Here's what some real-live Breathers have to say about the amazing results we're helping them to experience right now.
"For the first time in months I had no pain at all"
"I first visited Breathe in March 2008 after 20 years of intermittent sciatic lower back pain which was getting progressively worse. It was going to be my last attempt at being pain free. I had tried cortisone injections, chiropractic treatment and remedial massage over the years and whilst they gave me relief for short periods of time, it was reactive not preventative treatment. No one could tell me what was causing the pain, or recommended getting an MRI.
Two years ago I invested in a Personal Trainer who was instrumental in getting me fit and even with periods of back trouble (a pain where it felt like someone was pulling a string in my lower back which shot pain down my left leg and made it numb) I was determined to continue doing the things I enjoyed in life. I began seeing an Osteopath who was also brilliant in making sure I was still able to achieve my goals. I ran a half marathon and completed a mini triathlon until the pain increased to a level that was debilitating and was making an impact to my concentration at work, stopping me from sitting for long periods or training as hard as I wanted to, affecting my sleeping and making me feel like my body was giving up on me.
I was frustrated and so tired of being in pain and having it affect what I wanted to do. I also felt like I was paying off a ‘body mortgage’ with the amount of money that I was spending on short term fixes. I decided to find out for good what was causing all the pain so I had an MRI and was told that I had disc herniation in my L4/5 and L5/S1 discs. I was finally relieved that there was actually something wrong and I wasn’t just making it up.
I was advised to stop running (one of my favourite things to do and the only thing to keep my weight off) and to stop any high impact activity. I was not happy to say the least and with the fantastic support of my osteopath, trainer and my partner, I investigated new options. Through this, I found Breathe.
By this time my pain level was on average a daily 7 out of 10. I had forgotten what it was like to not be experiencing pain and discomfort. At my first session Raph gave me the best news I had heard for a long time – that I would be pain free in 2 months and be able to start running again. A big call I thought but I was prepared to give him the benefit of my doubt! With the use of a fabulous little tennis ball and an explanation of what my spine was actually doing I was sent off to do ‘homework’ for a few days. Being able to ‘self medicate’ with the use of a tennis ball was a revelation and it has become an invaluable friend. I now have multiples of this little yellow ball in my handbag, at work, at home and at my partners!
After my second 1:1 session, my pain level had decreased to a 2-3 out of 10 but the best part was being able to get back to more training, sleep better and get out of bed without it taking 10 minutes! Raph has been re-training me how to sit, stand, bend down, get in and out of a car and bed and increase my inner core strength. Through all of this, he has explained in great detail how each exercise was helping me and has taught me to be incredibly picky about how I was performing each one.
After my third session I literally danced back home. My partner Tim could not believe how energized I was. We both are ecstatic that for the first time in months I had no pain at all. My pain level was 0.
So whilst I am still experiencing some very occasional twinges when I sit for long periods of time, I pull out my little yellow ball and spend 10 minutes doing my exercises and I am once again at pain 0. I am a much happier, less stressed and emotional person at work, at home and at training.
Thank you Raph and Breathe – you have literally made a huge difference in my life and your proof is in the smile on my face and in my neutral spine! I look forward to increasing that core strength and getting back to my early morning run with my training group!"
Rachael Jamieson, 40, Recruitment
"I am forever grateful for the confidence and motivation"
"It is with great pleasure that I provide this testimonial to Raphael and the team at Breathe.
All the testimonials I’ve ever read about Pilates rave about how much benefit can be achieved in terms of pain relief and posture. Pilates has certainly helped me with that, but the biggest thing I am forever grateful for is the confidence and motivation Raph has provided me.
I used to be a philanthropist donating to gyms but not actually attending any of them, honestly two years ago I paid $1200.00 for a gym membership that I never used for a single day. I was so ashamed of how much I let myself go I couldn’t bring myself to get out of the house some days let alone get into gym clothes. I was unmotivated, unfit and just plain unhappy.
Breathe’s beautiful atmosphere and wonderful staff create a healing experience with positiveness, kindness and guidance. Through their warmth and encouragement I’m not only attending the addictive reformer Pilates classes but I’m also living a much healthier and happier life. I whole heartedly recommend Raph and the team at Breathe to anyone and everyone.
I’m not at my perfect weight or fitness yet but at least the journey has begun. And it’s a journey that I’m enjoying and smiling every step of the way (well except for the star preps).I feel truly blessed to have found Breathe."
Risharda Robertson, Team Leader Audits – 26 years old
"I have made more progress in the last few weeks that in the previous 3 years"
"After 3 pretty ordinary years of lower back pain, and a string of people who haven’t made any difference I have finally made more progress in the last few weeks that in the previous 3 years.
I am starting to feel stronger in the core which is translating to every part of my body and especially my outlook on life.
Thanks"
Brad Dunk, 40, Business owner
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"I no longer walk around with Nurofen in my handbag."
"In February 2007 I suffered a severe herniation of my L5/S1 disc. After my injury, pain became every part of my day and I thought I would just have to learn to get used to it. By the end of each day I was in so much pain I could barely sit in my chair, and getting in the car after work was the worst moment of every day. I couldn’t even change the sheets on the bed; couldn’t even sit on the sofa to watch TV. I was really starting to get depressed about it.
I saw all kinds of therapists and doctors. I ended up having an MRI and then seeing a surgeon who recommended me having lower branch block injections and a few other needles into my spine. In all I had 4 trips to day surgery to try and improve my pain, however with little success. The surgeon was great and the last injection of cortisone was helpful but wasn’t a long-term solution. I refused spinal surgery, as I am only 30.
It was then that I started Breathe Pilates! Wow! Who would believe that in my first one-on-one session with Raph I would feel such improvement?
Now, after 2 months at Breathe, I no longer walk around with Nurophen in my handbag. I have a tennis ball instead (you’ll need to ask Raph about that one!!). I can bend over and pick things up without pain, I can sit at my desk for longer, and driving isn’t so bad anymore. I can do housework, which of course makes me more popular at home; I am not so stressed and sore by the end of the day. Even on a bad day at least now I have the techniques to be able to make myself feel better.
The exciting thing is knowing that one day in the future when I have kids, my back will be strong enough to support me. Thanks to the great team of people at Breathe, who are helping me achieve this goal!"
Katrina Meek, 30, Balaclava, Hotel General Manager
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"I look forward to coming here everyday!"
"Together you’ve created a phenomenal space. Synchronicity. I look forward to coming here everyday (if I can!) as do many of your other Breathers. If your ‘philosophy’ (objective) was to create a space where people fell welcome, appreciated & wanted, you’ve succeeded.
Thank you for creating a space that brings space, calmness, peace & harmony"
Sarah Allen, Recruiing Consultant
"I feel great, no sore backs and no headaches."
"After years of a bad back, regular monthly visits to the Osteopath and constant back pain to the point of headaches and feeling like my spine was grinding on itself, I decided, based on a recommendation, to try Pilates.
Initially hesitant about whether Pilates was for "guys" I took some one-on-one classes with Raphael, who soon put me at ease and started me on a program of exercises. After six of these sessions I was starting to feel better and had only been to the Osteopath once in six weeks. I then progressed to small group classes before quickly moving to regular classes two - three times a week.
I have been doing Pilates for seven months now and I feel great, no sore backs and no headaches. With the added benefit of being fitter and stronger, and feeling really alive after each class, my energy levels have lifted and my concentration levels are much higher, plus I haven't seen my Osteo for six months now!
I can't recommend Breathe highly enough, the team are great, the classes are fun & the instructors know everyone and are always giving out tips to help you improve"
Adam Coddington, 38, Project Manager
"After 6 weeks ... I can honestly say that I have NO back pain"
"I'm 40 years old, I've played sport at a national level and for long periods of my life I've exercised in excess of 20 hours a week.
Over the last few years I've started experiencing lower back pain, first periodically and for the last year quite consistently.
My pain has been tolerable but intrusive. Its' been there as background hum (always) but occasionally has peaked for short periods
where I have no choice but to sit down and wait for it to clear. Ongoing treatment with an osteopath has brought short-term relief
but this never lasts more than a week beyond the consultation.
Breathe came recommended and despite my scepticism that Pilates could meet all my needs, this fabulous studio has done so and
more. Just walk into the place and you'll get a sense of warmth and calm focus. The great thing is it's not window dressing; it doesn't
evaporate once you sign up but is consistently carried through every part of the business.
From day one every member of the team has been friendly, inviting and genuinely interested in helping me. The teachers are the
best I've met. The first session to help me set up my program was a thorough review of my structure, posture, history and needs.
It wasn't just a generic response either; it was very specific advice on how I could personally approach my goals.
I decided to really commit to the program and after 6 weeks of 5 sessions a week, I can honestly say I have NO back pain. It is
completely gone. I feel as fit as ever despite cutting down quite a bit on my running. The great thing is, the core strength I've
gained and the principles I've learnt from the team at Breathe have helped my running massively. I'm running quicker and smoother
than I have in years. The weird thing is the Pilates sessions never seem that tiring while I'm doing them but the results I've been
getting belie this.
I thoroughly recommend the team at Breathe...what more could you ask for?"
Mike Wilkinson, 40, CEO
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"Amazing results"
"Please allow me to recommend Raphael and the Breathe team. Raph has demonstrated amazing results with many patients we have
referred. The patients have immediate improvements of their overall posture, a reduction in pain of the lower back and neck and
general improvements of their wellbeing."
Dr. Shady Botros, Chiropractor
"The headaches, neck & shoulder pain and abdominal pains have all but completely vanished"
"Raphael, actually, after my few visits with you, I'm now doing so well it's almost embarrassing! I fear now I may be making others sick with my positively cheery disposition (just kidding). And I feel empowered, because now I can be TRULY responsible for my own good health and wellbeing. Actually, with Trigger Point Therapy I almost feel like my own practitioner... well, I suppose, who better to heal me than me????
Since coming to see you I have 'cured' an 8cm cyst on my left ovary (and I have the before and after ultrasound photos and accompanying sonographer’s letters to prove it) and my Ulcerative Colitis appears to be in complete remission. Furthermore, the headaches, neck & shoulder pain and abdominal pains have all but completely vanished and my energy levels have SIGNIFICANTLY increased. I no longer feel permanently lethargic, malaised and totally incapable of even the smallest tasks.
Mentally and emotionally this has all had a wonderful effect on me. Depression is a thing of the past. I now feel 'open' and loving, balanced and safe. I also feel.... stable and well grounded. So, the emotional roller coaster ride has finally finished. All this has had a wonderful effect on my relationship, and Nick and I are experiencing new levels of love that we have not achieved before. Throughout this process - individually, and together, we have grown. This has been a wonderful time of shedding, releasing, embracing, accepting.... and loving, of course!
So, thank you VERY much!!! I still have one pre-paid session unused, but I'm saving it until I feel I really need it (which may be never).... so your not having seen me is actually a good thing. Since coming to you my whole approach to pain has undergone a radical shift and each day I grow 'closer to' myself.
Pain now no longer frightens the living daylights out of me and makes me worry that I may have some sort of serious mysterious chronic terminal untreatable illness. I am more 'in-tune' with my physical body and what it is trying to tell me... I really listen and actively try to decipher the messages it's sending me. (.... And sometimes these messages have nothing to do with the physical body at all). I then objectively acknowledge the pain and thank it for drawing my awareness to an area that needed attention. Through Trigger Point Therapy I then release the pain with love and acceptance using the principles that you have taught me.
It is with great pleasure that I write this testimonial for you. It is one small thing that I give you in return for the very great thing that you have given me... an understanding of how my body works and a practical method for healing it.
Take care, and thank you."
Sebastiana (Nella) Santisi, Mount Waverley Victoria, 27 August 2007
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"My Pilates classes are a highlight of my day"
"After living with chronic lower back pain for almost a year, I was introduced to Breathe by a friend. I was made to feel extremely welcome and the improvements in my back began almost immediately. After around two months of classes I am feeling stronger, healthier and the pain in my back has reduced dramatically. More than just a part of my routine, my Pilates classes are a highlight of my day and week. Not only have they become an integral part of my pain/discomfort management, without the use of drugs or creams, but they force me to slow down and take 45 minutes out of day and decompress, refresh and do something for myself. Afterwards, not only do I feel physically stimulated, but mentally refreshed as a great bonus."
Isabelle Oderberg, 28,
News Editor
"I leave, one hour later, even more blissed out than usual"
"Having just emerged hazy-eyed & “all-blissed-out” from another prenatal yoga class it is a rather über -appropriate moment to curl up and write a few raving remarks about the whole experience. So here goes.
Yoga, even without a ‘bub in the tum’, is a guaranteed way to make yourself stronger, more supple and to feel totally rejuvenated. With a ‘bub in the tum’ I get to take away all these delights- and more.
Firstly, I’m surrounded by a group of other ‘mums to be’ who help quell any sneeking suspicions that I am experiencing some alien ache or pain, peculiar craving or other bizarre pregnancy related quirk that only creatures on other planets are privy to, because they too are experiencing the very same thing.
Then I get to work through a ‘mum and bub’ tailor-made program where I learn all sorts of groovy moves to alleviate those very aches & pains (though probably not the cravings), not to mention breath techniques & postures with which I can enter into labour armed and ready for combat.
Finally there’s bonus relaxation time so I leave, one hour later, even more blissed out than usual.
But wait, just when I thought it couldn’t get any better… there’s more. There’s Tamika. (Or otherwise know as TamikSTAR), Breathe’s one and only yoga-teaching queen who arrives to each class determined to infuse our day with a glorious dose of her special concoction of TLC.
So, what are you waiting for, hurry up get pregnant and come join the party. And for all the men out there… ah too bad.
(On re-reading this it sounds more like a sales amp than a testimonial… just couldn’t help myself- it’s THAT good.)"
Lena Lettau, 23, Student
"I leave every class feeling stronger - physically and mentally"
"After suffering lower back pain for a few years I had developed a fear of exercising as it more than often caused more back issues. My osteopath recommended Raphael at Breathe and since then I haven't looked back. After six months of classes and slowly building up my strength its hard to remember how far we have come. Now I feel fit, walk taller and I am getting that new toned body. Raphael and the team at Breathe are a wonderful in support - they really encouraged me.
Most importantly, I leave every class feeling stronger - physically and mentally. Do your body & mind a favour and give it a try. You won't look back! And if you are anything like me...it may result in that extra confidence encouraging you to make changes to your life. Positive changes."
Nadine Parkington, 36, Advertising
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"I suddenly noticed that my energy level was higher - I was even willing to do housework (my pet hate!!!)"
"Getting towards retirement age, this is the time where Body Maintenance is becoming very important to me. I used to go to a Gym but I wasnt getting much out of it any more. Then the Breathe message appeared in my Inbox at work and Yes, I had been looking for something like this, so why not and here I am, six months later and going stronger........
The first three months, I didnt notice anything major apart from standing taller and straighter..... being tall, even as a child I couldnt do that.......
Suddenly, after Xmas, I suddenly noticed that my energy level was higher - I was even willing to do housework (my pet hate!!!) and stay in a good mood while doing it.
Then I realised that my thought process was getting clearer. In the last few years, because of getting older and having been diagnosed with epilepsy and treated for it, it felt that my brain was always in a fog - this has disappeared to what more or less what it was before all this happened. My theory is that Pilates has helped the blood circulation in my brain cells and the result is obvious to me.
My aim was to help with muscle toning, balance and coordination and things are starting to happen there. Various parts of my body are getting shapely again.... upper arms, buttocks, my calfs have got muscle definition again.... and my stomach muscles are starting to get some strength... the first time in a very long time.
When I am stressed the stress goes to my neck and my shoulders. Plus, I have a bit of a bump in my back and with stress, it gets painful too. As I am standing taller and straighter, this bump is starting to disappear too... I used to have a remedial massage every 2 weeks. The first three months of Pilates, my massage therapist was not available. I thought I wouldnt be able to cope without my fortnightly masssages. Well, I only had one massage during that time. Now that she is back, I still have massages but it is more for relaxation and for a good chat.
As a whole, Pilates is the best thing I have done in a long time, it helps me feel a lot better both physically and mentally. I had a pretty stressful time at work a few weeks back with employment insecurity - pilates relaxed me and helped me coping with the situation and looking at it more calmly. My Mondays will never be the same again without my Small Group class - it has become an addiction.
I have found that Pilates is helping me accept getting older and is also helping with the aging process - it is a fantastic maintenance programme. I recommend it to all Baby Boomers.
And a very important fact is that the staff are ever so nice and helpful. Thanks to all of you for sorting out the problems with my sessions when I didnt know if I was going away for work or not. I am very gratefull for this. Thanks to Raphael for helping finding a solution to my sugar levels when exercising (merci, mon ami) and to Anna for helping me when I had forgotten my sport drink and a nice cup of sweet tea was needed to make me feel better within a couple of minutes to go back to the class straight away."
Yolaine Dugue - A Baby Boomer from North Melbourne - IT - Business Analyst
"My pain is reduced ...the tension and tightness has almost reduced entirely"
"2 years ago I suffered a fractured pelvis in three places and deep tissue injury to my back, following a serious car accident. I spent
4 months on crutches and suffered memory loss. Coming back from my injury I felt nervous; I'd lost a lot of strength and was
fearful of aggravating my injuries or jarring anything. I did things quite gingerly and was guarded and protective of my body.
Within my first session at Breathe I started feeling more aware of my body, after attending Breathe for 6 weeks my pain is reduced
and my lower back is so much better; the tension and tightness has almost reduced entirely. I can accurately identify what is real
pain versus nervousness or tension.
The fear of being restricted by my injury is slowly going as well; I've signed up to do a fun run with some friends from work. I feel
like I will actually get back up to my previous capabilities, where I used to feel that my full fitness would never return.
One of the best things is that I genuinely look forward to the exercises. Even after a long day at the office, even in winter and on a
cold night. The Breathe studios are calming, welcoming and not intimidating. I get a tailored, specific routine making the exercise
rewarding and so beneficial. I can feel my confidence growing. I leave feeling better every time.
For me, the personal focus has been so much a part of embracing a whole new approach to my health, my weight and my fitness.
I'm now in a position to complete the healing and get my body back. I'd recommend Breathe to anyone.
PS: Thanks Raph and the Breathe Team, see what a difference you are making to me!"
Alison Hurburt-Burns, 25, Marketing & Business Development Manager
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"I've only been completely pain free since I took up Pilates"
"A back injury I received as an adolescent has ensured that exercise has always been an important component of my life. I have tried
numerous forms of exercise including boxing, cardio, aerobics, fit ball classes and weights but I've only been completely pain free
since I took up Pilates a couple of years ago. Pilates has strengthened my core, giving my back the support it needs and has also
increased my body awareness resulting in improved posture.
Breathe is different from the other Yoga and Pilates classes I've tried (and over the years I've tried a few).
At Breathe members are treated with friendly courtesy and respect. The teachers are always willing to find one-on-one time to help
sort out any little niggles. I find that regular classes at Breathe give me the time I need to focus on my own needs, and most particularly
give me a reason to leave the office during lunchtime or after work.
I find myself coming up with excuses for going to class, and that I leave each session feeling relaxed, calm and ready to tackle any
challenge.
Breathe has helped me balance and better understand my personal priorities and both my personal relationships and work performance
has improved as a direct result. Even better, the free organic fruit has helped improve my diet!"
Melissa Jordon, 31, Analyst
"Breathe has ...given me movement where previously I had minimal"
"I had practised Pilates at another studio for over a year and was keen to put the team at Breathe through their paces. I was in, what
I thought, full physical health when I arrived, however, within minutes of my first one-on-one assessment, my Breathe teacher had
isolated (to the vertabrae) the cause of my past nerve problems in my hands which my GP had not been able to gain insight into
except "it's stemming from your neck". I have had the issue for the past 2 years. Explanation of the cause and exercises to release the muscles in my neck has given me the movement where I previously had minimal.
Since joining Breathe, I've become more aware of my technique and have become more effective and efficient in my Pilates practice.
Even if I have done the exercises over a hundred times before, I learn something new in every class I attend and can not only feel, but
also see the improvement in my postural alignment and strength. The teachers have been great in helping me re-train and regain
pelvic stability within weeks of an osteopathic assessment and have also given me helpful exercises to do at home to release tension
in my muscles in-between classes. I have learned to Breathe in all aspects of my life - Balance, Restore, Energise, Achieve, Teach, Health,
Equilibrium.
My previous Pilates teacher's departing words of wisdom were, "You know enough about Pilates now to determine if an teacher
is good or not." I know I have found a fabulous teacher (or three) at Breathe."
Tina-Louise Low, 31, Management Consultant
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