiter
Amazing Insight Into Muscle Movement
"I came to M+ with a very specific chronic injury that years of yoga, rolfing, and massage could not cure completely. Melanee was able to detect every major injury I ever had (even those from years ago where there is no current trace of pain) in the first 30 minutes of our session simply by watching my movements during simple exercises. Her training in all disciplines related to muscle movement is extremely encouraging as she is able to detect weaknesses and imbalances in even the smallest muscles - which are often overlooked since large muscles bear the workload. I am incredibly encouraged and impressed by my therapy so far and I hope to improve my strength and eliminate years of pain and muscle imbalance." Monica
Chronic Back Pain / Migraine Headaches
"I have been working at M+ PILATES with Melanee for about 2 years now. I suffered from daily lower back pain (for almost 2 decades straight from a car accident) and migraine headaches 2 to 5 times per week. Melanee promised great things with my health. I was skeptical but was also desperate to get better and discover what my life could be like without pain and restriction. With the work I do at M+ PILATES under the direction of Melanee, I have become so much better--weeks go by where I experience virtually no back pain. I have been able to get back to the many things I enjoy like mountain biking and I started running. There were days early on where I would walk into the studio and Mel would instantly be able to tell I was suffering from a migraine or if my back was really acting up and begin to unwind me. She has an unbelievable ability to be able to see where the body is unhealthy and begin the work to fix it. I have been amazed at how she tunes into my particular body and has for many others. In addition, in her profession she has worked with and met many health care professionals she trusts and has been able to turn me onto other professionals that have also helped me in significant ways. I have not felt this good in so many years I can't even remember. Most days now, the memory of my pain is forgotten. I tell everyone that care to listen that going to Mel at M+ PILATES was the best thing I have ever done for myself." Kristin
Respiratory Challenges/Personalized Attention
"At our first meeting, Melanee observed the effects of every untreated injury, trauma, and poor habit of moving I ever had, then, reassured me that these could all be reversed. I was recovering from pneumonia and was still experiencing some respiratory challenges. She quickly realized that I was standing and walking in a way that was causing my lung to collapse against my spine. With that awareness, she helped me to make an adjustment in my posture which doubled my air intake, something which months of inhalers and traditional therapy had not accomplished! ... For several years, I've been searching for a way to increase strength and flexibility and improve posture. I was working out at a fitness club twice a week with a program designed for me by a personal trainer. I also practiced yoga once or twice a week. This work was keeping me from further decline, but I saw no improvement. Working with Melanee and Neil I've noticed a significant difference in strength and flexibility, and right away. The activity at M+ PILATES feels like a combination of a fitness workout and physical therapy. It's personalized, focusing on strengthening some muscles and loosening others until the body finds it's naturally centered alignment. The difference is that no one is manipulating your body-- there are no surprise adjustments. Each movement is explained to me and I've never been made to feel out of the loop or out of control." Kim, Music Instructor
"I was blessed to have been introduced to Melanee shortly after I was involved in a head-on collision. I was extremely lucky I survived but I had significant problems. I was amazed how she could see what was going on in my body and how she genuinely cared. The dash of my car came into my knees. I knew after a certain time that I would need to see an Orthopedic Surgeon so I sought out Dr. Steadman of Steadman/Hawkins. Melanee offered to go with me so she could explain to him what she saw in working with me. He was impressed with her and her knowledge enough to prescribe her pilates method for my rehabilitation versus doing the usual physical therapy. Melanee continued going with me on my visits to Dr. Steadman to let him know how I was progressing, etc. I did have surgery on both knees and he continued prescribing pilates for rehab. This has been 8 yrs ago now and I’m still doing pilates with Melanee. Since I do have considerable permanent damage in various areas of my body, it’s important for me to do what I can to live a halfway normal life. Pilates with Melanee affords me that opportunity. Melanee’s background, experience and dedication is above and beyond what I would ever imagine. She’s very caring and encouraging. She truly treats Mind/Body/Spirit in her work." Vicky, Technical Recruiter
Amazing Insight Into Muscle Movement
"I came to M+ with a very specific chronic injury that years of yoga, rolfing, and massage could not cure completely. Melanee was able to detect every major injury I ever had (even those from years ago where there is no current trace of pain) in the first 30 minutes of our session simply by watching my movements during simple exercises. Her training in all disciplines related to muscle movement is extremely encouraging as she is able to detect weaknesses and imbalances in even the smallest muscles - which are often overlooked since large muscles bear the workload. I am incredibly encouraged and impressed by my therapy so far and I hope to improve my strength and eliminate years of pain and muscle imbalance." Monica
Chronic Back Pain / Migraine Headaches
"I have been working at M+ PILATES with Melanee for about 2 years now. I suffered from daily lower back pain (for almost 2 decades straight from a car accident) and migraine headaches 2 to 5 times per week. Melanee promised great things with my health. I was skeptical but was also desperate to get better and discover what my life could be like without pain and restriction. With the work I do at M+ PILATES under the direction of Melanee, I have become so much better--weeks go by where I experience virtually no back pain. I have been able to get back to the many things I enjoy like mountain biking and I started running. There were days early on where I would walk into the studio and Mel would instantly be able to tell I was suffering from a migraine or if my back was really acting up and begin to unwind me. She has an unbelievable ability to be able to see where the body is unhealthy and begin the work to fix it. I have been amazed at how she tunes into my particular body and has for many others. In addition, in her profession she has worked with and met many health care professionals she trusts and has been able to turn me onto other professionals that have also helped me in significant ways. I have not felt this good in so many years I can't even remember. Most days now, the memory of my pain is forgotten. I tell everyone that care to listen that going to Mel at M+ PILATES was the best thing I have ever done for myself." Kristin
Respiratory Challenges/Personalized Attention
"At our first meeting, Melanee observed the effects of every untreated injury, trauma, and poor habit of moving I ever had, then, reassured me that these could all be reversed. I was recovering from pneumonia and was still experiencing some respiratory challenges. She quickly realized that I was standing and walking in a way that was causing my lung to collapse against my spine. With that awareness, she helped me to make an adjustment in my posture which doubled my air intake, something which months of inhalers and traditional therapy had not accomplished! ... For several years, I've been searching for a way to increase strength and flexibility and improve posture. I was working out at a fitness club twice a week with a program designed for me by a personal trainer. I also practiced yoga once or twice a week. This work was keeping me from further decline, but I saw no improvement. Working with Melanee and Neil I've noticed a significant difference in strength and flexibility, and right away. The activity at M+ PILATES feels like a combination of a fitness workout and physical therapy. It's personalized, focusing on strengthening some muscles and loosening others until the body finds it's naturally centered alignment. The difference is that no one is manipulating your body-- there are no surprise adjustments. Each movement is explained to me and I've never been made to feel out of the loop or out of control." Kim, Music Instructor
Ending Pain
"My doctor referred me to M+ PILATES because I had a torn rotator cuff and wanted an alternative method of treatment. The first time I saw Melanee to make an appointment for treatment she asked me if I fell a lot. I wondered how she knew that since I hadn't told her? I not only fell a lot but also had a serious problem with my gait and didn't know how to walk correctly since a bunion surgery. For more than 15 years I had seen many different specialists, had many pair of orthotics and no one was able to eliminate the pain I endured when walking from point A to point B. That is, until I started M+ PILATES rehab with Melanee. The treatment method was first to stretch and then to strengthen the effected rotator cuff problem. Correcting my gait problem was a process that started with working on the scar tissue in my feet while at the same time getting my body into correct alignment and strengthening the many weak parts. Over time and a lot of hard work I was able to stand and walk without pain. The M+ METHOD℠ has enhanced my life where I can walk my dog with joy and stand without pain when I present in-home parties selling Premier jewelry. I feel younger and more vibrant now that I am pain free." Gloria, Jewelry Sales
Hip Replacements
"Melanee is a master! Following my hip replacements, she helped me to regain my strength, range of motion and confidence in my body. She has an uncanny ability to look inside my body, find that one muscle that has been atrophied, neglected, ignored, and to give me the perfect, precise exercise to wake it up. As a former dancer, I'm thrilled that Mel speaks to the dancer in me. And then there's Neil - what a bright light! He makes the atmosphere in the studio a pleasure to be in! M+ PILATES makes Evergreen a Pilates destination!" Jesse, Psychotherapist, Educator, Grandmother
Pain Free Runner and Cyclist
"As a 48 year old male survivor of a dozen auto accidents, a herniated disc and the normal injuries that come from an active lifestyle, I am very happy with benefits I have received from Melanee's instruction. She has a special talent for putting the right people together and concentrating on the needs of each individual. I trust and respect Melanee's insight into my body's movement and regardless of the work-out I leave rejuvenated in spirit and body. Her training has given me the ability to run, cycle and ski with joy and without pain. I began seeing Melanee on the advice of my physician and have continued for over a year because I look forward to my sessions each week. I picked up some bad habits when training for an upcoming 1/2 marathon and my right knee hurt after each run. Melanee evaluated my form and after adopting her suggestions the pain is gone. I ran the 'Bergen Beast' last Saturday with 2000 vertical up and down without ill affects and I am in great shape for Aspen Golden Leaf. If I could, I would visit M+ PILATES every day of the week." Christopher
Life Changing
"When I began at M+ PILATES, I arrived with many injuries developed over the years from activities such as skiing, backpacking, running, and yoga. I had tried several alternative approaches to releasing these injuries, but nothing seemed to get to the original causes and effective treatment. With Mel's watchful and intuitive eyes and individualized care, I learned to change how I move in all of my daily activities. Neil's energetic, positive and fun classes provide the on-going practice to integrate these correct and healthy changes. Working with Mel and Neil is life-changing." Nancy, teacher
Athlete
"Since starting Pilates with Melanee, I have more body awareness and as a result, my biking, running, golfing, and skiing performance has improved. In addition, I have learned better stretching techniques and improved body posture and position." Kelly, mother of four
Breast Cancer Walk
"After years of working out on my own and with a personal trainer, I discovered M+ PILATES through my physician. I noticed what great shape she was in and wanted that same thing for myself. After 18 months of diligently working out, I don't have the pain on my left side that I did in the beginning. My skiing and golf have improved because my core is stronger than it's been since I was in my 20's! With the encouragement of Neil and Mel, and my commitment to my bi-weekly Pilates sessions, I trained for a 2 Day Breast Cancer Walk and walked 39.3 miles in 2 days and reached the summit of my 2nd 14,000 foot peak this past July! Pilates brings sanity to my busy and stressful life! Join in the fun, you'll never look back and you'll be in the best shape of your life!" Patrice, Account Vice President/Financial Advisor
"My doctor referred me to M+ PILATES because I had a torn rotator cuff and wanted an alternative method of treatment. The first time I saw Melanee to make an appointment for treatment she asked me if I fell a lot. I wondered how she knew that since I hadn't told her? I not only fell a lot but also had a serious problem with my gait and didn't know how to walk correctly since a bunion surgery. For more than 15 years I had seen many different specialists, had many pair of orthotics and no one was able to eliminate the pain I endured when walking from point A to point B. That is, until I started M+ PILATES rehab with Melanee. The treatment method was first to stretch and then to strengthen the effected rotator cuff problem. Correcting my gait problem was a process that started with working on the scar tissue in my feet while at the same time getting my body into correct alignment and strengthening the many weak parts. Over time and a lot of hard work I was able to stand and walk without pain. The M+ METHOD℠ has enhanced my life where I can walk my dog with joy and stand without pain when I present in-home parties selling Premier jewelry. I feel younger and more vibrant now that I am pain free." Gloria, Jewelry Sales
Hip Replacements
"Melanee is a master! Following my hip replacements, she helped me to regain my strength, range of motion and confidence in my body. She has an uncanny ability to look inside my body, find that one muscle that has been atrophied, neglected, ignored, and to give me the perfect, precise exercise to wake it up. As a former dancer, I'm thrilled that Mel speaks to the dancer in me. And then there's Neil - what a bright light! He makes the atmosphere in the studio a pleasure to be in! M+ PILATES makes Evergreen a Pilates destination!" Jesse, Psychotherapist, Educator, Grandmother
Pain Free Runner and Cyclist
"As a 48 year old male survivor of a dozen auto accidents, a herniated disc and the normal injuries that come from an active lifestyle, I am very happy with benefits I have received from Melanee's instruction. She has a special talent for putting the right people together and concentrating on the needs of each individual. I trust and respect Melanee's insight into my body's movement and regardless of the work-out I leave rejuvenated in spirit and body. Her training has given me the ability to run, cycle and ski with joy and without pain. I began seeing Melanee on the advice of my physician and have continued for over a year because I look forward to my sessions each week. I picked up some bad habits when training for an upcoming 1/2 marathon and my right knee hurt after each run. Melanee evaluated my form and after adopting her suggestions the pain is gone. I ran the 'Bergen Beast' last Saturday with 2000 vertical up and down without ill affects and I am in great shape for Aspen Golden Leaf. If I could, I would visit M+ PILATES every day of the week." Christopher
Life Changing
"When I began at M+ PILATES, I arrived with many injuries developed over the years from activities such as skiing, backpacking, running, and yoga. I had tried several alternative approaches to releasing these injuries, but nothing seemed to get to the original causes and effective treatment. With Mel's watchful and intuitive eyes and individualized care, I learned to change how I move in all of my daily activities. Neil's energetic, positive and fun classes provide the on-going practice to integrate these correct and healthy changes. Working with Mel and Neil is life-changing." Nancy, teacher
Athlete
"Since starting Pilates with Melanee, I have more body awareness and as a result, my biking, running, golfing, and skiing performance has improved. In addition, I have learned better stretching techniques and improved body posture and position." Kelly, mother of four
Breast Cancer Walk
"After years of working out on my own and with a personal trainer, I discovered M+ PILATES through my physician. I noticed what great shape she was in and wanted that same thing for myself. After 18 months of diligently working out, I don't have the pain on my left side that I did in the beginning. My skiing and golf have improved because my core is stronger than it's been since I was in my 20's! With the encouragement of Neil and Mel, and my commitment to my bi-weekly Pilates sessions, I trained for a 2 Day Breast Cancer Walk and walked 39.3 miles in 2 days and reached the summit of my 2nd 14,000 foot peak this past July! Pilates brings sanity to my busy and stressful life! Join in the fun, you'll never look back and you'll be in the best shape of your life!" Patrice, Account Vice President/Financial Advisor
