CORE Pilates, Richmond Virginia Pilates, Karen Roodman

"Karen runs a very professional Pilates and yoga studio in the West End of Richmond, VA. She is quite knowledgeable in the practice of Pilates and how each move/step will benefit each of her clients. I highly recommend Karen and her studio to others!"
Abby F

"The professional, caring instructors and consistent thorough instructions have made my Pilates experience wonderful. I truly love the challenge of the various moves and how they have changed my body in terms of strength, tone and flexibility for the better. I would definitely recommend the reformer to everyone!"
Michelle

"Starting Pilates is one of the best things I've ever done... I've seen big improvements in my strength and posture, but just as much, I love the sense of well being that comes at the end of a difficult class. I could barely do a sit up when I started! Karen and all the instructors are always challenging, supportive and insistent on helping students do their best in each class. I've recently started yoga classes, and am finding them a wonderful complement to Pilates. I've also really enjoyed the variety of the specialty/weekend classes."
Debbie Cunningham

"The entire Pilates journey for me has been an amazing experience. I attribute a lot of it to your professionalism, commitment to excellence and ability to hire and motivate great teachers. You and your team really make it a quality experience. I continue to see improvements in myself and sometimes surprise myself with things I can do now that I never thought I could! Thanks for the gift of your teaching."
Karen Huddle

"Pilates has helped me feel and look better. Six years ago, I had back surgery. I had been through all types of Physical Therapy. I found the excercises on the Reformer to be very helpful with regaining my strength. Pilates has improved the quality of my life in that I am more mobile. I can see the muscles in my stomach and shoulders. I am constantly thinking about my posture and keeping my body in allignment. I love the mat classes. It is great for me to only think of myself during class and forget my worries and get into shape. I tell everyone about Pilates!"
Pamela Trimmer

"Since starting classes, I have noticed a tremendous change in my body--my core is stronger, and I have completely reshaped my body. Pants I haven't fit into, are now fitting--loosely! My posture has improved as well. Even though I participate in group mat classes, Karen runs it like an individual lesson; she makes sure that the form is correct. . She has helped me strengthen my lower back and abs and I no longer have back pain!

This is the best studio I have found in years, and I have lived in several different cities."
Rachel

"I began Pilates five months ago with the simple goal of improving my posture for my wedding six weeks later. I expected minor results that would seamlessly lead me back into my excuse filled, stationary lifestyle. What I didn't expect was not only continuing the classes after the wedding, but increasing the number of classes I took each week. I've seen such wonderful results (I've realized for the first time in my life that I was actually born with muscles), and the constant enthusiasm that Karen, and the rest of the staff provides never lets you down or makes you feel embarrassed. I've happily redistributed my weight and I look forward to each of the three classes I take per week. Gyms and videos just can't compare to the personal attention you receive at Core Pilates, and I promise they aren't nearly as fun."
Meg Rosaletti

"WOW! What a difference the refomer makes for me! I've noticed huge results in a very short time. My clothes feel so loose. I continue to feel that Pilates provides me a stress release. For me, the individual attention, the necessity of maintaining proper form and the expertise, really packs a punch in my routine. Each session is individualized to my needs with great respect for my limitations from former orthopedic injuries. I would recommend the reformer to anyone. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!"
Allison Martin

"I have enjoyed taking classes with Karen, and Brooke. All of them are absolutely fabulous and I have spoken highly of Core Pilates to everyone I know. My running times have improved and I no longer have knee or back pain after a long run."
Lee Ann Heinz

"As someone who was looking middle age in the face and not liking it, I decided that exercising on my own wasn't getting me where I needed to be. For several years, I had been reading about Pilates and how many of the Hollywood stars kept fit through Pilates. So when a physician told me about Karen Roodman and Core Pilates, I thought I'd give it a try.

Starting at the elementary level, despite the fact that I was in a class of at least 10 other people, Karen always made it seem as though I was receiving one-on-one instruction. Always with a positive, cheerleading attitude, Karen pushed me, albeit gently, to challenge myself physically - always mindful to make certain I was executing all of the movements correctly. Although I couldn't keep up the pace in the beginning, gradually I mastered the basic moves and eventually graduated to the next level.

It has been over 18 months since starting Pilates with Karen Roodman and I can say without hesitation that she and Pilates have changed my life. Not only am I over all stronger and more balanced, but my core muscles are quite strong and my range of motion is tremendously improved. Because I have learned to align my body and move correctly, I no longer suffer from daily headaches. Further, because I have mastered many of the classic Pilates moves, I gained a tremendous amount of confidence and energy. And one more thing. Over time, I have forged a bond not only with Karen, but a sense of sisterhood and camaraderie with my classmates."
Pamela McElrath

"Core Pilates with Karen has been a wonderful change to my workout routine. I used to suffer from lower back pain, and through Karen's classes I've been able to strengthen my lower back, improving my posture and relieving my back pain. In addition, I've been able to tone and shape my abs and butt areas like never before. Karen's enthusiasm and knowledge have made a huge difference in my progress, and her ability to keep things fresh, and change up classes have been keys to my success. "
Katie Berkman

"In Pilates, I have found that I can concentrate on the core muscles that are required for everyday life, and I am also able to perform more advanced moves with whitewater kayaking (my hobby). As a Hand Therapist, I find myself recommending Pilates classes with Karen to so many people. I work with people on their posture to prevent further injury, and from taking Pilates I am able to strengthen my treatment planning. Karen has a fabulous understanding of anatomy and her energy is addictive, which makes her the best instructor."
Sejal Shah

"Pilates has become one of the keys to my health. It has become something I make time for. It helps with tension and lower back pain. I am a stomach sleeper who has always had lower back pain, and Pilates has strengthened my core so my back hurts less. The breathing relaxes me so I slow down. In the past I have had a lot of neck and shoulder tension that would need to be massaged out, but since taking Pilates the tension is gone!!!"
Kay Sherin

"Pilates has helped me feel stronger, more flexible and capable. Karen has been very informative and inspirational! After each class I am so happy, relaxed and energized. Consistency gets faster results. I wish I had time for three classes a week instead of two."
Lael Edmonds

"There has never been an excercise I have enjoyed more than Pilates. It is challenging without being hard on my body, and has given me relatively quick results: I dropped 2 pants sizes in 4-5 months!!! I love the mental tranquility and relaxation as I go from movement to movement. I have seen benefits in other sports that I participate in, such as running and horseback riding, and I have never had such good posture as I do now!!"
Cindi Highfill

"Karen's Pilates classes have been a superb strengthening and toning workout for my body, which has become sleeker and stronger as a result. Her teaching style is structured and supportive. Her classes, subtly different each time, are taught with attention to all levels, and are always challenging and fun."
Sarah Prince

"Pilates is the first excercise program that I have stuck with faithfully. Karen is enthusiastic, motivational, fun and obviosuly enjoys not only doing Pilates, but also helping others learn to do it right. I was so excited the day I looked in the mirror and realized that I had a "Pilates butt." My posture has improved, my flexibility continues to improve, my abs are getting tighter, and my overall health, mood and attitude have improved! I love that Karen is flexible with classes and still challenges everyone regardless of their level. I am so glad that I started Pilates. It is a challenging workout without the stress on the joints. I feel that I have found not only an exercise program that I can (and will) stick with, but also a great friend and mentor in Karen!"
Nancy Becker

"From Pilates, my strength has increased, stamina for my garden work has increased, and my energy level has improved. Even more amazingly, though, is how the whole process has changed my attitude about me! It is so satisfying personally to face difficult tasks and conquer them on a weekly basis. Instead of seeing myself lose strength and flexibility as I age, I feel I'm doing something to reverse that process. Getting older can offer some wonderful freedoms and advantages. I want to stay as fit as I can for as long as I can to enjoy them thoroughly."
Ellen Armstrong

"Pilates taught me the right way to do abs and correct my posture. Without a doubt, I would recommend Pilates because it makes you feel great during and after class! Karen makes Pilates a fun and entertaining class!"
Shawn Oliveria

"My core is stronger and I feel stronger all over! I feel three inches taller and my abs look great!! A coach told me once 'practice makes perfect' but I believe that perfect practice makes perfect!!"
Jonnell Robertson

"I've never felt better and never felt better about the way I look! It is a wonderful, relaxing, invigorating and overall WONDERFUL workout! Consistency is key! The more you do it, the better you feel!"
Heather Schroeder

"I'm surprised at the changes in my body as a result of Pilates. Phenomenal results - stronger, better balance, more focused - overall I just feel healthier. Beyond the physical improvement, it has helped with stress levels. I owe a lot of the results to Karen, who is very modest about her ability to teach Pilates. She meets each student where she is and makes her feel good - no matter the level!"
Linda Martin

"I am more aware of my posture. Pilates is great for balance and flexibility for your body - it keeps you firm. Consistency is important!"
Kathy Gideon

"Pilates has increased my flexibility and assisted with weight loss and firming up. I am now able to tolerate longer hours of activity and increase the intensity of those activities. Pilates has also given me a greater feeling of well being."
Brenda Ford

"Karen is so positive about body conditioning and core strengthening. I have found her willing to work with individuals on each set of instructions. I have made gains in strengthening my core muscles and have improved my flexibility and balance all while having fun with Karen. I would suggest that anyone who is willing to do some body strengthening should give her classes a try. Everyone in her classes seem to love her and the professional instruction she gives is most beneficial!"
Sue Lough

If you have participated in classes with Core Pilates and would like to add your own testimonial to this page, please contact us by clicking here or by calling 422-CORE (2673).