A Pilates transformation isn’t about becoming a totally different person — it’s about feeling stronger, more confident, and more at home in your body than you did before. For many people, that transformation starts with hesitation, uncertainty, and a lot of “What if I’m not good at this?” This is the story of how that hesitation turned into confidence, consistency, and a genuine love for Pilates.
From Florida to a Fresh Start
Sometimes, a single class can change everything.
For Dan and Cheryl Nelson, that turning point came during a visit to their daughter in Florida. Cheryl’s daughter, a lifelong dancer and Pilates enthusiast, had been encouraging her mom to try Pilates for years. During the trip, she finally convinced Cheryl to join her for a semi-private session.
I was hesitant…I have never been very active with walking being my main form of exercise. After the class, I felt SO GOOD!
That one session lit a spark. When Cheryl returned home, she told her husband Dan about the experience, and he immediately expressed interest in joining her.
Dan, an avid golfer, saw an opportunity: “Maybe I can improve my golf swing (loosening up his shoulders) and my golf game (with more strength and control), too!” he said. But for Dan, this wasn’t just about the game. After surviving a massive heart attack and undergoing quadruple bypass surgery the year before, maintaining his health had become a top priority.
The couple’s new shared goal became crystal clear:
Maintaining better health is now our #1 focus to give us the best quality of life! We want to keep moving, being active with home maintenance and hobbies and to enjoy life with more travel and quality time with our kids and grandchildren, for as many years as we are blessed with.
Finding the Right Fit with Pilates
Before discovering Today Pilates, Dan and Cheryl were already in motion.
The couple had been focusing primarily on cardio: walking 3–4 miles a day and using a stationary bike. But they were looking for something more intentional — something that would help them build lasting strength and stay healthy long-term.
After trying out another studio that didn’t feel like a good fit, Cheryl began researching options online. That’s when they found Today Pilates — and instantly felt a connection, even before stepping foot in the door.
We loved the size of it being smaller and a more intimate and passionate studio with the highest level of commitment to Classical Pilates, building personal relationships to achieve personal goals and the commitment to their continuing education and training. It was also such a clean and professional studio that you could feel the level of love and care Kimberly and Robert have for their clients and their business.
After a consultation with Robert, the couple originally planned to come twice a week—but quickly saw the benefit in committing to three sessions weekly. That was five months ago. They haven’t looked back.
The Results: Feeling Better in Body, Mind, and Spirit
Pilates quickly became more than just a workout—it became a vital part of their lifestyle. Their current schedule includes two semi-private sessions a week together and one private session each. This mix gives them time to work on individual goals while still supporting each other along the way.
For Cheryl: Confidence, Strength, and New Possibilities
Pilates has helped Cheryl regain confidence in her body following past knee and back surgeries. She had always been protective of certain movements and didn’t want to re-injure anything. But each week, she’s learning to trust her body more.
With Robert’s guidance, she’s working on foot pain, improving her core strength, and building balance—and it’s paying off in her daily life.
More than anything, Cheryl values the supportive, judgment-free environment – where encouragement replaces pressure, and progress is always celebrated over perfection.
For Dan: More Energy, Better Golf, and a Stronger Self
Dan’s goals were simple but meaningful: increase his range of motion, build strength, and, as he put it, “get rid of my man boobs.”
Pilates has helped him have higher levels of energy and stamina. It is improving his mental mindset and confidence in his capabilities – and most of all, it is making his golfing more enjoyable and rewarding. Focusing on all areas of the body from head to toe has been very satisfying and he always looks forward to his next class.
Both Cheryl and Dan continue with Pilates because it leaves them feeling noticeably better—physically stronger and mentally refreshed!
What Makes Today Pilates Different?
A Studio That Feels Like Family
From their first visit, Dan and Cheryl felt something different at Today Pilates. They both point to the personal care and attention they receive at Today Pilates as a game-changer.
Robert cares about what your goals are and is engaged in partnering with you to achieve them together. He is very positive while also pushing you to get better! Robert is always well prepared, and he brings his best self to every class!
Cheryl echoed that sentiment: “Taking class with Robert has been a treat as I feel like there is no judgement on where I am now or where I was when I started and his goal is to make life better by improving my pain, balance, strength, flexibility and quality of life.”
Instruction That’s Personal, Precise, and Encouraging
Cheryl has never been a fan of big gyms or the feeling of being watched or judged. At Today Pilates, she’s found a space that feels safe, welcoming, and empowering—a place where she’s valued not just as a client, but as a person. It brings her real joy to be part of a studio that’s truly invested in helping her live her healthiest, happiest life.
When reflecting on what sets Today Pilates apart, Dan and Cheryl emphasized Robert’s incredible attentiveness and eye for detail. He communicates clearly and encourages consistently – it’s a level of personalized care that’s hard to find in larger studios or typical group classes.
And when life gets busy? Robert always goes the extra mile to align with their goals and schedule
Advice to Anyone Thinking About Starting Pilates
If you’re on the fence about Pilates—especially if you think you’re too old, too out of shape, or too late—Dan and Cheryl have one message:
We would both say ‘Yes, do it, you deserve to invest in yourself, your health and your overall well-being, both physically and mentally!’ Dan and I both wish we would have started Pilates decades sooner, but we won’t look back and only look to the brighter future we are creating for ourselves now!
Their message is clear: Pilates is for everyone. Whether you’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, looking to build strength, or just wanting to move better and feel better—it’s never too late to start. If there’s one thing the Nelsons want you to take away from their story, it’s this: don’t wait.
Take a class, you will love the way you feel and will never dread going to a class again! It is a wise investment in your health and in so many ways saves money because you are being proactive in staying stronger, healthier and keeping your mind engaged and challenged too!
Investing in Wellness, Together
Dan and Cheryl’s story is more than just a testimonial—it’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we prioritize our health, push past fear, and choose consistency.
They didn’t start with six-pack abs or perfect posture. They started with a single step—a hesitant class with their daughter—and now they’re living a life filled with more energy, less pain, and a deeper connection to their bodies and each other.
At Today Pilates, they’ve found more than just a workout. They’ve found community, purpose, and transformation.
Thinking about starting your own Pilates transformation?
If this story feels familiar, you’re not alone. Pilates is designed to meet you where you are — whether you’re brand new, returning after a break, or just looking for something that finally feels right. Join us individual or group lessons and see what your own transformation could look like.
Like Dan and Cheryl, you might just discover that it’s one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.