I started taking "Pilates" in an Adult Education setting and found it beneficial in some ways but did
not feel I was getting the moves quite right or the full benefit of the exercise. I found Angela and
Capital Pilates and I was set straight! Angela showed me the correct ways to do the moves and
then many more! What a difference it has made to have an expertly trained true Pilates instructor
educate and work with me at my level. Whatever is going on with my body in a particular week —
Angela is on it and gives true one-on-one support. She is an avid learner and truly cares about
her clients and is always seeking to help us grow and develop. She offers GYROTONIC® as well
and on occasion I feel my body needs that loosening but my favorite is Pilates and especially
"The Monkey!"
— Cindy McMahon, Real Estate Broker, www.GetCindySOLD.com
I have been taking Pilates for over three years. I had always heard about the benefits of Pilates,
from its core strengthening, to increased flexibility, to its use in rehab for injuries... and from the
day I took my first class with Angela I haven't looked back. From day-one you can feel a
difference in your body and see your body start to change... it truly is amazing and there is
nothing like it. It has been life-changing and I have learned so much about my body, and I take
better care of myself.
Angela is an amazing instructor and I don't think it would be the same without her. She
gives you one-on-one attention that you can't find anywhere else and her energy and
enthusiasm during class is infectious. For anyone who wants to tone, lengthen, and change their
bodies, and just feel better overall, I would recommend taking a class with Angela.
— Amanda, Claims Adjuster, Amica Insurance Company
I've had chronic neck pain for three years, and Pilates classes have provided relief where physical
therapy, medications and other methods have failed. Joseph Pilates was a genius for developing a
system that both heals and strengthens the body. And the instructors at the studio are unique in
their ability to teach and customize classical Pilates. Angela, my instructor, shows dedication to
her clients both in and out of class. She cares about our individual needs, and researches the best
methods for each person. She also helps clients access the treatment they need by working hard
to find classmates with similar abilities for group classes. I cannot thank Angela enough for the
past year and a half of Pilates lessons.
— Andrea, Computer Science Professor
"I have been doing Pilates now for over nine years and cannot say enough about the benefits of this
exercise program. My core strength, increased flexibility, and corrected alignment keep my energy level
extremely high. At age 60, I now take Pilates three times per week, and working with Angela, have found the
sessions invaluable for keeping my arthritic hip from causing me pain. Both the physical benefits and the
wonderful friendships I have gained from Pilates at this studio are what keep me a loyal and grateful client."
— Pat Nachtrieb, Owner, Chris' Coffee Service, Inc.
I have been taking Pilates for as long as I can remember -- actually, seven years. I
remember going with a friend to observe and thinking: "I could never do that." At the
time I was 50 and had never been a size 6. I was active and walked and exercised
regularly, but this seemed way over my head. I had chronic back pain and poor
posture. I signed up for 10 private sessions and then joined a trio and a mat class. I
have been hooked ever since.
Pilates has taught me how to move my body in all my daily activities. I have
almost no back pain and good posture. This may sound corny, but I think Pilates has
saved my life. It is not just exercise; it is a way of life. The workouts can be hard and
sometimes the gains are small, but it is never boring because you can take each
exercise deeper into your core. I have a script from my primary care physician which
allows me to use the money from my health-care account to offset the cost. But even
without that added benefit, Pilates has become a necessity in my life. I can not say
enough about the knowledge and care from the staff. They are dedicated
professionals who work with you and your body to make it the best it can be.
— Chris Urbano, RN, MA, General Director Schuyler Ridge Nursing Home
My sister has been telling me for years that Pilates has changed her life. After lots of her encouragement, I too
started Pilates lessons about four months ago. My instructor, Angela, and my classmate, Amy, are very patient
as I learn the thousands of different exercises and adjust to the amazing equipment. It's very rewarding and I
find my posture is better and my stamina is stronger. I've been very faithful with my lessons and am finding
that if I stick with it long enough, Pilates truly can be a life-changing experience.
— Susan P., Administrator
I am often asked what is Pilates and what does it do for you?
•
For me it has been a life changing experience, where I have learned more about my body and how it
functions.
•
It is not just exercising, but a blending of concentration and strengthening of the body.
•
I am visually impaired and have found that Pilates has helped with spacial awareness and
improved my posture.
•
The instructor Angela has been excellent in adapting her methods in order to adjust to my
blindness. I am not rushed or get the feeling that it is just a job for her; she takes the time to
get to know who you are and want to know things that impact on your life so she can adjust
her instructions to meet your individual needs.
•
I have been an active gym attendee for over 25 years. Can Pilates and the gym routine exist
together? The answer is yes. Pilates has been the part of my exercise routine that was
missing. I have incorporated many of the Pilates exercises -- breathing, positioning and
alignment -- into my gym routine. It has been a true melding of my mind and body, leaving
me with a most positive experience.
— Roland Smiley, Founder of Education Strategies
For several years I've done both cardio and resistance training regularly, and I like to think that I'm in good
shape for a woman in her 60's. The very first time I tried Pilates I realized that it would give me what I
wasn't getting from other forms of exercise. Angela has helped me to improve my balance, flexibility, and
alignment. Better body awareness has allowed me to reduce muscle fatigue and to take stress off my joints.
It's exciting to try new challenges with each session and see myself progress in fitness.
— Karen Smiley, Sign-language Interpreter and Coordinator
"Angela's Beginner Mat Workout CD is a great supplement with its ability to extend your workout. I was so
excited to have this CD, because I can now take my workout with me, wherever I am. When it's warm I plug in
the headphones and head out into the sun. When I travel, I no longer need to forgo my Pilates workouts. Really
the first of its kind, Angela's generosity in this making CD will benefit Pilates people around the world."
— Christina Moustardas
I relocated to Albany for work and decided to try Pilates and found this studio. I had the pleasure
of learning about my body and its strength all while under the instruction of Angela. Angela
taught me and pushed me to be present and do the best execution and I have amazing results
over the two years I was there! I lost inches all over my body and a sense of posture correction
outside of my weekly sessions. I have moved back to the city and miss the Albany studio,
Angela, and Pilates dearly. I am still looking to replicate the experience!
— Abena, Account Executive
Pilates allows me to feel my body again gives me a new sense of my body because of correct and deep
breathing. I can sing better in the choir. I practice Pilates regularly and a good introduction is very important
and I received mine from Angela.
— Dagmar Wagner, Trier, Germany
I have had the pleasure of working with Angela for the last few years. She came into my
studio while on vacation looking for private sessions and was so eager to learn... everything.
It soon became apparent that this was not my average Pilates student. I was very impressed
with her deep understanding of the body and its movement. Her commitment to the method,
as a teacher and student, is unparalleled. She is constantly reading, taking lessons, and
attending workshops in her pursuit to be the best teacher possible. You will never leave a
session with her feeling like she didn't give you her all. I highly recommend her.
— Linda Homer, Owner and Instructor
Downeast Pilates, Southwest Harbor, Mount Desert Island, Maine
www.downeastpilates.net
I first took Pilates with Angela back in 2009. I have been impressed with her attention to detail and boundless
enthusiasm. Pilates to her is a love not a job. A month doesn't go by when she hasn't discovered a new book
or workshop or instructor that she is excited to share and that has given her a greater insight into the Pilates
method. I never feel like I am just a paycheck to her. I can highly recommend her both as an instructor and a
genuine person.
— Tony, CEO of Software Company
I took my first Pilates class, not completely understanding its principles not its methods. That
first class was instructed by Angela and it turned out to be a most fortunate encounter. Angela's
attention to detail coupled with an enormous knowledge of Pilates awaits anyone who finds her
as their instructor.
Angela's guidance has demonstrated how the correct approach to Pilates can help and
strengthen the body. She has guided me through all the initial phases and on to more complex
exercises that have improved my body and refreshed my outlook.
— Daniela Sciaky, PhD Biology
"I am a life-long equestrian who grew up doing hunter/jumpers and Pony Club. When I switched to
becoming a dressage rider as an adult, I found my body – which had been so suited to hunter-
jumpers – needed to completely change. I also needed to be able to communicate with every part
of my body in a way I had never done before, much more like a dancer. Not only were the wrong
muscles predominant in me for my new passion, I lacked the neural connections to talk to certain
obscure parts of my body that I didn't even know I had. I needed to be completely rebuilt and to
establish neural networks that hadn't been needed my whole life.
It seemed hopeless. But after years of frustration trying to fix this on the horse, I finally
tried Pilates with Angela. To my amazement, I was able to both start rebuilding my body and to
develop those neural pathways to talk to these little, seemingly obscure muscles and body areas
that made a huge difference. Now when my instructor asks me to do something with my body,
such as alter the position of a lower rib, I can do it. In addition, I found that years of lower back
and hip pain issues cleared up if I stuck to my Pilates program. Angela's passion for Pilates and
for teaching are unique. She brings these passions with the deep knowledge they allowed her to
achieve to her students. You truly can change and rebuild your body working with her."
— Wendy C, Curator
Pilates is a great way to regain abdominal strength after pregnancy. I was experiencing painful
back spasms after a C-section because my abdominal muscles were not working properly. Angela
helped me to focus on this area and get the abdominals strong and working together again. The
instructors are caring and very knowledgeable. I have been taking classes with Angela three
times a week for three years now. The time I spend at the studio is always relaxing, recharging
and energizing -- it is a great workout.
— Anna, Flight Attendant
Working with Angela was great. To improve my cycling performance and comfort, I knew that I wanted to start
doing a Pilates Mat routine at home, but I wanted to make sure I did the exercises correctly to get the most out
of them. Working with Angela at the studio really helped. Using the apparatus and the
mat, I was able to get a much better feel for when I am doing the exercises right.
Now that I'm doing the routine at home, I have seen an improvement in my cycling
performance and definitely an improvement in comfort.
— Aaron C, Professor of Computer Science
I have been taking Pilates from Angelina for over a year. (I like the way she got my
name wrong and actually would like to keep it.) I have Scoliosis -- curvature of the
upper spine -- and Lordosis of the lower spine. When I started I was also having inner
ear issues and was feeling down a lot and had started to use a cane. My job involves
sitting at a desk all day. Pilates has strengthened my inner core and I now no longer
use a cane. I just finished a new vegetable garden which required a lot of carrying of
heavy bags of dirt into my new raised beds, and to my surprise my back did not bother
me at all. Believe it or not, after a lesson my back is almost straight. I recommend this
for everyone, You just feel so energized when lessons are done.
— Barb Joyce, RN, BS
When one of my clients came for his regular massage appointment, I noticed a change in his body. His calves
and neck and shoulders were less tight and it was easier for me to work with all his muscles. I asked him what
he was doing differently and he said he was taking Pilates sessions with Angela. I decided I wanted to
experience that for myself. I have just completed 7 sessions with Kathy and 3 with Angela and have signed up
for my next package of 10. Pilates is physically and mentally demanding because you have to connect with your
muscles and keep your body in proper alignment. However, I love it and my body feels great, my calves are less
bowed and I fell energized.
— Sybil Schwartzbach, Licensed Massage Therapist
I feel great during, and after, my individual Pilates workout. Even at age 56, with two knee
injuries and some lower back problems, I am able to enjoy and benefit from Pilates. My Pilates
instructor, Angela, is very knowledgeable, explains things very well so that I can follow her
instructions, and is very understanding about my individual needs. Through the Pilates
instruction, my posture has improved and I have become more aware of my body. It has helped
me with my ballroom dancing. I only wish I had the time to do Pilates with Angela on a more
regular basis. It is a pleasure working with you. Thanks, Angela.
— Stella Collins, Reading Teacher
Pilates has become a lifestyle for me; whatever I'm doing, I'm always conscious of my muscles and the
alignment of my body. As someone who has suffered from various aches and pains throughout life, I have been
thrilled with the work I have been doing with Angela. After each session, my muscles feel relaxed, but also that
they have been engaged. I look forward to continuing work with Angela, and hopefully seeing some long-term
results!
— Rand, Artist
I just started Pilates inspired by wife's transformation in two years to a very amazing healthy well and open
body once crunched by chest adhesions by a years ago thoracotomy. Now I am already walking freer, taller and
feeling better. As a neurologist I am beginning to appreciate the cooperation my higher brain is giving to my
automatic core (or not yet so automatic). I am looking forward to more harmony for the mind-body contest.
Now if I can get as skinny as my wife – well that may not be a guaranteed outcome, but certainly desirable, and
perhaps another potential byproduct of concentration and goal setting.
— Dr. Earl Zimmerman, Head of Neurology at Albany Medical Center
Pilates has been in my life since April 2010, when I turned to Angela for Pilates instruction to help
me get in shape for my brother's upcomming wedding. I immediately fell in love with Pilates'
ability to lengthen and tone the body while correcting and improving the way the body works.
Working with Angela not only gave me physical results quickly but empowered me emotionally to
get through some rough patches in my life. I value Pilates as an enjoyable yet challenging form of
movement (even for those who don't enjoy exercise). I also value not only Angela's expertise,
but the friend that I have gained in her as well.
— Stephanie, Railroad Engineer and new mom of twins
I started Pilates about ten years ago. I take classes two days a week. Angela is one of my instructors. She is
wonderful! I am very active. I run three times a week. I play tennis once a week. I ski and play golf as well as
work out at the gym three times a week. Pilates has enabled me to develop my core, which helps with my
balance. My posture is so much better. With all that I do, Pilates stretches me out. It makes me feel so good! I
can't imagine NOT doing Pilates!
— Kate, Retired school teacher
I have been doing Pilates with Angela for more than a year now. I cannot tell how I am impressed by
the principle of controlling your muscles by using your mind. After working through piles of paperwork
to meet deadlines, doing a session of Pilates with Angela is a great way to feel relaxed for me.
— Tugba, PhD Student in School of Public Health
Even though I just started doing Pilates with Angela, my body does not feel as good if I miss a week
of Pilates. The reason that I started doing Pilates was the neck pain that I had had for more than
two years. After I started Pilates classes the magic of Pilates is happened and then "poof" pain is
gone right after the second class...
— Abdurrahim, PhD student in Global Leadership
I started Pilates ten years ago. I was having lower back problems and wanted to strengthen my core. Since my
first class I was sold. I have done all types of exercise regimens including running, aerobic dance and working
with a personal trainer. No exercise has ever produced the results I have gotten from Pilates. Traveling for work
I find myself in hotel rooms Monday-Thursday. I can't count on getting to a gym everyday but I can always do
Pilates. One word of caution if you are interested in Pilates please research your instructor. I have taken
instruction from numerous teachers in Albany, NYC , and California. Angela is among the best. We are lucky to
have an instructor of Angela's quality in Albany."
— Nancy V, Partner KPMG
Beautiful studio, nice video, it makes me want to take a lesson with Angela.
— Ken Endelman, CEO of Balanced Body Inc.
