Testimonials

I don’t recall exactly what year I started going to Pilates classes. I do recall, that the Bowdoin College Fitness and Wellness arranged for a mat class to be taught in the Buck Fitness Center during the summer. I remember at the first class, there was almost no space on the floor for our mats. By the fourth week there was lots of room. I was one of the few that stuck with it till the end of the scheduled summer classes. I was hooked! From that point forth I have been going to the studio at least once a week for either a group reformer class or a private lesson. At first with Maurine, later with Cindy, for the better part of the last five years.

This brings me to November of 2019. Around 3:00 pm, I woke up from the first of two hip replacement surgeries. They don’t let you stay in bed long after these surgeries, so I was still in somewhat of a drug induced fog. I was introduced to the dreaded Physical Therapist and her equally evil cousin the Occupational Therapist. Just kidding, both of these young ladies were absolute angels. Physical Therapy started that afternoon, after going over the three things thou shall NEVER do (until cleared by the surgeon). That was rather easy, however, early the following morning after the blood draws and the taking of vital signs, in comes the Physical Therapist. After the nurse removed the ankle pneumatic pressure cuffs from my calves, she asked me to sit up. So, I did. They looked at me like you weren’t supposed to do that that easily. What I basically did was a Teaser, I didn’t think it was a big deal. After showing me how to use the ridged blue strap to move my still useless leg over the side of the bed, they put a walker up as close as it could go and told me to stand up, again I just did it. I had a nurse on each side, and the Physical Therapist in front of me, to catch me in case I decided to do a dirt dive. While holding onto the walker, I used my core and upper body strength to lift myself out of bed. My nonsurgical leg was also in need of a new hip at that time and wasn’t a lot of help. We hobbled down to the PT room and along the way, I explained that I had been doing Pilates nearly every week for the last five years. Her only comment was “it shows.” Two days later, I was released from the hospital and sent home to continue my recovery with the aid of an Occupational and a Physical Therapist from CHANS. Both were impressed by my progress. I hadn’t been home from the hospital a week, and I ditched the walker for a pair of crutches. By the second week, I was down to one crutch. When I went in for my three week post-op appointment with my surgeon, all I was using was a walking stick. I could not have recovered that quickly had I not been doing Pilates for as long as I had. In fact, my recovery was so well advanced, the surgeon cleared me to schedule the replacement of my other hip three weeks later.

On December 31, 2019, I underwent my second surgery. Because my body had just been through a major surgery, my recovery from the second operation was not as rapid as the first. However, when I started PT after my second surgery at some point the therapist told me that I started this round of therapy in better shape than some of his patients were in after seven weeks of PT. Let me repeat that. At nine weeks post op from my first- and three-weeks post op from my second, I was in better shape than some were after sixteen weeks of therapy.

Pilates made all the difference.

I took my first Pilates class with Maurine about twelve years ago, and as students together we became hooked on the results! Working with Maurine as my teacher for all these years has instilled in me such a sense of pride and accomplishment, that what began as a curiosity for me, has turned into a passion. With her good sense of fun and innate drive to find results, I have made Pilates a very important part of my life. With Maurine’s support, wisdom, good natured fun, and encouragement, I have been able to stick with an exercise regime, or I really should say, a lifestyle regime that has changed my body in so many positive ways. I am stronger, leaner, and over the years have actually grown a half an inch! My work with Maurine continues to be the highlight of my day! I never feel like I’m “working out.” I feel that I am enjoying time with someone who motivates me to truly see my body as a reflection of myself.”

Good morning, I feel compelled to drop you a “Thank you!” line this a.m. as I sit here in my office ready for another hot day AND I am in cap-sleeved top and skirt which comes up to my knees for heat relief. I feel comfortable with where my arms and knees are at this point in my Pilates journey and it is due to the hard work, patience, support, and encouragement given to me by you and others from your studio. I have more goals about the ‘ole arms and knees, however, this is first time in a couple of years I have gone out in public with sleeves this short or skirt at this length. Heartfelt appreciation.”

I came to Maurine 1 1/2 years ago suffering from a spinal disc injury. As a fitness instructor, I was used to pushing myself hard… I was barely able to do anything at that time and was suffering physically and spiritually. Because of Pilates and Maurine, I am a new person. My physical therapist would not even recognize me now!! I exercise just as hard now but use my body differently (I do work up a sweat in both mat and private classes!!)…Maurine and Pilates are a great complement to any fitness/body work. As an “over 50″ participant, I am forever grateful for Maurine and Midcoast Pilates!!”

When Maurine offered to structure a Pilates program for Nico’s Parkinson’s, both his physician and his neurologist enthusiastically approved. The results are very positive- from improved breathing to stretched muscles and strengthened posture. We cannot imagine what Nico’s physical condition might be without Maurine’s fine instruction and support.”

The same is true for Nancy. It’s wonderful to be aware of how to feel strong, balanced and functional. Two people well into their 70’s are happily benefitting from MidCoast Pilates.

I cannot begin to describe how much Maurine’s Pilates instruction in group mat class and private sessions have improved my posture, balance, flexibility, muscle strength and body toning…The one best thing I can say is the most helpful, is Maurine’s coaching. Although I’ve never experienced a trainer for celebrities, I imagine it’s close to Maurine’s style. Her encouragement and smile, whether it’s gently pushing you to do more or just giving you a break by helping you stretch out your muscles, makes me feel like a star.

Thanks Maurine for helping to give me a healthy body now and in the future.”

Maurine, Thanks so much for a really great class this past Wednesday! I am still feeling my bikini muscle in a whole new way”