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Testimonials of PPP Participants
“Before I started the Pilates program I felt very fatigued and weak from all of the treatment. The only exercise I did for six months was walking. Before cancer treatment I was very active. Since starting the Pilates program I feel more energized and have regained most of my strength, balance, and range of motion in my right arm… it has also provided me with mental clarity. While going through treatment it’s difficult to think of anything other than the situation you are in. Pilates has awakened my brain, giving me the room to think outside the 'cancer box'.” -Laura
“Since I started Pilates [in 2015] I have come so far. My doctor tells me to keep doing what I am doing because it’s working. I am on no medication for Parkinson’s disease, and my doctor said I am no longer in Stage 1. My core muscles are getting stronger, and I have better control over my bladder. I am also able to pull myself up easier, and my muscles don’t feel as tight and stiff. My balance is improved and my posture is not stooped over. The tremors are also better. I am more flexible, and I am not walking as slow as before. I am going to continue Pilates… my quality of life is amazing.” -Barbara
“I had surgery for pancreatic cancer in 2012 and discovered the Peninsula Pilates Project in 2013 at CHOMP's Cancer Survivors Day event at MPC; I've been a fan ever since. Did the eight free sessions and kept on afterward until they discontinued the Saturday morning mat class. I can't thank instructor Tiffany Gutierrez enough for her patience, kindness and encouragement (not to mention sense of humor!). I had never done Pilates so this was all new to me, but Tiffany was great! I wouldn't say I became an expert but I did see improvements in my stretching and balance, and the classes were instrumental in getting me out and moving again, something I was rather gun-shy about doing after major surgery. So thanks to everyone at Pilates Monterey and the PPP!” -David
“I had surgery for pancreatic cancer in 2012 and discovered the Peninsula Pilates Project in 2013 at CHOMP's Cancer Survivors Day event at MPC; I've been a fan ever since. Did the eight free sessions and kept on afterward until they discontinued the Saturday morning mat class. I can't thank instructor Tiffany Gutierrez enough for her patience, kindness and encouragement (not to mention sense of humor!). I had never done Pilates so this was all new to me, but Tiffany was great! I wouldn't say I became an expert but I did see improvements in my stretching and balance, and the classes were instrumental in getting me out and moving again, something I was rather gun-shy about doing after major surgery. So thanks to everyone at Pilates Monterey and the PPP!” -David
"I attended the Peninsula Pilates Project in April of 2016, just after I had finished radiation treatment, and 3 months after my last chemotherapy session, in treatment for breast cancer. Although I had remained somewhat active during most of the previous 10 months of treatment and surgery, due to cumulative side effects I became almost bedridden in February and March. So attending the Peninsula Pilates Project class in April was a welcome new beginning for me. The combination of having the careful, cheerful instruction of Andrea, of being in a small group of similarly recovering people, and the immediate adeptness that the adjustable equipment made possible regardless of strength, was wonderful. Over the eight sessions, I did get stronger, and felt encouraged and empowered to do so by the class. During that time, I also did the exercises at home from the Peninsula Pilates Project booklet given to us, and both studio and booklet instruction together helped me to transition to having a regular exercise practice at home, which I am still doing three months later. It felt so good at that time to have this "normal" class to attend, doing exercises and using equipment that were really quite fun! Meanwhile, this class started me on a path to develop my "normal", or perhaps new, post-illness strength. Thank you so much, Peninsula Pilates Project!" - Wendy
As a breast and lung cancer survivor, I feel very luck to have had the benefit of being referred to Peninsula Pilates Project through my oncologist. I have a lot of scar tissue and hindered range of motion from a mastectomy and hampered breathing from radiation to my lung. I had never done Pilates before and am not in shape. Andrea and the restorative class helped me tremendously and every time I left class I felt so much better! I had more energy and significantly improved range of motion. I even managed to lose some weight! I did two rounds of the restorative Pilates class and continued on with Laura and the Graduate class. I am looking forward to many more Pilates classes with Andrea, Laura, and her team! I feel very grateful that Andrea and PPP cares so much about the people in the community that she gives her time and resources to help everyone she can with these amazing classes. Thank you Andrea and PPP for all you do! - Dana