In 2020 :
I have been training with Betty for almost 6 years. In 2011 I was run over by a van my right foot was very badly damaged. When I came to Betty I was very insecure walking, walked slowly and not balanced. I can walk with confidence and my balance is fantastic I never thought I would be where I am today. I recently had my appointment with Orthopedic Specialist. He told the type of injury I have results in sever arthritis of the joints will need surgery to insert plate and screws to hold foot joint in place. Also the skin graft on my foot has become stuck on my foot so will need another skin graft.. Thats the bad news but the good news is that he was very surprised that my foot after nine years is so strong and flexible. I have decided not to go ahead with the surgeries as I believe if I continue training with Betty I may avoid these operations for a very long time or possibly not have to have the operations at all. Thankyou so much Betty for believing in me and pushing me to where I thought I couldn’t get. Love and appreciation.
(Silvana Argyrou, 1955 Vintage – Chiswick. NSW)
“Dear Betty,
For over 6 years I have enjoyed and benefitted from all of your programmes.
The aches and pains have diminished in particular, the chronic lower back pain that I once thought I had to endure – is gone! My overall health has grown stronger. I am much more serene, confident and have a greater vitality that allows me to effectively go about my everyday life.
I am excited to grow old with you @Studio16. I am celebrating 71 years of life this year !
(Letizia Rocca, 1949 Vintage – from Wareemba. NSW)
“I’ve had various gym memberships over the years, and tried Pilates to fix my chronic posture issues.
However, it’s only since training with Betty that I began to see (and feel) real results.
Almost 4 years later I’m standing taller and feel stronger and more flexible.
I would recommend Betty’s classes to anyone”.
(Clay Hichens, 1961 Vintage – Five Dock. NSW)
“I have been training with Betty for just over a year now and I have never looked and felt so fit and healthy as I do today, in both mind and body.
I’d also like to share my recent experience I had at my Cardiologist’s check up appointment.
My Cardiologist informed me, whilst having a scan, that the results indicated my heart is fit and healthy.
He asked me what form of exercise I do and I told him I do a movement, stretching, balance and deep breathing class twice a week and some walking.
He said “whatever you’re doing, keep doing it! Your heart is in great shape”
This is proof that training with you has multiple benefits – thank you Betty!
(Tiz Alvaro, 1967 Vintage – from Strathfield. NSW)
In 2020 Lyn Smith wrote:
Thought you might be interested.
Some 8 or 9 years ago, I tested Osteopenia on the border of Osteoporosis. About 5 years later, my bone density and height had increased. I was still Osteopenia but now on the border of Normal. My latest test has shown that I’m in exactly the same band as I was 5 years ago. Whilst I would have liked to continue increasing my bone density, the result is deemed to be excellent. At age 72, the bone density is expected to decrease and the fact that I have remained stable for the last five years – at the age of 72 years old – it is regarded by the Doctors as an ‘increase’ against the expected Average Bone Density for my age.
This is down to your training and the continual learning curve that you bring to classes, from which we all benefit.
Thank you so very much.
Love Lyn xxx
In 2014 Lyn Smith wrote:
I Started training @Studio16 about 6 years ago.
Before training with Betty I was classified as osteopenia and on the border of osteoporosis. Six years later my tests showed a remarkable improvement in my bone density.
- An increase in my bone density of 2.9% at the hip and 4.6% in the leg bones !!
At 66 years of age, I am gaining bone density, strength, mobility, balance, flexibility and have avoided osteoporosis.
Thank you Betty for your commitment to our health!
(Lyn Smith, 1948 Vintage – Cabarita. NSW)
2019: “Online training is great. I look forward to using it when I can’t make it to the studio”. 2015: “I love your Tai Chi classes Betty. Once upon a time I would see people in the park doing these slow moves, I was amazed & wondered about them. Now that I have joined your classes I understand & cannot live without it”.
(Sharyn Iacopetta, 1966 Vintage – Russell Lea. NSW)
Thank you for your amazing support this year, I’m feeling so strong and balanced mentally.
(Finola Ogle, 1969 Vintage – Cabarita. NSW)
In 2020 Lyn Rowe wrote:
I have been training at Studio16 now for the past 18 years with Betty.
I am 65 next month and feel as strong if not stronger than I was 20 years ago. Training @Studio16 – maintains a core body strength which, as you get older, it has proven to aid your body to stand tall and maintain great posture.
I highly recommend our training programmes for anyone of any age!
Thank you Betty
In 2019 Lyn Rowe wrote:
I have been training at Studio16 now for the past 18 years with Betty.
I am 65 next month and feel as strong if not stronger than I was 20 years ago. I have gained a core body strength that allows me to stand tall and maintain great posture. I highly recommended training @Studio16.
Thank you Betty
In 2014 Lyn Rowe wrote:
“I have been training @Studio16 for the past 12 years with Betty. I am currently 58 years young and feel, fit, strong and healthy. I have had back issues over the years which remain under control with strengthening of the body and management. Training @Studio16 is a valuable asset to anyone who wishes to be stronger every year of their lives”.
(Lyn Rowe, 1955 Vintage – Greenacre. NSW)
” Hi Betty, Been meaning to do this for a long time. I have been coming to your studio since the beginning of March 2015. I had a number of issues with my ankle and foot. I was in an accident in 2011, which left my foot and ankle very damage. I was having trouble walking and was very unsteady. I now walk very sure footed and with purpose not having to hold onto anything to give me security especially on stairs my foot and ankle are much better and I have regained my confidence walking. The way I walk has also improved noticeably. Also I had Carpel Tunnel in both hands I had my right hand operated on before coming to you but still experienced some numbness and pins and needles. I was due to have an operation on my left hand this year but since coming to you both my hands are now all good even the spasms and arthritis have disappeared – (I can open jars again). I can’t express how grateful I am and how blessed I feel that I decided to join your classes. Thank you!” Silvana Argyrou 59ys/o. (Silvana continues to train and in addition to strengthening and shapping-up has also dropped 2 dress sizes and going strong 2016)
(In 2020 Silvana maintains her commitment to her training and development. Silvana grows stronger in mind, body & soul as she ages.)
(Silvana Argyrou, 1955 Vintage – Chiswick. NSW)
I’ve been with Betty since September 2014, before I started I was always in pain suffering with pins and needles, numbness and pain in hands, neck, shoulder and wrists. I have Lupus which causes inflammation on the joints and I am always lethargic and fatigued. Since training with Betty, I have gained energy, my body feels strong and my breathing is better. Betty has also guided me on how manage my anxiety. My total well being is much better all in just 6 months of going to Betty. Dimitra Stevis 42ys/o.
(2016 – Dimitra has strengthened in mind, body and soul – an inspiration to us all)
(2020 – Dimitra rarely suffers from any Lupus symptoms and anxiety is not mentioned anymore. Dimi continues to train and is an example on how dis-eases within the body and mind can be dispelled).
(Dimitra Stevis, 1974 Vintage – Concord. NSW)
About 4 years ago, a cardiologist told me that though my heart was healthy, I had a resting heart rate of over 100bpm.She advised that the best way to bring it down is through regular cardio exercise. But, through regular strength training and in particular – weights (which have changed my life!) my resting heart rate is now around 70bpm! Thank you Betty for teaching us the important lessons about what we need to do to improve and maintain our health! Betty advises against any aggressive long cardio workouts.
( Rimma Dinkin – Earlwood. NSW).
(2016 Rimma is stronger, shapelier and moves with great grace).
“I really enjoyed doing this workout using your video. A key learning for me is too slow down and breathe”.
(Helen Unwin, Weeremba. NSW)
In 20012 Marie wrote :
“I have been training @Studio16 with Betty since 2009 and I am so glad I found her as it is the best I have ever felt and looked – even better than when I was in my twenties”!
(Marie Giacobbe, 1956 Vintage – Hunters Hill. NSW)
In 2004 Vikki wrote:
I never thought I would be admitting to becoming a gym junkie – but there you go! I have been more or less ‘allergic’ to exercise all my life – even more so recently with all sorts of excuses as to why I couldn’t possibly start doing anything now… not enough time… too tired… no one to look after Marlo.. (my little girl).. too cold. But my body was telling me something different and gravity was taking its toll. I had tried different gyms and at-home-video programmes in the past but exercise always became a chore and I lost interest very quickly.
Then I read a newsletter about Betty’s Bodyshaping that had been left at the Garfield St Childcare Centre, my interest was piqued – but not enough to galvanise me into action. Then Betty was invited down to the centre to demonstrate some basic movements as part of a ‘Parent De-Stressing and Motivational Night’ (and boy, do we all need one of those from time-to-time)! Pilates is easy – no fussy dance steps to trip up the uncoordinated (like me), not too much sweating, no fancy gear required…
That was October 2003 and now 9 months later I can honestly say I am enjoying the benefits of all the effort I have put in. Just to be able to wear clothes that were once relegated to the back of the cupboard because I had lost my confidence in my appearance (read stomach muscles). Surprisingly, I was actually feeling the benefits within the first couple of weeks so that made it easier to continue going back. Thankfully the classes run at all hours from early in the morning to late at night; so no matter what your work commitments or time constraints are, you could easily manage 2 – 3 classes a week. I usually have my little one in tow when I can’t find a sitter. And Betty is amazing – somehow she manages to keep a track of each student by name and ability and keep the classes challenging and stimulating.
PS – this is not a paid testimonial.
(Vikki Hsieh, 1964 Vitange – Concord. NSW)
(2020 Vikki continues to train and is a great support of Studio16 !)
♦
“For various reasons throughout the years of @Studio16 – I needed to cancel certain classes and therefore let go of much loved members…
Always a difficult decision.
Each and every member leaves an impression in my heart and
their essence forever lingers within the Studio’s walls”…
♦
In 2005 Patsy wrote:
When I was 42, I looked in the mirror and realised that gravity was taking over and I had to work on my body. I started doing Iyengar Yoga and can honestly say that doing it has changed my life in many many ways – mentally, emotionally and finally even spiritually.
Ten years later though, I still didn’t have the actual physical body that I wanted – yoga doesn’t seem to have worked on my abdominal muscles or toned some other parts of my body.
And then I found Betty – and it has taken 10 months of regular attendance but I am nearly 53 and I am happier with my body than ever before in my life. My arms are getting definition, and my stomach at last is getting flatter. I am stronger than I have ever known myself to be.
I am so glad to have found Betty’s Studio. I feel as if I have my own personal trainer in a completely mixed class. Betty can attend to all of our individual levels.
It’s fabulous – thanking our Betty.
(Patsy Chingwile – Five Dock. NSW).
In 2002:
I now think of 24 October 2002 as one of those turning points we all reach in life. It was the day I started Training with Betty as my teacher and caring guide.
I quickly found out Betty shines her special light on every pupil in her class. You just can’t be half-hearted about your exercises when you have a combination of a mother hen and a drill sergeant either coaxing you gently and/or pulling you up for not being fully presant – “keeping mind to body”.
I still can’t believe how much stronger and how much more toned and flexible I have become in such a short while. My whole body shape has changed. My shoulders, back arms, stomach, bottom, calves and thighs look and feel much better. My partner looks at me with pride-both in my better body and in my commitment to keep at it. It’s not a chore though, I just love it – I am turning 50 this year!
(Lyn Bowker – Concord. NSW)
In 2008 Kitty wrote:
I have been doing Pilates since Betty began classes in 2002 and I’ve never looked back since. Prior to this I was expanding at a rapid rate, going from a size 12 to a cosy 14 after the birth of my son. Something had to be done as my esteem level was non-existent and whenever I sat down I felt my tummy resting on my lap – it felt like ’lard in motion’.
At first it was really hard work, however the results were immediately evident thanks to Betty’s sound advice on diet and cross-training routines.
I have experienced other pilates instructors, but I’ve never come across one that is so committed to her client’s well-being and health.
I now am a size 10 (which I’m absolutely thrilled about) more importantly my esteem level is through the roof. It is a combination of many things, but by taking control of ones health, making that commitment and having Betty as a fitness Instructor /guru… well, you just can’t fail. Thanks Betty I’m so glad our paths crossed and that you are part of my journey in life.
(Katerina Beale (Kitty). Ashfield. NSW)