Client Testimonials
John Janclaes
It is my pleasure to recommend Sandee Lea who is an absolute life saver. I was suffering from extreme lower back pain requiring 8-10 Advil per day as well as a medicated patch. I had stopped running due to the pain, which included shooting pains down the left leg. A professional athlete recommended that I look into Egosque before going to orthopedic surgeon. I was introduced to Sandee by one of her satisfied clients. She performed the initial evaluation, created a series of exercises (a.k.a. menus) and closely supervised them for correctness. After only 8-10 sessions I am 95-100% pain free, but more importantly, she taught me how to manage the menus. I am awestruck by the results and thankful to have found Sandee, an absolute life saver.
Valerie Davis
Having read many articles and books regarding ballet training, I knew that my daughter would benefit from Pilates. Madeline had come to a point in her ballet training where ballet classes were not enough; she needed additional core strength training that Pilates provides. A strong core helps with proper body alignment, extensions, balance, and stability. Additionally, Madeline needed to increase her flexibility, utilize her inner thigh muscles for higher extensions, and improve her real turnout. Pilates with Sandee Lea has strengthened Madeline’s core and inner thigh muscles. She is able to balance and turn better due to proper alignment developed through Pilates core
strengthening. Also, by using her core and inner thigh muscles, Madeline’s extensions are higher and her turnout has become easier and she has stopped pronating. Through Pilates, Madeline has become a stronger and better dancer.
Jeanne, Temecula, California
I have three daughters (ages 16, 13 and 11) and they have all competed in Irish Dance since the age of 5. My oldest daughter, Hannah started with Sandee 5 years ago at the age of 11 to help improve her dancing. Over the years, my two younger daughters, Allyson and Grace have joined Hannah in Pilates class. I chose Pilates to assist my daughters with their core strength, flexibility, turn-out and carriage. Within a month, we began to see immediate results in their flexibility and as time went on, we noticed their carriage and turn-out had improved drastically. It is a great way to cross-train for any type of dance, especially because Pilates concentrates on your core muscles. Through development of these muscles, all of my daughters have improved their balance, carriage, flexibility and can now leap and jump higher than they could before. In Irish Dance, core strength is especially important because an irish dancer is prohibited from using her arms while dancing. As a result of Pilates, my daughters have excelled in their Irish Dance careers and collectively, have qualified for and danced at the World Championships over the past five years.
Dr. Peter Kirton, Dana Point, Orange County
"Pilates was the recommendation of a top neurosurgeon to solve referred pain in my hamstring from vertebral compression. Like most runners I had a weak core, and my OC Pilates trainer helped, but it was Sandee that showed me the impact Pilates could have on my physique. As a former competitive athlete I appreciated her combing intensity with empathy for my body.
Whether weakly recovering from 'flu or in prime condition, Sandee pitches her training to stretch me and offers constant variety to develop my all round strength and flexibility. I drive 50 miles to work with her and it's worth it"
Caroline Coyte, Bear Creek, California
My fitness through the years was weight training that gave me a bulky feeling and look. I was always curious about what pilates would do for me and for about a year I had been looking at Sandee's advertisements. But, trying a new program was a little disconcerting until my weight trainer and I had scheduling problems that led me not to signing up for additional weight training. This was a sign for me to get in touch with "A Pilates Studio".
My pilates training started October 2009 as Sandee was able to train me privately that would accommodate my needs. For years I had been having trouble with my arms and hands falling asleep, day and night. It became so bad that it would wake me in the night. I visited with a Neurosurgeon who sent me to a Neurologist where I was told that I had carpal tunnel in both wrists and if i did not get them operated on I would eventually lose the use of my hands.
Due to knowing my body through out the years of massage therapy and weight training I felt that this was not entirely the case and that my neck and my shoulders were causing the problem. While in some of my training sessions with Sandee I was having problems with huge tingling in my hands and I felt that it was slowing me down in my training. Sandee and I discussed it and she felt the problem was in my spine and that we needed to strengthen and stretch that part of my body.
I now have little or no numbness, the tingling or falling asleep feeling in my fingers is no longer present. Sandee was able to figure out the problem and by using her training skills she has helped me to step up my training that gave me the inner core strength to win our Ladies Golf Club Championship for 2010!
Sarah Mares, Temecula, California
Before - 01/2009
After - 06/2010
When I started working with Sandee in January 2009, I weighed 190 pounds. I didn't exercise at all and ate out everyday. Not having the self esteem I wanted, and having a very active 3 year old, I realized it was time for a change. I started looking at pilates and decided to try it. I found her studio online and Sandee welcomed me with open arms. She told me she could help me and challenge me.
I started in 3 private pilates sessions a week and then moved to group classes. Sandee talked me into trying a spin class and I hated every minute of it, she asked me to give it 4 classes before I quit. I love spin now and do it 3 to 4 times a week. After my knee surgery in Oct. '09, my doctor said I could go to Sandee for physical therapy. I went back into private classes and she made a workout that was right for me.
From Kickin Pilates to yoga to spin the classes at A Pilates Studio are always fun and different and a challenging work out. Everyone is like family. Sandee is such a motivating trainer and pushes me and I love it! Now I weigh 110 pounds and I am in the best shape of my life. I can live a more active, healthy life with my daughter and I can say I owe it to Sandee and A Pilates Studio.
Nancy Knap, Murrieta California
Think you're too old to have the best body of your life? Think again! After training with Sandee for 6 months, I have the best figure I've ever had. My posture is better, my confidence greater and I sleep like a stone. And at 53 years old, I think that says a lot.
I've done step aerobics, aerobic dance, weight training, cardio machines at numerous gyms and more. Nothing beats Sandee's training. She is so passionate about Pilates and she trains me with positive reinforcement. We even have a few laughs along the way. She knows what is important to me and together we've achieved more than I dreamed was possible.
Gabriella Armin, Murrieta California
" Like many working professionals, fitness was something that usually came last on my agenda. However, working with Sandee and incorporating Pilates into my life has changed my priorities.
With a philosophy that emphasizes consistency, constant challenge and inner strength, Sandee's method of training not only has reshaped my body, but my outlook on life. Her unique methods of combining several different exercise philosophies and positive outlook helped motivate me through increasing levels of training and keep me focused.
For those seeking a fitness professional for the mind, body and spirit...your search is over, Sandee is your answer."
Rick Wessel
My wife said "Let's go to Pilates", I heard "Lets go get Carnitas". When we pulled up to A Pilates Studio my wife explained that she was tired of my whining and sniveling and it was time to do something about fitness!
Meeting Sandee(owner and Personal Fitness Trainer/Pilates Trainer) at A Pilates Studio was a trip. She has more energy than a sprint finish at the Tour. She is truly passionate about Pilates. Our introductory class was funny, she wanted me to touch my toes-yeah right!! She wanted me to point my leg in a certain direction. She wanted that leg to be straight? She wanted me to do how many reps of what? She needed to get real, I can't do that! I generally don't like being wrong, but in this case I'm stoked!!
My wife and I have been going twice a week for two and half months now. After 10 classes I touched my toes. When I touch my toes I get tacos. I can point my leg straight in that direction now, and almost unbelievable I am back on the bike now. Riding is not only possible but FUN again. I have even been able to race a couple of mountain bike races at the Vail Lake series. Dead last mind you, but much better than doing nothing. The fitness is coming back.
I think that it is possible, even at fifty one, to get in the best shape of my life with Pilates and tacos.
Polly Doyle
I started taking Pilates from Sandee at A Pilates Studio May of 2007. Two years ago I was diagnosed with poly-neuropathy which affects my brain's ability to send messages to my lower legs, thus challenging my balance and sense of feeling. My normal life was entirely interrupted because of the adjustments I had to make due to these physical challenges.
I have been a dancer since I was three years old and grew up swimming competitively, playing varsity sports and participating in musical theater. I do not intend to give all that up. Currently, I wear a brace for walking which helps to eliminate the risk of falling. Before trying Pilates training with Sandee, I tried Physical Therapy and Anodyne Treatments as well as personal trainers and chiropractic corrections.
Within two weeks of taking Pilates training with Sandee, I noticed a difference with my condition. My Pilates classes have continued to strengthen me because they promote core conditioning as well as leg and upper body strengthening. Sandee, is an exemplary trainer who has the ability to identify individual needs and address them accordingly.
Clearly, she is knowledgeable about Pilates' theories and why they work. She is creative in her program design and demonstrates great care and concern for her clients.
Cole Ceas
I have been practicing Pilates with Sandee for approximately 6 months. For the past 4 months I have been experiencing problems with my knee due to an injury as well as lower back pain. I lost having my active lifestyle.
After training 3 months with Pilates, I felt amazing. My posture and strength have greatly improved, and my knee is feeling 100% again. Sandee is a great motivator. She pushes her clients mentally and physically, while keeping their safety in mind. Not only is Sandee knowledgeable in Pilates, Yoga, and Spin, she can also help you with your Nutritional Goals.
Leigh Peterman
I began Pilates March 27, 2007. Let me start this by saying I am a person who has always worked out. I run 7 days a week, lift weights, watch my diet flawlessly, etc... When I decided to try Pilates I really thought it would be to slow for me, never dreamed I would love it but thought I would give it a try.
Well here I am exactly 4 months later to the day and let me say nothing in my life has changed me more. By change I mean my body has never been this toned. My arms no matter how many dumb bells I have lifted in the past never gave me the definition that they have now, (needless I say I will never lift a dumb bell again).
My stomach has gone from skin just there to skin toned, my legs which have always been toned from running now have definition that I have never experienced before. PILATES is everything that I have ever read about it and then some. You get a total body work out like I have never experienced. I would like to add that you also have a calmness of just finishing yoga when you are done with a training session.
Let me tell you about Sandee Lea, she is a trainer who truly loves what she is doing. She takes Pilates training very seriously and works hard at helping you reach goals and accomplishing all that Pilates has to offer. She makes you feel right at home from the start and I am proud to say that not only is she my Pilates Trainer she has grown to be my friend.
Tracy Le
I love Pilates! Out of all the different types of personal fitness training I've done, Pilates is by far my favorite. One of my goals when I first met Sandee was to be able to bend over and touch my feet. When I first came to her....I was not flexible at all. I am happy to say that I can touch my toes without bending my knees now.
Also, my "core" strength is definitely stronger. I didn't realize how weak I was in my abs until I started doing some of the Pilates exercises. All in all...I love the way Pilates has balanced me out and has made me stronger and more flexible. I am getting leaner and not bulky like I get from traditional weight training.
I am super happy with my results and my goals now are to be able to master the more advanced Pilates exercises.
Elizabeth Kennedy
After having 10 sessions with Sandee I no longer have a problem sitting for long periods of time. My posture has gotten a lot better. I experience less back pain and can stoop over and tie my children's shoe laces without complaining about lower back pain. Sandee is an amazing trainer with a very nurturing heart. There has never been a time when I've walked away from a sessions without feeling like I didn't get a great work out. This is my 1st experience with Pilates and I love it along with the results I am getting. I highly recommend Pilates training to anyone who is experiencing back pain or is looking for a different approach for strengthening their body.
Heidi Zinn
I would not do Pilates with anyone but Sandee!! She is an excellent trainer and extremely knowledgeable. I was pleased that she was sensitive to the fact that I was a beginner, but always encouraged me to push ahead. Pilates has begun to develop an all over body tone that helps me feel better about my post baby body. It improved my energy and keeps me coming back for more.
Julie Weber-Grice
I am so thankful for Sandee coming into my life. Just after a few sessions of Pilates I started feeling better and more energized. Surprisingly I was finding myself looking forward to our next session. At Christmas time, roughly 10 sessions into our training, I did not dread getting dressed up and actually was enjoying wearing some clothing that I had not fit into for sometime. I found that I was happier with myself and I even noticed that my self confidence was growing. After the first of the year, 2007, I began to train 3 times a week and added Cardio Pilates to my workout regimen with Sandee. I have seen dramatic changes in my body. I have lost around 16 lbs., my range of motion; muscle tone & flexibility are much improved. I
started out only being able to roll down to where my finger tips barely passed my knees and now I am on most days touching the floor. I started out unable to do the roll up without the assistance of the arch barrel. Since just before Christmas I have been doing the roll up without any help from the arch barrel or Sandee holding my feet. Something I wasn't sure I would ever be able to do. I have fallen in love with Pilates, Thank you Sandee for bringing Pilates into my life. You have become a dear friend and I appreciate everything about you. I wish you the best always and hope all your dreams come true.
Lynn Dasilvia
I started my Pilates training with Sandee on March 5th, 2007. I suffered from a Rotator Cuff injury for 7 years as well as having weak knees for the past 25 years. The Pilates training that I have received from Sandee has helped me physically and emotionally. I feel stronger, I have more energy and less pain from my injuries. Sandee is a compassionate and generous person. Her commitment to Pilates and to a person's health and well being is profound.
Stephanie Bos
For the past 3 years I have felt I needed some definition in all areas of my body. In the past I have tried working out at the gym, my home, with my husband and never really enjoyed and I never stuck with a workout routine. I started Pilates with Sandee on May 15th, 2007. Pilates has done wonders for me, when I started I was just getting off anti-depressants that I had been on and off for the past 10 years. I have been off all my medication for the past 8 weeks and have never felt better. I enjoy going to Pilates and I look forward to the training, this is the first time in my life to experience this motivation. Sandee is an awesome Trainer and person, she is very positive, friendly but she let's you know you are here for results. She becomes not only your trainer but your friend. Pilates has helped me so much in so many ways, I recommend it to everyone.
Heather Schaffer
Between the expertise of Sandee and the overall Pilates training I receive from her, I no longer have to wear my knee brace which I have been wearing for the past 4 years, to do anything. I am very active, love to play racquetball, hike, snowboard. I have more energy, incredible flexibility and lots more stamina. Most of all though I have religiously worked out and eaten well over the years. My body after only 5 sessions looks better than ever. Now after 4 continuous months and at the age of 30 both my husband and I agree this is the body we've both dreamed of!!!! Thank you Sandee!!!
