After physical therapy did not help me to recover my strength after a critical illness and being a month on life support, a friend who had been helped by Pilates after an early stroke, convinced me to do private sessions with a Pilates teacher. Nikki worked with me once a week. She gave me back my confidence and eventually, I felt strong enough to start classes, which I now do twice a week. I still continue to improve. After a lifetime of exercising, I can honestly say that there is nothing better than Pilates for developing whole-body strength without harming or injuring anything. These teachers have a higher level of knowledge of the body than anyone. This is IT for me!!!