Testimonials from our students
Lauren Graham started Pilates last year to get into better shape for her role as Miss Adelaide in the Broadway revival of Guys and Dolls. Barbara introduced her to Pilates and worked with her in private sessions in New York City.
Fans will recognize Lauren from her role as Lorelai Gilmore from the show Gilmore Girls. Look for her in the role of Sarah Braverman in the hot new TV comedy-drama Parenthood.
Barbara and Lauren stay in touch, and she recently received a text from Lauren:
“Thanks to you I’ve become addicted to Pilates. I’m continuing my Pilates training here in LA as the new show shoots. Thanks Barb.”
—Lauren
From our current students….
“I can’t remember any specific injury, but nearly two years ago, I awoke one morning with intense sciatic pain. I tried many types of therapies—chiropractic manipulation, hypnotism, massage and epidermal steroid injections . . . then an MRI revealed a bulging disk and arthritic deterioration around my lower spine. My family doctor suggested surgery. That’s when my daughter stepped in and urged me to try Barbara’s Pilates mat class.
“Barbara was a cross between a drill sergeant and a mother hen. She led a fast-paced routine that left me sweating, exhausted and unsure about returning for more abuse. After a second class, I signed up for a private session with Barbara on some contraption called the “Reformer.” After two mat classes and two private sessions, I could not understand why others raved about the Reformer. It seemed as if I were hardly working; so, I called my daughter to complain.
“At her urging, I persisted. I’m glad I did. Results were soon apparent. The sciatic pain began to disappear for hours at a time, then days, and now, almost completely. Barbara pushes hard to make sure each exercise is done properly, whether on the Reformer or in mat class. Often “properly” means beyond the point you think your muscles can keep up.
“I know Barbara cares passionately that I get well. She has a deep understanding of the body and asks questions like: “Would you show me how you sit in your car? How do you position your body when you run? May I see how your shoes fit?” She had me readjust the position of my driver’s seat. Result: no more sciatic pain after driving. She showed me how to plant my feet differently when I jog. Result: no more knee pain. She recommended that I wear a larger shoe size. Result: my toes are noticeably less deformed. I have complete respect for Barbara’s ability.
“I was one step away from surgery. Now I’m pain-free most of the time. By the way, men, I do sweat plenty on the Reformer.”
—Phil von H.
“I have Multiple Sclerosis and been in a wheelchair this past decade or so. I took care of what I could, to curtail many problems & symptoms associated with the disease. This past June I had a good hair day at my hair salon called Bangz in Montclair, NJ. I told my hairdresser I read & did some Pilates. On my way out, I was making small talk with an office worker about a book I read on Pilates.
“The young lady was a college student & studying dance. Recently, she was certified as a Pilates instructor, but couldn’t work with the disabled but she could put me in contact with someone who could help me. She called the woman & gave me her number & website. I called her & was in shock when I went to her site.
“Not only is Barbara Hoon a Pilates instructor, she is a mom, dancer, actress, drill sergeant & saint! I have worked with her since June & I am humbled by her willingness to help me. Her accomplishments overwhelmed me & I’m honored she took me on as a “student.” Her approach is one of a dancer & her instruction is totally different than physical therapy because my movements are “choreographed.” Her approach works for me as does the Pilates approach to my problem.
“Barbara is determined to get me out of my wheelchair & is using her skills & experience with helping injured people she worked with in the past. Not only did I gain a Pilates instructor, I gained a friend.
“I journal our progress & she introduced amazing people who help me by giving me practical physical advice to get me back to what I call my “walking legs” My discipline infuriated many when I was a kid; I lost it when I hit college age, & now I’m back through necessity!
“I see the good fruits of this effort & my perseverance has sustained me. If it doesn’t break you, it makes you stronger.”
—Tina Marie M. March 2011
Our Pilates For Golf student, Scott DeRogatis, recently won the 2010 Golf Club Championship at Essex County Country Club. Here’s what Scott had to say:
“I just wanted to thank you for all that you and your staff have done for me over the past 3 years. I am hitting the ball consistently longer and straighter due to the increased flexibility that Pilates has given me. I play many rounds of golf with low handicap golfers and even they have noticed a significant change in my game over the last 3 years. Thanks again to you and your staff.”
—Scott DeRogatis Oct 2010
“For the past five years I have been committed to doing Pilates with Barbara Hoon. Considered slim all my life, I didn’t know what type of changes I could expect. But I am continually astonished at how my body is tighter, straighter, and leaner. Over the past several years, I have grown a good half-inch in my spine from sitting and standing taller. My core helps me with the long hours of standing (I work full-time as a massage therapist) so that my shoulders, low back and hips have no tension. Barbara’s fierce passion and dedication is felt in each and every single class. She is like a drill sergeant except that she loves you and makes you laugh! I always walk away feeling strong, beautiful and lifted in my body and spirit.”
—Diane O. May 2009
“For the past five years I have been committed to doing Pilates with Barbara Hoon. Considered slim all my life, I didn’t know what type of changes I could expect. But I am continually astonished at how my body is tighter, straighter, and leaner. Over the past several years I have grown a good half-inch in my spine from sitter and standing taller. My core helps me with the long hours of standing (I work full time as a massage therapist) so that my shoulders, low back and hips have no tension. Barbara’s fierce passion and dedication is felt in each and every single class. She is like a drill sergeant except that she loves you and makes you laugh! I always walk away feeling strong, beautiful and lifted in my body and spirit.”
—Monica D. February 2009
“Six Degrees of Wellness introduced me to Pilates, and Pilates gave me back myself both physically and mentally… my younger self, only better and stronger… connecting to my body like never before, constantly mindful of my body’s movements and stance. The body starts, and the mind follows to make a whole. After only a few months I can see such positive changes. I no longer have aches and pains from a sedentary occupation. I stand tall, proud, content, and ready to embrace and enjoy life. I look forward to Barbara Hoon’s (owner of Six Degrees of Wellness) professional wisdom and concerned teaching methods as I continue my growth in Pilates, and I am eager and excited as she guides me through the wonder and miracle of Pilates. In gratitude and love for my new-found Wellness Center and the outstanding individuals encompassing the Center.”
—Diane O. February 2009
“HEALING. That is the word that I would use to describe my Pilates experience. Of course, lessons with Barbara are not just any ordinary Pilates experience, forcing me to be more descriptive…NURTURING , EMPATHETIC, INDIVIDUAL AND FUN.
“I began my classes with Barbara so as to take up a form of exercise at 50+. What I have experienced is a method of moving my middle-aged unexercised body in ways that feel liberating and strong. I have shared my teacher with my 9 year old daughter, my 47 year old brother and a range of friends of various ages, sizes and shapes. The interesting thing is that every person experiences Pilates uniquely beneficial and pleasurable to their own body. Six Degrees of Wellness offers a wide variety of experiences. I have learned to dance to Latin music in Zumba class, breathe and relax in Yoga, and enjoy the most amazing massages with Peter. The studio has become ‘One stop shopping’ for my body and spirit!!!”
—Patricia B. December 2008
“Barbara thank you so much for all of your guidance and concern during my pregnancy. Taking Pilates three times a week throughout the entire 9 months prevented so much of the discomfort typically associated with being pregnant. I was the only one of my friends to not have any swelling in my ankles or fingers. Furthermore, I had absolutely no back pain. Considering I’m prone to back spasms this was truly amazing. The best part though, was that my doctor told me that woman who do Pilates during pregnancy usually have a quicker, easier labor. This was definitely true – of the 17 woman who were in labor with me at the hospital I was the first to deliver after just a couple of hours! I nearly called you from the delivery room…
“Now, 9 months later, having gone right back to Pilates 3 weeks after my daughter was born I have lost all of the weight and am back in my ‘skinny’ jeans.”
—Kim V. October 2008
“Practicing yoga with Karen Noel has helped me make some important enhancements in my life from all perspectives, including the physical, the emotional, the intellectual, and of course, the spiritual. I really didn’t expect any of these changes when I first started five years ago — I actually started going to Karen’s classes because I had always been curious about yoga, and found myself with some free time on my hands. There have been so many benefits from the practice, that I have truly made it a way of life, and often say that I wish I would have started much sooner than I did!. Physically, I have gained significant strength and flexibility, and my posture has improved tremendously. In the non-physical realm, my ability to stay calm and centered has improved, particularly when dealing with difficult people and situations. Because Karen is a holistic energy worker, her technique embraces a number of different disciplines, including yoga, chi gong, tai chi, and Reiki. She brings a refreshing “newness” to every single class!”
—Jean C. September 2008
“As a two-time cancer survivor I was introduced to Pilates by my sister-in-law. I liked to exercise and play golf and found that I didn’t always have the energy to finish either. Also, at work or just during the day I would find myself tiring easily. So I started taking classes about 8 weeks ago with Barbara and golf lessons with Mark.
“Besides, mat classes and golf instructions, I found in a short time that I am breathing and standing taller, no more slouching for me. My energy level has increased quite a bit. I’m not as tired when I get home from work and I concentrate more on the posture and breathing.
“Taking Golf lessons with Mark has been a wonder in work. My scores have improved and coming out of the sand traps have been easier. I stopped slicing the ball and I’m having more fun on the course.
“As a cancer survivor I know we all come from different backgrounds and are usually apprehensive about exercises. With Pilates you go at your own pace and Barbara is a very good and patient teacher. I hope this would encourage other people to take up Pilates and exercise in general. Physically and most of all psychologically you know you can do it. So go out there and have some fun and live.”
Karl R. May 2008
“I’ve suffered from scoliosis-related pain for many years. After diligently pursuing yoga, chiropractic work and physical therapy with only limited success, I started working with Barbara Hoon at Six Degrees. Barbara’s patience and deep understanding of body dynamics has changed the way I look, and more importantly, the way I feel.
“After several months of private weekly sessions on Pilates equipment, I began to learn how to relax my sore neck and how to find my abdominal muscles. The progress was steady and incremental. I used the work from those sessions to re-train my musculature towards a better-aligned posture, not just in those sessions, but in daily life as well.
“A year-and-a-half into Pilates, I noticed how different I looked from pictures of my before-Pilates self. The progress continued at a steady pace,
“Three years ago, I resigned myself to facing aches and pains that made me feel stiff and prematurely old. Today, I am optimistic: because of the scoliosis, I will probably never be completely pain-free, but I am grateful to have rediscovered what if feels like to move with greater ease and confidence.
“I attribute this difference to Barbara. Because of her skilled insights and persistent coaching, things are looking up. It’s been worth every penny.”—Candace D. October 2007
“Pilates is insurance for the body. It should be a felony to leave the house without it. As an aspiring dancer, I need the highest quality training available. While it would be much more convienent to take a class in my hometown or hop on a train to the city 15 minutes away, I commute 45 minutes to receive training under the instruction of Barbara Hoon. Isn’t a Pilates class a Pilates class, no matter where you go ? The answer is NO! Barbara has helped me transform my body and get in touch with the inner core in ways that no other teacher has. The improvements are evident from the inside out . My scoliosis has straightened out and the rest of my body is lengthened. Although I do, I can’t say I look and feel the best I have in my entire life because I’m sure that I will only improve more with continued practice. Whenever I bring a friend or family member, they finally understand my zealous attitude and dedication towards Six Degrees of Wellness. My girlfriend Rachel claimed after class, she shouldn’t have said she had previous Pilates experience because as it turned out she really hadn’t. She realized she had wasted her time and money in other classes. My friend Joe, who has been recruited by Division 1 schools for basketball, compared the way he felt after his first class with Barbara to the way he feels after his first training session back for the season! Pilates has something to offer for everyone, it will improve the body you have in addition to protecting it from any future ailments. All you need to do is show up and let Barbara plan out your Pilates policy!”
—Charlotte August 2007
“Pilates has given me the knowledge to understand balance. As you all know, balance is the secret to life and to a great golf swing. Meeting Barbara will change your golf career, as well as your mental well-being”
—Mark Yannotta Golf Pro – David Glenz’s Golf Academy
“From the first time you enter Six Degrees of Wellness, you realize this is a welcoming, warm and nurturing place to be. Owner Barbara Hoon makes an instant connection and from that point on, knows your name, follows your progress and continually looks for ways to make your experience even better.
“It has been my good fortune to have Gary Carbone as Tai Chi instructor for over two years. Simply stated, he is superb. Gary is knowledgeable, skilled and understands all aspects of Tai Chi. He is patient yet challenging, is able to accommodate students of varying levels of experience and models the best in Tai Chi practice. Gary Carbone exemplifies the Masters as he continues his own training to achieve even higher levels of competence.”—Carolyn Hartley
“Pilates is integral to everything that I do well. I sing better; it gives me a deeper reserve and greater access to more parts of my body as a singer and actress.”
—Betty Buckley – Actress, “Cats” and “Eight is Enough” and client of Barbara Hoon
“I was in a devastating automobile accident, which left me in a wheelchair. I was racked with pain from a broken back. When all else failed, one of my therapists suggested that I contact Barbara.
“Using her Pilates techniques, Barbara worked with me several times a week, and in three years, I was walking. Now when people congratulate me on how I have had the courage to overcome my disabilities, I respond by saying that the only courage it took was to focus on what Barbara was teaching me.”—Joanne S.
“In over 50 years, I’ve never been able to commit to or continue with any organized sport or gym. Pilates with Barbara is a pleasure—a growth experience that I look forward to. Being divided into beginner, intermediate and advanced levels gives everyone a comfortable point at which to start, and something to work toward achieving. Barbara possesses a unique ability to communicate to all students at all levels.
“The visible difference alone is wonderful, but the side benefits of improved posture, strength and stress relief has motivated me to proceed from attending once to twice and now to three times per week. I’ve dropped two pants sizes, which was a motivator, too!”—Nancy U.
