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January 2024 by Alyson Mitchell
Laura Shearer is a great coach. I started working with her 1.5 years ago as I had underwent a total knee surgery and had progressive scoliosis. I was in constant pain and super frustrated watching my body progressively deteriorate. Doctors offered pain injections but no real solutions other than more surgery. I started Lift Pilates in the summer of 2022. It was frequently hard for me to show up due to pain- but I just kept going because Laura was so encouraging, kind and really seemed to understand body mechanics. At ~6 months I started to feel different... a bit stronger... at 9 months I had significantly less pain and my knee was moving more normally. At 1 year, I was significantly stronger, had almost full range of motion in my knee, and felt so much better. I am now at a place were I can physically challenge myself again...which is so wonderful because I really missed that. I appreciate Laura's methodical approach to Pilates. It is not a gym, its not a class for the masses, its a program designed specifically for your body that morphs and changes as your body gets stronger. I highly recommend this approach to anyone suffering from chronic injuries.
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January 2024 by Beth Inadomi
Terrific experience working with Laura @ Lift Pilates. She individualized a classical Pilates regimen to increase my strength, flexibility and balance with Reformers, Cadillacs, mats, Wunder Chairs, spine correctors & more. So inspiring to work out with her other students of all ages and skill levels, too. Highly recommend.
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August 2019 by Ziyue X.
I had Pilates training with Laura for the last couple of months. It was great experience and solid exercises for me. I have really tightened ligament within my legs. Classic Pilates helped me to stretch my legs and body. Very comfortable environment in the studio and friendly conversations with Laura. I would strongly recommend Lift Pilates if you are looking for private training.
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July 2019 by Anna La Torre Vila
Laura is incredible! She is knowledgeable, thoughtful, warm and nice. She always makes sure that you are comfortable. I've been going to the Lift Pilates studio for few months ands she first taught me the fundamentals (breathing and basic mat exercises) and got me comfortable using the equipment. Very quickly I learned how to use my WHOLE body (including my mind!). The studio is beautiful, clean, airy and has lots of natural light. 100% recommended!!!!
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July 2019 by Nadean Brown
I have been learning Pilates with Laura for about 8 months now. I LOVE it and she is such a patient and positive instructor. I look forward to many more sessions and continuing to improve my techniques. I very highly recommend taking classes with Laura.
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July 2019 by Billie Dunbar
I have been with Laura at Lift Pilates for 10 years. This has been a most positive experience and it has benefitted me is so many ways. When I retired, I began looking for an exercise program that would motivate me to continue. From my first session, I was hooked. Laura is a very positive and professional teacher. Her studio has the most up to date Pilates equipment and Laura continues to study Classic Pilates which she brings to her classes with enthusiasm. I appreciate Laura’s personal attention to each client’s individual needs. I have gained strength, flexibility and balance with Laura’s positive encouragement. I strongly recommend Lift Pilates for anyone of any age and fitness level.
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July 2019 by Nancy Chadwick
I have known Laura for many years and have always been impressed by her skill as a teacher/instructor as well as touched by her caring for her clients.
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July 2019 by Linda Cowan
I never actually review things on the internet but when a friend of mine just said she posted one for Lift and Laura, I said I can't believe I didn't do one sooner. Laura has literally changed my life in so many ways. I used to be very active when I was younger. I played tennis several times a week and went on hikes all the time. When I retired several years ago I thought that it would free me up to do so much more of that. But the lower back problem that I had for years started getting worse. It was to the point that I had trouble even going for a walk without pain. Well, my doctor sent me to a physical therapist who was very sweet. She said that the best person I could go to in Davis was Laura Cotler at Lift Pilates. She said that she didn't know anyone who was more caring, knowledgeable and thorough than Laura and boy was she right. I started doing Pilates with Laura 2 years ago. At first I found that my back pain had lessened. I just felt lighter and more comfortable in my body. Laura not only got me stronger and more flexible, but I really feel like I know my body better now. I go on walks with the ladies from my building and just chat away without any thought of my back. I am more active than I have been in years and I owe it all to Laura. She is so humble that she would say I should thank myself for all of the hard work but it was her amazing caring, knowledge and I would say...her gift that saved me. I guess you can see why I would want to do one of these reviews. Laura Cotler and Lift Pilates are a true treasure and we are lucky to have her in our community.
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June 2019 by Anna L.
Laura is absolutely fantastic! She is thoughtful, extremely knowledgeable, kind, and always makes sure that you are comfortable. She provides an amazing full body workout and helps you work with your body at your own pace. She first teaches you the basic fundamental exercises and how to use of the equipment but Laura's classic pilates instruction quickly develops a real awareness for your own body. You will learn to work with ALL the parts of your body (including the brain!) and even the transitions between exercises are important to keep the work one seamless continuous flow. And yes, you will sweat! It's quite obvious that Laura absolutely loves pilates and the great respect that she has for the classic pilates really shows. Also, the studio is clean, airy and has lots of natural light, and conveniently located in downtown Davis. 100% recommended!
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June 2019 by Jill Stengel
Laura, the owner of Lift Pilates, is so knowledgeable, as well as very supportive and motivating, for whatever reasons you have for taking Pilates. She works to help each client with their own specific needs, and did this for me in both one-on-one instruction as well as in group classes. She helped me with post-natal Pilates, rehab Pilates, and general muscle toning & flexibility. I've seen her work with a variety of clients over the years, always seeking to be the best teacher and guide for all her students. My understanding of my body and my body's abilities are both so much greater because of Laura. Thank you, Laura!
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March 2012 by Sara Woo
I tried a beginning mat class a few months ago and I've been attending weekly ever since. I'm used to running and playing sports for exercise. To expand my routine, a friend recommended trying pilates here. So glad I did! Classes are never boring. After classes, I feel that I've strengthened areas I normally wouldn't work out, elongated, and more stretched out.
