What I like about how Risa teaches, is that she puts the movements in context with things I do, like skiing and cycling.  That is not enough, though, and the other thing about Risa that I really like is that she is not pretentious.  Pilates is not a religion to Risa, there is no dogma, no tests of faith.  Her message is, do what works best for you. ~Ben

Firstly, I would choose you to do Pilates with because of your presence and availability on many levels of contact. You are attentive, precise, compassionate and also willing to hold me to what will serve me via the Pilates model. I am SO appreciative of how you trained yourself with a wide range of exposure to not only Ron Fletcher, but many other approaches that have infused your skill and informed your basket of choices.  You always have more than one way to “skin the cat.”   All of this has given you an incredible eye and a sensibility to see and respond to what I am doing in your studio. ~Holadia

I’ve been coming to Pilates with Risa for over a year and a half now.  When I started, I couldn’t do many of the exercises, I was much too stiff.  However, the welcoming and friendly atmosphere made me completely comfortable as i stuck with it and became noticeably more and more limber week to week.  Now all those exercises that seemed so impossible the first couple months are the ones I look forward to the most. Not only is Risa a patient, knowledgeable and lovely teacher, the other students in all the classes I’ve attended are also supportive and friendly. This makes for a wonderful experience if you are a beginner or an expert in Pilates.  Risa always takes special note of my progress, which is often the boost I need to attempt harder moves.  It is great to be in a completely non-judgmental environment, which is not always the situation at other larger Pilates studios. ~ Dom

I’m sharing my secret to strong abs and a healthy lower back! I have been going to Pilates classes with Risa Booze for two years and I feel great. To me this means I have no back pain, toned legs and arms and have been injury free! ~Andrea

I began experiencing pain associated with a degenerative and bulged disc at 19 and continued to re-injure the area repeatedly over the next few years. Mat classes I took at my gym from aerobics trained instructors worsened the problem. Over time, I took Advil daily and my massage and chiropractic regimen helped me manage my pain, but never overcome it. About two years ago, a coworker introduced me to Risa. Because of Risa’s background as a nurse and formal training with some of the original Pilates practitioners, she was able to understand my injury. By emphasizing technique, she makes sure that every movement I do protects my back while building the strength I need to support my body day in and day out. I am happy to say that after some months working with Risa on a weekly basis, I dropped the painkillers completely. I can also run, which I never thought I would be able to do again, and I am less tired from being in pain than I used to be. I will forever recommend Pilates to anyone suffering from back pain – Pilates has honestly changed my life. ~ Jenny

I do pilates because healthy people like me need pilates.  I am 55, in great shape, and I have no significant physical complaints.    The core work we do in pilates strengthens all those little muscles that support my neck, my back, my hips, and the rest of my body.  I've learned that these little, almost imperceptible muscles need to be in good condition if I am going to remain in good shape as I age.  As first I did pilates because it offered an easy day among my training runs, hikes, skis, and spinning.  Now I realize, first, that pilates offers a challenging workout if I slow down (see Risa, I am learning!) and focus on what we're really trying to accomplish.  And, second, that peak physical conditioning requires all the muscles to be in peak physical condition.  Finally, we are all only a slip and fall, or heavy shovel full of snow, away from a herniated disk, and having a stronger core can prevent many of these types of common injuries.  Doing pilates with Risa is very special because her nursing background means she knows more than just pilates. She integrates her knowledge of physiology with the exercises to ensure her students both work and protect their entire bodies.  And when I do have an injury, Risa knows how to modify the workout so I can both train and heal at the same time.  Doing pilates is an investment in oneself, and doing pilates with Risa makes it all the more worth it. ~Ann