I thought I’d include comments and testimonials from clients I had over the years, not showcase how wonderful I was but to showcase how wonderful Pilates is how it helped and benefited so many people.
”Love it! I work at a desk all day and pilates helps get some of the kinks out and realign posture. In terms if core work and overall body workout, the new class by type format lets you pick your format based on the results you are looking for. New instructors also allow you to change it up and keep you interested. Overall, I highly recommend it.”
– Sandra, Ottawa, ON, Fall 2012
”I have a very fit friend who has always been raving about the benefits of pilates so when I saw a special for Reformer classes at Pilates Patio I decided it was time to try it out. How hard could it be I thought – you exercise lying down! How little I knew about the challenges and the benefits of pilates that I would quickly become addicted to. I have been attending classes at Pilates Patio twice a week for about 7 months and my arms, legs and abs have never been stronger or leaner. I have always been the person that started some sort of fitness program with the best of intentions but within a few months, I would fall off the rails. Not this time! The classes are different and unique each time so I never get bored and I feel so invigorated afterwards. The classes are also flexible so I have no difficulty fitting it into my schedule and committing to attend. I have a plan to see what my body looks like after 2 solid years of pilates, I am already leaner and stronger than I have been in years and I am confident that this has become a part of my lifestyle forever.”
– Julie, Ottawa, ON, Summer 2012
”It’s a testament to Pilates Patio that this is my longest lasting New Year’s resolution! I noticed an improvement within a couple of weeks — better posture, increased strength and energy, and improved muscle definition. The wide range of classes and times offered, not to mention the convenient location, make it an easy activity to stick with, regardless of fitness level.”
– Dana, Ottawa, ON, Summer 2012
”Pilates was a great way to rebuild fitness after an enforced absence due to illness. By working on various muscles groups, in a fun and programmed way, core strength returned rapidly. Now, I continue to enjoy the workouts as part of an active lifestyle, including biking, soccer and tennis. The small class size allows for personalized instruction. The workouts continue to strengthen all muscles groups while the program varies from week to week, which keeps me coming back for more.”
– Catherine, Ottawa, ON, Summer 2012
”I started doing Pilates about 1 year ago to strengthen my core and manage back pain. It worked! Within a couple of months of doing regular Pilates workouts at the studio, my back, stomach, legs and arms were feeling stronger than ever. I highly recommend Pilates Patio to anyone who wants to take their Pilates workout to the next level. ”
– Annie, Ottawa, ON, Summer 2012
”I spend the summer months in Ottawa and arrived in June, looking for something to take the place of the Pilates mat classes that I attend twice weekly during the rest of the year. Pilates Patio is in my neighborhood so I decided to check it out. I’m so glad I did! The small group classes on the reformer and mat were quite a departure from my usual mat classes, attended by 20 – 30 people with lots of opportunity to hide at the back of the pack. At Pilates Patio there’s nowhere to hide – and that’s a very good thing. Lani’s personalized attention encouraged me to push myself through challenging sequences of exercises while addressing a number of bad habits I’ve acquired over the years. It’s been a great summer and I’m sorry to say goodbye, but I’m already looking forward to reconnecting with Pilates Patio the next time I’m in town.”
– Lianne Calvert MacGregor Chapel Hill, NC, Summer 2012
”I have been attending classes and private sessions with Lani for the past several months and really enjoy it! I am recovering from a back injury and Lani has helped me adapt the standard exercises so that I can get the most out of the sessions – building strength and conditioning – without aggravating my injury. Lani always looks for new ways to challenge her clients, but takes care to make sure we can still work within our various limits. In each class we work the basics and then we work on different areas to keep things interesting. Lani also asks if there are areas the class wants to work on and comes up with a variety of ways to do so. I recommend it to anyone looking to build strength and conditioning or just try something new.”
– Sarah, Ottawa ON, 2012
”After years of wanting to attend an authentic pilates class I finally enrolled with Pilates Patio in August 2011. Joining the pilates classes at Pilates Patio with Lani Haque has surpassed all of my expectations. Lani not only has an abundance of knowledge and expertise but can also simultaneously cater to all fitness levels in one class. Her sincere concern for each of her students’ progress demonstrates her passion and dedication to pilates. Pilates has given me the opportunity to strengthen areas that I could not otherwise target as precisely with regular exercises at the gym. It is a gentle way to obtain dramatic results. After an hour of pilates I feel reenergized and stronger! I look forward to maintaining my physical fitness level with the help of pilates for the rest of my life!”
– Stefania, Ottawa ON, 2011
”I am a 50plus woman, and several months ago I went to my family doctor to see if the medical system had come up with any new solutions for back pain. In the past, I have always gone to a chiropractor for treatment. My doctor told me that doctors still do not have any great solutions for back pain, but that he had been researching the problem and found one effective treatment: Pilates. I started at Pilates Patio shortly after he recommended it, and since then have had absolutely no back pain! In addition, I can see and feel a great improvement in my abdominal muscles.
I have found Lani to be an amazing instructor; she remembers any issues I have and helps me work around them. Whenever the subject of fitness comes up, I tell people how wonderful Pilates is. I have tried aerobics and boot camp over the years, and always found that the hour seemed to go by at a snail’s pace. With Pilates, time flies! And, as I tell people, “Exercising while lying down….what’s not to like about that?””
– Cindy, Ottawa ON, 2011
”Since starting Pilates with Lani 6 months ago I have noticed big improvements in my strength, posture and flexibility. The lessons are well structured and she does an excellent job focusing on areas that I want to work on. Seeing the progress that I have made, my wife and daughters have recently started taking lessons from her as well.”
– Jay, Ottawa ON, 2011
” I have done pilates on my own in the past but now that I have been taking classes with Lani for the last several months at Pilates Patio on Richmond Road, I realize that I never truly worked to my true potential when I did it on my own. Lani provides personal training in a small group environment. I feel like I am getting a personal trainer at a small class price point. Lani tailors the exercises to each person and is flexible in focusing on the areas each person wants to work on. I am amazed at how Lani remembers each of her clients and their individual needs. One never has to worry about getting bored. Lani switches things up, adding different exercises each time.”
– P.A., Ottawa, ON, 2011
”I have found pilates to be a great form of low impact exercise for improving posture, strengthening core, and cross training for many sports activities. I have been attending Lani’s classes for 5 months now and am always amazed at the variety of exercises and muscle groups that can be worked. Lani is very good at providing a safe and encouraging environment while at the same time challenging me. Because of my variable schedule I really appreciate the on-line booking system that allows me to book just one class at a time when it’s convenient rather than committing to one time every week, and I also think the classes are very reasonably priced. ”
– Pat, Ottawa, ON, 2011
”After many years of suffering lower back pain and seeking help to relieve the pain, I have discovered that pilates has given me the best results in helping reduce my problem. As well as having foot pain caused by arthritis, which prevented me from doing any high impact activities, pilates was also helpful here. Pilates gives me a full-body workout concentrating mostly on core exercises which help strengthen my abdomen which in turn helps support my back. Pilates work on the reformer eliminates full impact on my feet but gives me an equivalent workout such as aerobics or zumba. It is amazing how many different exercises can be done on the reformer from lying down, kneeling and standing up, while working upper body and arms at the same time. Mat work is also offered using a variety of apparatus such as exercise balls, rings and foam rollers. Lani is a very knowledgeable instructor who puts you through the paces of an excellent overall workout. Be prepared to sweat and feel your muscles work hard and ultimately feel much stronger! ”
– Cathy N., Ottawa, ON, 2011
”I’ve been taking classes with Lani at Pilates Patio since the summer and it has really helped me with my dancing. My dance teachers highly recommend that I continue with pilates to help me strengthen my core. They have noticed a difference in my dancing as well. I always look forward to my sessions with Lani because for me, it’s a great work and she makes the class very enjoyable! ”
– Lily, Ottawa, ON, 2011
”I do not enjoy lifting weights and was pleased to find a great alternative option in pilates. The reformer provides a effective way to build long lean muscles, while at the same time improving posture and strengthening the core. Also, with pilates you get out of a workout what you put in, which means each workout can be as challenging as you choose to make it. ”
– Marci, Ottawa, ON, 2011
”I have attended Lani’s classes since she opened her Westboro studio. The reformer/mat classes are challenging, fun, and very efficient in building core strength and overall conditioning. Additionally, I have found this training to be effective in rehabilitating injury. Lani provides good individual instruction, motivating me to keep developing my fitness level. ”
– Cathy M., Ottawa, ON, 2011
”My name is Jane MacTavish Robinson. I am a very happy client of Lani’s at Pilates Patio. I am a 69-year-old woman who has some physical issues. At the age of 19 I broke my left leg and ankle really badly. It has now fused and gives me some trouble. Also in the 1970’s I broke my right knee cap which also gives me difficulty. I hoped Pilates would give me a good workout without unnecessary impact on my ankle and knee. Lani has helped me tremendously. She is quietly encouraging, always ready to try a different approach which will fit in with my needs. It is great. The studio itself has a nice ambiance. The equipment is great. The space is clean. There is interesting art on the walls which changes from time to time. It was definately a luck day for me when I started at Pilates Patio. ”
– Jane, Wakefield, QC, 2011
” I started classes with Lani at Pilates Patio 5 months ago and am totally hooked on Pilates! At 51 years of age I feel that I have finally found a form of exercise that I actually look forward to doing. I feel stronger, more energetic and positive about managing my back pain issues. Lani is a wonderful instructor, offering encouragement to students at all fitness levels in an effective and fun way. Classes are always challenging and stimulating, Lani manages to give specific attention to everyone, even in group classes. Pilates has become an integral part of my ongoing fitness plan , it has changed my outlook on fitness and overall health in a very positive way. ”
– Paula, Toronto, ON, 2010
” I would highly recommend Lani Haque as a Pilates instructor. She is able to ensure that each person in the class is both encouraged and challenged. The classes are varied to maintain a level of interest, and she is able to tailor exercises to individual needs. The atmosphere in the classes is always positive and supportive. I started classes as I was recovering from a shoulder injury, and after only four months, I feel stronger and have started to develop better posture. ”
– Philippa, Toronto, ON, 2010
”Pilates is the first type of physical activity that has caught my attention to the point that I have stuck with it for more than three months and will most probably continue doing for the foreseeable future. I find the reformer fun and appreciate that I can enjoy the exercises while benefitting from them. I have seen great improvements in my strength as well as my posture. Pilates Patio and Lani have had a significant contribution to my new found dedication to physical activity. The group classes are so small and Lani makes sure that no-one “slips through the cracks”… I believe that the attention is the same, if not better, than what one would get in a semi-private class. I definitely recommend Pilates Patio and Lani to all…”
– Gift C., Toronto, ON, Fall 2010
”I started at Pilates Patio when I was 3 months pregnant. Lani instructed me through exercises that were challenging and safe during pregnancy. I was able to attend the classes, comfortably, until a few days before giving birth. I rejoined the classes six weeks after my daughter was born. I think the focus on core and lower body strengthening during the classes helped me keep my weight gain healthy during pregnancy, make a quicker recovery from labour, and helped me lose pregnancy weight. Lani’s clear and precise instructions ensure each exercise is meaningful. My abs feel tight; thanks Lani. ”
– Fausta, Toronto, ON, Fall 2010
”I have really enjoyed attending Pilates classes at Pilates Patio over the past year. I feel much stronger, and look more toned, particularly in the midsection area. I look forward to going to the classes; they are always challenging and there is an enormous amount of variety in the types of exercises that can be done. Lani is an excellent teacher, and does an excellent job at gearing the classes to the needs of the participants.”
– Shira, Toronto, ON, Fall 2010
”I have absolutely loved my experience at Pilates Patio. I get a great work out there and have already dropped a full clothing size in only two months. Lani is an excellent teacher, combining skill, humor and calmness in order to get everyone to work to their maximum. I highly recommend Lani to anyone looking to get fit, improve their muscle tone, increase their energy levels and develop a stronger feeling of wellbeing.”
– Claire, Toronto, ON, Fall 2010
”I started at Pilates Patio about 9 months after my second child was born and within weeks I started to notice a difference in my muscle tone and coordination. I enjoy using the reformer because it allows me to stretch and work on muscles in a way that is impossible on my own. My favorite thing about Pilates Patio is Lani, who is not only extremely knowledgeable and professional but also very personable – even if the class is full I always feel like I am getting a private session. I really can’t say enough good things about Lani and Pilates Patio, they are great preventative medicine.”
– Michelle S., Toronto, ON, Fall 2010
”I began Pilates a year ago with Lani at Pilates Patio. I love it, I feel stronger, I have more balance and flexibility, and I am much more conscious of my posture. Pilates with Lani is the first type of exercise that I actually look forward to, rather than dread”
– Carrie, Florida, USA, Fall 2010
“I have been attending classes at Pilates Patio for several months. I feel leaner, stronger, more flexible and just generally healthier. I love Lani’s classes. Only 4 people max per class, and Lani always pays equal attention to each participant. She is attentive to each person’s form and always pays attention to what the class participants want to focus on. The schedule offered allows for some variance each week, and therefore makes it possible for busy people to make it to classes even if their own schedules change week to week. The new on-line booking feature is fantastic and makes it very convenient to book sessions. My week is not complete without at least one, preferably two, and if I am really feeling strong, three sessions at Pilates Patio!”
– Pam, Toronto, ON, Fall 2010
“Discovering Pilates Patio has given a dramatic boost to my fitness program. Lani is an excellent teacher who can instruct as well as demonstrate the finer points of Pilates. I know I’ve had a workout after a session with her, and I’ve noticed a dramatic improvement in my fitness level. I’ve also noticed other changes: the pain in my knee has substantially lessened, and I feel as though I walk taller. I’ve recommended Lani to several of my acquaintances, who’ve now become regulars at the Patio.”
– Nancy, Toronto, ON, Spring 2010
“I come out of a Pilates class feeling energized, strong and taller! Pilates Patio in the Beach has helped me gain core strength and balance within my body. Since joining in Jan. 2010, I have increased my strength, stamina and flexibility significantly. My shoulder and knee problems have all but disappeared and I have re-discovered my waistline! As I travel quite a bit, the flexible class hours make it possible for me to attend at least once a week, and sometimes more than that. I absolutely love coming to class because Lani makes the classes fun, challenging and varied.”
– Annette, Executive, Toronto, ON, Spring 2010
“I see you have a Pilates studio all set up. Good for you. Bravo! I still haven’t managed to find any in Sheffield where I live, which has got me thinking!!! I move to London next year to work in the city. But i am also looking into buying a Pilates Machine for myself and taking the weekend courses in Reformer work. I haven’t felt as fit as i did in those few weeks in Toronto. There is nothing quite like it for improving my balance. “
– Martyn Smith, Sheffield, England, Summer 2009
“I had the pleasure of working with Lani over several months on the recommendation of my massage therapist. This was my first experience with the Reformer, and I must say, Lani has me hooked on Pilates!
Pilates has improved my posture, eliminated my back pain, and greatly increased my core strength, allowing me to have greater stamina in other sports. I have taken classes with several other instructors, but have not found one I like as much as Lani. I highly recommend her for a great work-out. “
– Terri McDougall, Toronto, ON, 2009
“Lani – you are a very “gifted” teacher – I see how you have taken the precision from your math instruction and applied it to pilates – you give instructions in such a concise and orderly manner that it is actually possible to follow them all at the same time – something that is not always possible with other instructors I have had. I really enjoy the workout and feel that I have had a good workout when it’s over.”
– Joyce Edge, DSHM, Homeopathic Practitioner, Toronto, ON, 2009
“Pilates offers a unique approach to total body conditioning of benefit to everyone from the absolute fitness novice to the most accomplished athlete. The exercises are continuously challenging and never become routine – the infinite variety of possibilities with both the mat and reformer bring excitement to the workouts that is rarely achieved with more traditional types of exercise. I especially appreciate the respect one’s body is given with pilates – a person is never expected to compromise the health of one’s own muscles and joints in order to meet his or her goals. Lani herself could not be more passionate about pilates and the benefits it can bring to everyone. Her focused approach to each person’s individual needs and goals makes her an outstanding instructor. Just as she is doing for me, she can help you achieve the kind of results you may never have thought possible.”
-Julie Zavagno, Massage Therapist, Toronto, ON, 2009
“As an early 40’s man with a history of ‘traditional’, ‘manly’ fitness experiences (you know, gyms, weights, football, cycling, etc.) but no significant exercise for several years and a white collar, somewhat sedentary lifestyle, I was in quite poor physical condition when convinced to try pilates. I had all sorts of misconceptions about pilates; it’s for women, it’s not real exercise, and so on, some of which were reinforced when I duly attended a large, professional pilates studio. I found that the level of concentration on my form (I was a complete beginner), my breath control, all the muscles involved and holding my breath and position as this was all explained to me in rapid, convoluted sentences to be overwhelming. The constant correction was somewhat off-putting. The exercies, while hard, were boring. Sounds bad, I know. Then I took a one-on-one class with Lani. She approached teaching me with an interest in how I learned, what I enjoyed, and where I said I felt a benefit. Totally different! And it was fun. I have engaged in many types of physical activity, and rarely have smiled and laughed through every grueling workout. And grueling they were; though I felt no pain while I was working out, the next day I felt like I had been hit by a truck (but in a good hurt kind of way – a very effective workout). And I laughed all the way through. Due to her style of teaching (it is plain that she learns and enjoys as much as I do although she is the pilates expert) and interaction, I am a convert to this form of fitness. I have found changes in the strength and flexibility of my body, the endurance of my legs, and in my balance. Changes that I could feel in a week. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend pilates now to anyone. Anyone who had never tried it, anyone with challenges when facing a typical ‘gym’ environment, or anyone like myself, who is not a ‘gym body’ and would like a more comfortable, low-stress and fun way to approach fitness. Thank you Lani, for helping me to discover fitness that I can really enjoy.”
– Frank, Toronto, ON, 2009
“Lani was an incredibly patient, prepared and knowledgeable instructor. She always had something new and interesting to practice, but was also very concerned with ensuring we practiced on the areas I wanted to improve on using the exercises I enjoyed most. I thoroughly enjoyed my lessons with her – can’t wait to start back up again!”
– Erica Carr, Insurance Institute, Toronto, ON, 2009