I decided to give Pilates a try since I had heard such good things about how it focuses and improves one's core strength. I've suffered with low back pain (I'm 5 ft 9"), extreme neck and shoulder pain (result of multiple TMJ surgeries and a fused neck (C5-C6)) for many years and needed to find something that was going to work for me. And boy, it has it! Those first few classes were tough but with Virginia's expert guidance and persistence I've seen real results and a huge improvement in my muscoskeletal strength, not to mention increased flexibility. I've gotten off the huge doses of Ibuprofen and rarely have to use biofreeze, etc., type topicals. I'm a true believer and can highly recommend giving it a try if other therapies have failed. Virginia is a highly qualified instructor and RN and strives for excellence in the Pilates method!