Testimonials

Client Testimonials

Names:

Mary Stair

Age:

65

Practices:

Privates to arrest forms of scoliosis and osteroprorsis

I have been marveling at the changes in my upper left thoracic after your careful work with me. I kept practicing and gaining awareness. Thank you for your guidance.

—Mary Stair
LMBT / CD / Doula & Massage Therapist

It makes such a difference in my mobility and back stiffness and pain when I come to the Gyrokinesis class.

—Laura Beagle
LMBT / CD / Doula & Massage Therapist

Names:

Joan & Wilder Best

Age:

38 & 4 Weeks

Practices:

Fusion Pre & Post Natal Classes

Joan was interested in finding a fitness program she could do while pregnant with her second child. Her husband spotted the posters in the windows at Fusion and Joan started attending classes the week after the studio opened.

We asked Joan about how the classes worked for her. “The classes helped me tremendously throughout my pregnancy. While I was pregnant, I could tell I was building strength in my body but it wasn't until after Wilder was born that I really realized what a difference the class made. It's only been four weeks since I gave birth and my body feels strong and toned.”

"I was on bed rest for a long time during my first pregnancy and was really unprepared for how much strength was needed for labor. For this pregnancy I didn't have any complications and I really wanted to continue exercising safely throughout it so that I could be better prepared. I felt so comfortable doing all the exercises Jen recommended because I knew how knowledgeable she is. I didn't have to worry in class about “is this safe for the baby" the way I did in some of the yoga classes I took. In fact she taught me a lot that I was able to use in my yoga practice.”

"The biggest surprise though was how much the class helped me during my labor. When it came time to push without even thinking about it I closed my eyes and focused on hearing Jen's voice in my head directing me to how to best use my muscles to push. It was like having Jennifer as a doula right there in the delivery room.”

Joan worked as an advertising copywriter in New York before moving back home to Asheville to care for her family Jackson, 3, Wilder, 4 weeks and husband Nathan.

Joan says, “Jen and Kelly are so much fun and so nurturing that I always leave class feeling so good and upbeat. With all the hormonal fluctuations of pregnancy and with my focus so much on caring for our 3 year old and the growing baby inside, I loved having an opportunity to focus on doing something good for me. I couldn't recommend the class highly enough to other pregnant women.”

Joan continues her work at Fusion Pilates Asheville by attending the Pre & Post Natal class with her new gorgeous baby Wilder.

Names:

Mike & Nancy Byer

Ages:

61 & 59

Practices:

Mike- Men's Reformer Class
Nancy- Reformer and Mat Classes & Gyrotonic^®

NANCY:

Nancy has been a Fusion client from the beginning. She had been practicing Pilates in mat classes for three years, but was looking for a chance to explore the Pilates equipment work.

Nancy says, “The Reformer targets the core very well but also the upper body and legs. I notice an increase in my strength & balance. I notice more stability in everyday activities such as using stairs, carrying heavy items, gardening, hiking (better endurance). In addition to my exercise at Fusion, my everyday activities include walking with my dog & hiking - especially on the Mountain to Sea Trail & the Blue Ridge Parkway. I enjoy gardening, reading, sewing, crochet & knitting. I love Astronomy & have several telescopes. I volunteer at The North Carolina Arboretum & am a member of the Asheville Mushroom Club.”

Nancy is a retired RN and was an active runner and cyclist for 20 years.

MIKE:

As with most men, Mike was a little less excited about the prospect of starting something new, like Pilates. But Angelo emailed him about a new class called “Pilates for Men of Ill Repute" and he couldn't say no.

Mike had some specific problems that he wanted to address including a “lack of flexibility, poor range of motion, and general malaise. After partial knee replacement, I was looking for a low impact strengthening exercise program.”

Mike owns and operates Mike Byer Auto, which is located across the street from the studio, so making his Fusion Classes is a breeze. “I have been an automotive and heavy truck mechanic since 1967 and still have an obsession with cars dating back forty five years. My business has been operating in downtown Asheville for twenty years and with a little luck and some help from Pilates I will still be here twenty years from now.”

Mike talks about the benefits of the classes this way, “I am now able to bend over to tie my shoes and reach around for my seat belt. Fusion has made me feel better overall. I wake up without stiffness or pain and I now sleep through the night without waking with back or joint pain. Although a glass of wine at night still helps! My other exercise activities include walking and paddling kayaks (which I can now get in and out of a lot easier). I used to be an avid cyclist, which I hope to continue again in the future.”

The Byer's have one son who lives in Asheville and are originally from Evansville, IN. They lived in Florida for 17 years before moving to Asheville in 1988.

Name:

Laura Frisbie

Age:

49

Practices:

Gyrotonic Tower Classes and Mat Classes

Laura started at Fusion Pilates in August of 2007, and her progress and transformation have been amazing.

Here's what she has to say about her experience.

“Thanks to Fusion Pilates, you can call me a late bloomer. Just a few months ago, I was facing the harsh reality of a body that had never found a regular sport or exercise. I was in a catch-22 of getting stiffer and tighter from non-movement and getting injured with every attempt at movement. Plus, I just couldn't find an exercise routine that felt GOOD... that I enjoyed doing. Over the years, I have tried a LOT of different things!

I learned about Pilates from women my age who look great. I had looked into Pilates but the cost was too high. The pricing at Fusion Pilates was so reasonable, I decided to try it. I knew instantly that Fusion Pilates and Jennifer and Kelly were the answer to my prayers. Now I am a new person! This has been a fitness program I love and it has also been physical therapy for me. It has the perfect blend of mind/body connection & flexibility and strength. My clarity, energy and mood have improved dramatically along with my body. I am no longer afraid of injury. I LOVE going to Fusion Pilates. I would go every day if I could. I am so grateful and amazed that Fusion Pilates has shifted me into an upward spiral of well-being. Gyrotonics^® works so deeply, I have literally felt my tissues releasing toxins. I'm certain it is the best fitness value in Asheville.

Fusion Pilates came at the perfect time in my life. I do “Resonance Repatterning" (healing/personal growth) phone sessions and I am also writing a very large website for depression self-help. I spend almost all of my time sitting. The difference in my mental clarity and productivity is noticeable. Plus, now I can recommend exercise as a key factor for well-being from my own experience.

Who knew?!

Thanks... thank you, and THANKS!”

Name:

Kerri Saum

Age:

43

Practices:

Pilates & Gyrotonic Privates, Equipment and Mat Classes

Kerri was one of our very first clients and is also one of our most advanced. Here's what she had to say about her experience at Fusion Pilates.

“I saw on add for Fusion Pilate's in the paper and was thrilled to find it was such a high end studio. It has everything! Jennifer is as knowledgeable as you can get.

I've been doing Pilate's for over 10 years and teaching it for over five. I always wanted to do Gyro-tonics but never thought I could afford it, until now.

I have noticed, simply, that I have more confidence. In Gyro tonics I move in such a way that makes me feel longer, leaner and more graceful (and I'm only 5'2 so that's saying something.) More specifically, I have noticed a narrowing of my thighs and hips and a nice toning in my upper arms and back. Oh, and my husband is very pleased with my stomach.

I think my work at Fusion has given me more energy & confidence and generally makes me feel younger... really! And it definitely helps me teach a better Pilate's class.

My favorite exercise is the Double Spiral (see photo). It is a very graceful and beautiful movement.

I have two daughter: Zoey 8 & True 5. They know how important it is to move their bodies and eat smart. It's never EVER about being skinny. It's about wellness. I painted a big sign for them that says: Be Smart, Be Fit, Be Kind and Be Grateful. I think that covers just about everything they need to know for now!

Finally, I'd like to add that Fusion Pilate's ROCKS!”

Name:

Christy Larson

Age:

49

Christy has been a client at Fusion Pilates Asheville for about five months, and in that time we've seen her progress at an amazing speed. We asked Christy a few questions about her experience with FPA and we'd like to share her thoughts:

"I had been interested in taking Pilates equipment classes for a long time, but knowing that consistency is key, the cost for private classes was prohibitive. When I saw that Fusion offered group equipment classes, I thought “woo-hoo!" and signed up immediately. The supportive atmosphere of a group class and the personalized instruction offered by both Kelly and Jennifer makes the classes something special.”

"My back was becoming stiffer with age and inertia and I thought Pilates and Gyrokinises would help by giving me more core strength and flexibility. My lower back pain is now negligible and my overall strength and flexibility has improved greatly. I used to almost be able to touch my mid-shins (after warming up). Now I can stand on my palms (with straight legs). I'd call that a miracle.”

"I just returned from a vacation in Hawaii. While I was there, I took surfing lessons, hiked a volcano, rode horseback down into a volcano, went sea kayaking, snorkeled, and zip-lined through the trees. The fact that I was able to do all of these activities with little difficulty and no pain during or afterwards is linked directly to the improvements my body has gone through since starting at Fusion.”

"My favorite exercise on the Reformer is the Tree. I love the feeling of hanging upside down in the well and then being able to use my abs to pull me out of there. Prior to Fusion, I would never have been able to bend that far back and if by some miracle I got back there, I would never have been able to get back up. It is the best example of how far I've come.”

Christy and her husband (David) are both retired air traffic controllers. Christy's interests include hiking, kayaking, yoga, cooking, gardening, and traveling, and “pretty much anything that gets me outdoors and/or moving.”

"The biggest endorsement that I can give about classes at Fusion is that as I enter my next decade, I am healthier, stronger, and more flexible than I've ever been. Fusion provides a nurturing and challenging environment that coaxes the best out of me. It's the real deal.”

Name:

Lemona Ledford

Age:

39

Practices:

Pilates & Gyrotonic Privates, Equipment and Mat Classes

Lemona heard about Fusion through our first advertisement about a month before the studio was open and was the first person to call and sign up. “I saw an ad in a local paper and had always wanted to do the real “Joseph Pilates" method with the equipment." Her initial excitement has not waned a bit- and there are times when she visits the studio seven times a week!

Lemona explains, “I chose Pilates and Gyrotonic^® as my fitness routine because I wanted a dancer's body, not a weight lifting body. In the time I've been coming to the studio I've noticed a great difference. All of my clothes are getting loose in the waist, thighs and buttocks. I feel like my arms are starting to take on a longer, leaner look.”

"The work at Fusion has caused me to stop looking at the number on the scale and to really start to notice the way I look in the mirror and how I feel when I get up in the morning and go to bed at night. It's great!!!," said Lemona, “I came to Jen with an old shoulder injury, and a recent ankle injury. Pilates and Gyrotonic have been great for both. Jen knows how to work around your limitations and still give you the best workout. SHE IS GREAT!!! Asheville is lucky to have her.”

Lemona is a local business owner and a native of Asheville. “I have always been interested in fitness is some form (weight lifting, running, walking, aerobics and yoga). I am married to a great husband who really supports my Pilates Habit (addiction)!”

"Lastly I would like to tell you what my husband asked me the other night. He said 'You really believe in that Pilates don't you?' My response 'Yes, it is the real deal.'”

Teacher Training Student Testimonials

“I embrace high standards, and for that very reason I have incorporated Jennifer's Fusion Pilates for Pre and Post Natal as an elective for Professionals throughout the year and during my Teacher Training courses. The feedback and enthusiasm from the students and the demand for a year round schedule speaks for itself…”

—Marie-José Blom-Lawrence
Long Beach Dance Conditioning
Master Pilates Trainer, Studio Owner
Marina del Rey, CA

“When my Mother and I decided to pursue Pilates as a career it was one of the biggest decisions of our life. We knew that only the best training program and instructor would do! After careful and thoughtful research we found exactly that through Jennifer Gianni. Not only is she highly qualified and experienced, she is totally supportive, nurturing, & caring and it is because of her teaching and guidance that we have realized our dream and opened our own Pilates studio…”

—Catherine Stokes & Marta Higginbotham
Pilates Revolution
Pilates Instructors, Studio Owners
Spartanburg, SC

“I have attended this program myself and it reflects Jennifer's years of experience in teaching with excellence. She embraces her students with care and professionalism as well as charisma and light. The knowledge she has to pass on is invaluable…”

—Lisa Marie Goodwin
In-Spiraling Movement Arts
Gyrotonic^® Master Trainer, Studio Owner
Los Angeles, CA

“Jennifer's Fusion Pilates for Pre & Post Natal was an unforgettable event for the Japanese community. She is not only a wonderful teacher, but a wonderful person with high spirit. Her deep understanding and knowledge about pregnancy helps fitness instructors from different backgrounds open their minds to these exercise modalities…”

—Akemi Inoue
Studio Natural Flow
Gyrotonic^® Master Trainer, Studio Director / Owner
Tokyo, Japan

“Taking 'Anatomy for Fitness Professionals' was one of the best decisions I have made as a Pilates instructor. In a relaxed environment, Jennifer made her students feel comfortable with very challenging material. Jennifer is a warm, compassionate teacher with a wealth of knowledge and the ability to communicate clearly. I liked the course so much I wonder if we could have a "Part II"! I recommend it highly for anyone involved in health and wellness.…”

—Gina Bokmiller
Pilates Instructor
Arden, NC

“...thanks so much for coming to Atlanta to teach "Anatomy in Clay!" The course was really helpful as an anatomy review for me, plus I learned so much about the muscles and movement that I can incorporate directly into my massage practice. And I really appreciate your teaching style. You created a comfortable setting while challenging participants to think in new ways.…”

—Brenda Smith
Licensed Massage Therapist
Atlanta, GA

“The Pre & Post Natal course was amazing! I could have spent a whole week learning from Jennifer. I loved that we got to build the pelvic floor muscles with clay, that was so helpful. The whole weekend exceeded my expectations completely! I can't wait to take another class with Jen. I really feel lucky that I've had the opportunity to learn from her. Her teaching style is excellent; very accessible, very informative, and very creative. …”

—Amanda Wilson
Pilates Instructor / VP Manahan Group
Charleston, WV

“Jennifer is a very knowledgeable and well rounded instructor. She was able to cover all of the information in the manual and expand on it answering all questions. As a class participant, I was able to acquire the information and internalize it through the class experiences. I feel well prepared to share the pilates method with others. Thank you!…”

—Amy Estridge
Pilates Instructors
Charlotte, NC

“The information regarding the pelvic floor and its anatomy that was taught by Jen and her course has been incredibly valuable for my teaching. It goes beyond just my pregnant or post pregnant clients. It has given me insight and understanding on how to approach post op, aging and other special populations…”

—Sheri Katz Schlobohm_Pilates,
Gyrotonic^® & Yoga Instructor
Los Angeles, CA

“Jennifer's course is wonderful; her training is extensive and practical. It compliments Marie-Jose's work beautifully and is a must for any teacher who is working with pregnant clients.”

—Adrienne Dalsemer
Pilates Instructor, Certified Doula & Birth Coach

First let me tell you what a wonderful experience this past weekend was for me! I came away with so much that I can not only apply to myself and pregnant clients, but also all of my other clients. Thank you!

—Sydney Craig
Teacher Training Student

I attended your training in and was 5 months pregnant with my first child at the time. I just had my baby 3 weeks ago and wanted to say I found your pre & post natal Pilates training invaluable in my pregnancy, labor & delivery & even so far during my recovery! I believe your training is the main reason my pregnancy went so great. I just want to say thank you for creating such a great program. I have been using all the concepts we talked about in my mat classes with older women & have had great results. My students' understanding of the work has really deepened since I returned from Asheville. I have added a Pre-natal class to my schedule at my studio & one of the doctors at my Ob/gyn's office has asked me to give her some cards so that she can refer patients to my studio!

Thank you for a wonderful program. I hope to attend more of your certifications in the future.

—Niccole Z. Gray
Breathe Pilates & Movement, LLC
Wesley Chapel, Florida

I am very impressed with BBU's organization, manual, and course material. Jennifer Gianni presented the course with a profound understanding of her students' needs and of the historical connections/evolution in Pilates. As a teacher who has been certified by other organizations, I can whole-heartedly recommend this course to both new and experienced teachers.

— Sarah Honer
Studio Owner / Pilates Instructor
Spira Pilates Studio, Carrboro, NC

You are a great teacher and you inspire me to learn all there is to learn with Pilates. Thank you so much for adding to my knowledge as a trainer and my life!

—Taft Draper
Pilates Instructor
Asheville, NC

Jennifer was wonderful. Several notches above any type of Pilates training I have had prior. I am 5 hours away, and am glad to know that excellent training/studios are this close by. (As opposed to New York and LA.) Her scope was specific to our needs, her presentation provided different methods of learning and was clear, unrushed, and open to discussion. Thank you.

—Susie McFadyen
Pilates Instructor
Fayetteville, NC

What an incredible amount of information to process! It's exciting just to listen to Jennifer talk. She so obviously has so much information and experience to share. I really enjoyed the physical activity that Jennifer incorporated during class time. Thanks for the learning experience!

—Jennifer Dowler
Student

I wanted to again express my gratitude to you for an insightful, thorough, and enjoyable workshop this past weekend. Thank you for enabling me to feel more confident with my pre & post-natal clientele. I am thrilled that I can utilize the exercises to enhance the quality of movement and detailed core connection with all my clients as well. It is a true gift to have your studio in this part of the country.

With sincere gratitude,

—Susan Simon
Pilates Instructor & Studio Owner
Harmony Pilates Studio
Apex, North Carolina

The class with Jen was amazing. I learned so much about my own form and technique while learning to teach others. She was a wonderful teacher and inspiration to everyone in the class... I am proud to say she was my instructor.

Thanks for everything!

—Brittany Jackson

It's refreshing to see someone who has so much passion for their work. Jennifer, you are an inspiration!

—Heather Cutts
Pilates Instructor
Pilates Advantage, Honolulu, HI

I just wanted to thank you for a great weekend of training. It was really informative and really made both Allison and I think so much more about the pelvic floor. I am so much more aware of what it happening with my own body and how to help others feel what I felt. I have never felt my transverse abdominals like I have this weekend. It even made me think about how to apply some of it to my current clients. Also your cuing was awesome. We love the "bunny tail"! We will definitely be back to do more trainings with you.

—Jami Fritter
Pilates Instructor
Powell, OH

We loved having Jennifer at Pilates Tonic! She has such a gentle style and is full of wonderful cues and imagery. The workshop was fantastic!

—Anne Willett Curran
Pilates Instructor
Chattanooga, TN

Thanks for a great weekend. I learned SOOO much and it was SOOO easy to retain the information and really understand the anatomy. Jennifer is wonderful and I look forward to working with her again in the future.

—Jeannine Corbell
Pilates & GyrotonicInstructor
Atlanta, GA

Jen was AWESOME!!!! I learned so much about the pelvic floor, labor & delivery (maybe more than I wanted to know? - ha!), and how to help out my pregnant clients. I am so excited about implementing what I learned at my studio in Greensboro. I already have two classes set up to start in a few weeks! A few things that Jen did really well and that I am already incorporating in my classes is her use of imagery, (wow, what a big difference that makes) and, her techniques to use the pelvic floor muscles in all the exercises. I will definitely do another workshop with Jen.

—Molly Markham
Pilates Instructor
Greensboro, NC

I LOVED Jennifer Gianni! She was the best instructor I've ever had. She inspired me so much and always was so positive during the training. She never let us go off-course and chit chat too much and I appreciated that. Learning Reformer I has brought me a new outlook about 'what' a body can really do. I really enjoyed the last day of stretches!! I would definately go back to Jen!

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Taking "Anatomy for Pilates" was one of the best decisions I have made as a Pilates instructor. In a relaxed environment, Jennifer Gianni made her students feel comfortable with very challenging material. Jennifer is a warm, compassionate teacher with a wealth of knowledge and the ability to communicate clearly. I liked the course so much I wonder if we could have a "Part II"! I recommend it highly for anyone involved in health and wellness.

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jen Gianni does an outstanding job of presenting the material in such a way that everyone benefits and learns, regardless of their experience level. She also provides feedback in a very encouraging manner so that nobody feels threatened or intimidated or self conscious

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jen is an absolute delight !! Her knowledge, expertise and love of her craft is contagious! Thanks for the great teaching weekend. I really want to hear about the Italy, Pilates trip!!!!! When is that going to be? Any idea on price? Let me know I want to start saving and schedule babysitters for my children!!

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

I really enjoyed this class and learned so much from it. Jennifer is a wonderful instructor and practitioner. She has everything down in a way that helps you understand every aspect of the exercise. She has a tremendous knowledge of the body and pilates.

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jennifer is a wonderful instructor. She explains the exercises, cueing, modifications, etc.

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jennifer is an excellent instructor that blends creativity with classical exercise positioning. Effective in her teaching approach and energetic about the subject...

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

I love Jennifer, she is an excellent trainer. The manual is very easy to follow. Can't wait to learn more in Reformer 3

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jennifer Gianni is a wonderful Pilates instructor!

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Great course and excellent teacher!

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Training was an unbelievable experience. Thank you Jennifer for a wonderful weekend!

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jenn is the best

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jennifer Gianni is outstanding!!

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

The Anatomy class was so in depth and detailed. I realized that more Anatomy is needed for me in the assessment of bodies . Very excited with the training .

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jennifer knows her stuff and can explain it well! I was impressed with the manual too:)

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jen Gianni is beyond excellent is her knowledge of Pilates,movement, anatomy, and her presentation skills and how she relates to everyone in the course is what makes it so worthwhile. I own the studio that hosted this training and am so thrilled that Jen has decided to come to the Charlotte area to teach for BBU!

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jen is an excellent instructor! I plan to take more with her.

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jen is an excellent teacher!

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

The BBU curriculum and Jen Gianni's knowledge of Pilates, movement and anatomy, along with her outstanding teaching and presentation skills are taking my teaching skills to the next level.

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jen Gianni is truly an inspiration to other Pilates Instructors! Her knowledge of movement, anatomy and how it applies to Pilates allows her to present the material in a way that is benficial to everyone who participates. She's the BEST!!!

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

This was an excellent course and Jen is an excellent instructor.

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Pilates has changed my outlook, attitude, and passion for life. Jen is such a wonderful instructor. I feel so blessed to have Jenn as my instructor . The inspiration, compassion, knowledge she shares with her students leaves us wanting more ...

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Jen is a wealth of information - exercises are presented beautifully - lots of time to practice and teach - a wonderful weekend.

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

I will be taking the last class this week-end for the Comprehensive Certification. It has been a journey and challenge for my classes. Thank you so much for Jennifer Giani, for her teaching skills, knowledge, and patience have changed my life. I feel more comfortable in recognizing different alignment in people and I know that my clients are feeling good too when they finish class. Always, after any class Jen energizes us to learn more. I plan to continue my learning with Jen on Pre-Post Natal, Smart Spine and anything else she is teaching. Thank you for Jen...

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Pilates has changed my life . Challenging, relaxing, mind and body control. I've been taking courses from Jennifer Gianni at Fusion Pilates in Asheville, NC. Her inspiration, guidance, support , and knowledge is amazing... I feel blessed attending her classes. Thank you for Jen...

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU

Excellent training throughout. Jennifer goes beyond expectations with her explanations and cueing. She shares her deep understanding of the pilates method with her students. Hard to find a trainer like Jennifer. Thank you!

— Comment from anonymous evaluation submitted to BBU