Abel Fit - for A Balanced Energized Life

I have been taking pilates clases with a Patti for almost a month and am really loving it. I have waited a long time for a pilates class in Franklin so was most pleased to see her studio open. For many years I enjoyed yoga, but in later years found that it really bothered my neck so had to give it up. Thanks to Patti, who is a fun and observant teacher, I am finding the old flexibility in my muscles and joints returning. It is a great class and always fun, and I am most appreciative.

I have been training in karate, for about 20 years under many instructors. I took a couple of years off to focus on running my small business and was continually encouraged to return to training by my Sempai Don Abel. After returning, I was a green belt, I continued to train and advance in rank, under the encouragement an instruction of Sensei Donnie Abel.
Sensei Abel is, in my long time experience, a world class instructor. He cares about the complete person, body, mind and spirit. He teaches students the value of respecting others and themselves, endeavoring , perfecting their charactor, being faithful, and refraining from violent behavior. A true world class instructor.

I have NEVER been much for fitness. I decided last April to change my lifestyle. I started loosing weight and feeling better. I knew I needed to exercise too. I tried walking and other exercises but just couldn't get motivated. Last fall a friend of mine encouraged me to try Pilates with her at Abel Fitness. I was reluctant, but I decided to try it. I really enjoyed it from day one. I now go 4 times a week and am even starting to do a few advanced classes. I always feel SO much better after working out. Patti has really kept me encouraged too. She works with you and makes you feel like you can do anything. I have had LOTS of problems and pain in my back from scoliosis. I realized a few weeks ago that my back has not hurt in months. I know this is because of the stretching and exercises I am doing in Pilates. I also have recently realized I HAVE ABS. I have not been able to tighten my abdominal muscles for as long as I can remember. I am seeing and feeling the difference. I also had problems with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. My cholesterol is well within normal limits now and I am off my blood pressure medicine. These changes in my life were due to my weight loss and exercise. I feel SO blessed. I am so encouraged. I want to say THANKS to Patti, I am now a fitness buff and I am healthier and feeling SO much better.

Training at Donnie Abel's studio has increased my mental discipline, confidence and improved my karate techniques. Donnie is an excellent teacher. He has a lot of patience and I like taking his classes. It's my honor to train under him.

Ever since I started taking Karate from Sensei Donnie, everything in relation to karate has improved for me and continues to improve greatly. A lot of people think that karate is just about swinging and throwing a million moves at once but when you really get down into it, you realize that it's just as much mental as it is physical.

Sensei Donnie is teaching us both aspects of karate and it's awesome. Our classes are a lot of fun and I learn something new every time.

Karate has helped me with my stances, my punches and my kicks. Sensei Donnie Abel is a great teacher. I'm 8 years old and have been taking karate with Sensei Donnie for a few months and I LOVE it so much. Karate has helped me be more flexible. I've decided to do karate all my life.

KARATE IS SO MUCH FUN.

I've been training with Sensei Donnie Abel for a few months now and I enjoy every minute in his class. I've improved a lot since I've been going to Sensei Donnie. Karate has not only helped me with fitness, but it 's also helped me improve my flexibility, strength, and focus. I highly recommend Sensei Donnie's classes.

I love my Pilates class! Patti is attentive to our individual needs, yet guides the class through ever-changing routines that challenge us with new moves mixed with familiar ones so that we never get bored. There is a supportive environment for everyone because we all follow Patti's example by encouraging each other, caring for one another, and having fun and laughter sprinkled here and there. After several months of classes, I have more upper body strength and all-over improved flexability! My neck and shoulders are more relaxed and I don't groan each time I use the stairs. But here's the real proof: It was time for my bone density test and my doctor was incredulous about my improvement since the last one. The bone density in my hips has actually increased by 8% and in my spine by 4%! At 58, I am in the age span that usually shows the steepest decline. He said it is amazing that I didn't decline and even more so that I improved! We figure it is due to the work my body is now doing in Pilates. I am so glad it's part of my life!

We LOVE Abel Studio. Our lives have changed dramatically for the better. From Donnie's boot camp class and Cross Training for young athletes to Patti's Pilates and Workshops, we have learned how so much about fitness, flexibility and balance. Boot Camp allows me the enjoyment of working hard to do aerobics and strengthening without the planning or counting of repetitions. Donnie does all the work for you and brings the best out of you in addition. I feel like I have my own personal "Biggest Loser" trainer right here in Franklin. My son is getting better and stronger each week with the Young High School Athletes' Cross Training classes. He so faithful to be there to see what he will be able to do next. And Patti's Pilates class is great for the mind as well as the body as she expertly walks us through the lengthening and strengthening exercised and the added workshops teach me how to do the workouts at home as well. Our life has been richly blessed by the Abel Studio and would recommend them to everyone we know. We look forward to every class!

Boot camp with Donnie has been an incredible experience. Every class has been challenging and rewarding. Each week I look forward to finding out what new move he has come up with next. Not only is it a great cardio class it is a great sculpting class as well. I would recommend this class to anyone at any level. He makes it work for each individual!. He motivates and pushes us to our full potential each week. I couldn't ask for a better instructor !!

I have now been in Sensei Donnie's karate class for about 3 years. I was 51 years old when I started. Sensei Donnie is a master teacher pushing when needed and offering a softer approach if that is what is best for the student.
My initial interest in karate was primarily as a fun way to stay in shape. Karate does improve flexibility, strength, and endurance but karate has been much more than fitness for me. It teaches patience, discipline, co-ordination, and balance. It is also a fun sport for me as there are levels of accomplishment graded by progressing through different belt levels. Karate also offers the benefits of self protection and protection of others that may be of need. I have seen karate benefit young children, teenagers and older adults. I highly recommend Sensei Donnie and his karate studio to others.

I have been taking the Boot Camp class and absolutely love it! All my life I have dreaded working out but I really look forward to these classes. You can tell a difference in just a few weeks. I would highly recommend this class!

My son has been taking Karate for about a year and he really enjoys it. I can tell a huge difference in his coordination and attention span. When he tested and got his yellow belt he was so proud of himself, this boosted his self confidence as well.

Our whole family loves Abel Fitness! I have been taking Pilates with Patti since September 2009. I have noticed a huge difference in the strength of my body. I have never been one of those people who enjoy working out - but now I do! I look forward to every class and leave feeling great. I attend classes about 4 times a week and have become a fanatic about Pilates.

I love our pilates class!! I had to miss for a month during the summer and boy did I see a difference!
My body felt weak and not toned at all! I haven't lost pounds but often people tell me I look like I have lost weight. I lOVE to hear that. Pilates is like a soft place to fall at the end of the day. it makes me feel younger, more toned and happier! Thanks Patti!
Cathy

I have been heavy all my life, over the years I have gotten bigger and bigger. In May 2009 I decided to change my life. I was tired of being tired. I wanted to be able to walk up my stairs without my knees aching. I never thought I would be able to do pilates - I was afraid to try. Patti worked with me and adapted each session to my needs. She makes sure I feel comfortable in everything we do. Now it is September and I am doing things I never in a million years would have thought I could possibly do. When I started I could only keep each leg up for a few minutes - one at a time, I have gradually been able to slowly get both legs up (not for long but it is still a huge accomplishment). I look forward to going to Pilates, during the session I feel so relaxed and actually get a chance to do something for me. Patti's pilates classes have helped me to be more flexible and have more energy. Pilates makes me feel good inside and out. Since I have started Pilates and a 1500 calorie diet - I have lost 63 pounds from May until September. I am finally able to walk up my stairs without my knees hurting. If I can do pilates at almost 400 pounds anyone can do it.

For the first time in my life I can truly say I am proud of myself. As women, we tend to do for everyone else and somehow forget ourselves. This is the first time in my almost 50 years that I have done something for myself. I feel so much stronger and I do not have the aches and pains that I had before beginning Pilates. Patti is a wonderful instructor and is very patient with me which I am so grateful . For the first time in years I feel that I have more to offer myself and my loved ones. Thank you, Patti, from the bottom of my heart.

I am the mother of 3 very energetic little boys. I have always exercised, but after the third child I had lost my energy and my desire. I started Pilates with Patti in April and my attitude for health and fitness has drastically changed. I am now motivated and empowered. I am stronger than ever and I have more energy for my boys. Paired with walking, I have been able to lose weight, tone muscle (and yes, after 3 children I do have abs!), and increase my flexibility. Before I began the class, I was having terrible pain in my shoulder and was taking medicine daily for the pain. Since beginning the class, I have not had any pain in my shoulder! AWESOME!! I look forward to each class and always leave feeling refreshed and relaxed, not believing I just "worked out".

I have taken yoga classes before but was always curious about pilates. When Patti told me she was an instructor I joined her class because I knew it would be fun. I was right! I enjoyed the classes and noticed a difference in my core strength. I can't wait to get started again.

Me and my Mom started Pilates together, And I wasn't sure how it was going to go. We have been doing it about four months now, and my abs are harder than ever!. Pilates has given me arm strength, flexibility, balance, and of course these abs.... Which I am enjoying!. And that is about all I have to say. (:

I am as far from being physicaly fit as anyone can be. I am 57 years old, overweight, and have rheumatoid arthritis. Where does a person like me go to experience a program of physical training that is challenging, yet realistic to my personal limits? I found the perfect solution when I started Pilates class with Patti. While I can get my walking in at home on my treadmill, I just didn't have a clue about developing upper body strength and overall flexiblility. Pilates has opened up a whole new awareness of my body and shown me that the basics, such as proper breathing, balance, and resistance, can improve my overall core strength and range of motion! How I wish I had started earlier! While I am part of a small group, I can depend on Patti's attention to my individual needs. I walk out of class energized, relaxed, and empowered! There's hope for me yet! Oh yes, my daughter took boot camp with Donnie and loves it!

My 13 year old daughter and I have been doing pilates with Patti about three months. We can already tell a difference in our strength and flexibility. Our bodies are changing for the better. I get headaches quite often and they seem to always start at the back of my neck, I have noticed that when I get through with the class my headache is completely gone away, which is a greater benefit to me than anything else! We love the class and have made a great friend in the process.