Client Testimonials for Cheryl Lents & Shannon Lents

I love Shannon and I love Pilates. Pilates challenges my mind, my body, leans me out and keeps me strong. After all the wear and tear on my body, it's great to have found a workout that's more gentle and more effective. You focus so hard on the exercises that you forget you're challenging your abs at the same time. I haven't had to do a separate ab workout since I started doing Pilates. I look forward to my two workouts a week with Shannon. Thanks, Lents Pilates, for such fun and challenging workouts!

Chris Evert
Tennis Legend
Winner of 18 Grand Slam Titles

Dear Shannon,

I just wanted to thank you for allowing me to come work out at your beautiful studio when my wife and I were visiting our children in Delray. I can't tell you how much it means to me to go on "vacation" and be able to have this as a resource. I'm sure you know what it is like to be away from home and, as much as you love where you are, there are some things missing. Now, one big one is not!

I enjoyed meeting Sarah and Matt, and what little I observed left no doubt of the quality of their work and attitude. With the proliferation of the name "Pilates" associated with activities that have little or no resemblance to authentic work, it is comforting to see such a fine studio with a delightful ambience.

Thanks again,
John Henry Goldman
Pilates Teacher at Anthony Rabara Pilates Studio
Princeton, NJ

Recently diagnosed with multiple spinal problems severe enough to eliminate surgery as an option, I looked for alternative therapies to relieve the constant pain I experienced when sitting or walking. As a registered physical therapist with Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Physical Therapy, my standards were high for any treatment I would undergo.

Cheryl of Lents Pilates was recommended to me by a friend. As a result of the Pilates program, I have been pain-free while sitting or standing and able to return to exercise without discomfort. Cheryl evaluates each client to create a unique, individualized plan of therapy. She continuously modifies the prescribed activities based on client capability and progress, as well as offering educational tips along the way. The entire Lents approach is geared toward maximal improvement for each client. I wholeheartedly recommend the Lents Pilates program to anyone seeking a therapeutic exercise plan that is based on solid physiological principles, individually monitored with continuous feedback, and at the same time, just plain fun!

Cassandra Lieberman RPT, BS, MA

The Pilates that I have done for a number of years has made me strong and supple and has especially strengthened my abdominal muscles, which used to be my weakness in exercise. I have enjoyed Lents Pilates with Cheryl for about 4 years. I enjoy her professionalism and find her to be superior in knowledge, teaching, understanding individual needs, and attitude – she is a pleasure to work with. It is energizing to spend an hour with her!

As a physician, I have had many patients with back problems and other injuries, often over-use injuries. In addition to appropriate evaluation of the patient’s problem by specialists and proper testing, I have always emphasized the importance of physical therapy in resolving the problem. Physical therapy, however, is always short-lived and sadly, uneven in results. I have been recommending Pilates as a long-term solution for these patients. For back issues in particular I believe Pilates, when taught properly (on machines, not mat pilates for the beginner with back problems), offers the very best way to strengthen the core – the girdle of your torso that protects your back – for long-lasting resolution of chronic back problems. I cannot emphasize enough the importance of proper teaching of Pilates so that the core muscles learn to do the work, and injury from using the wrong muscles “to help” do the exercise is avoided; otherwise, the object of the exercise is defeated. Cheryl (and the entire Lents staff, I believe) clearly has this expertise, and she knows how to adjust the level of the exercise to the individual. I recommend that patients with back problems go to Lents Pilates and I have promised them that their chronic back problems would improve and could resolve permanently. A patient who followed my recommendation has been seeing Matt at Lents Pilates and has markedly improved. For people like him, Lents Pilates is an investment that can be life-changing.

Pilates has an advantage for people with other injuries or “weaknesses”, such as knees, in that it allows a full workout without stress to the injured or weak body part. Most people with an injury can still do Pilates while waiting for the injury to heal and can even start to strengthen the muscles that affect the injury – such as quadriceps, which need to be strong to protect knees. When used properly, it is a form of physical therapy. I cannot recommend it strongly enough.

Sally E. Cohen, MD
Internal Medicine

I have done so many types of exercise my whole life, and by far Pilates with Cheryl and Shannon has had the most positive impact on my body shape and my focus on health and lifestyle. Pilates is for life … I feel great and am so happy. It is truly addictive and I recommend it for all. Cheryl is the best because she makes the session all about you and what you can do. And believe me, you CAN do it. I did.

Debbie Rand
Rand Eye Institute

I recently visited my endocrinologist, Dr. Charles Sharp, a specialist in bone disease and Director of the Center for Metabolic Bone Disease and Endocrinology in California. He is also Chief of Endocrinology at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena.

In his post-examination assessment, Dr. Sharp wrote:

“In general, muscle definition and tone were excellent, and there was clearly a lengthening of the muscles, which has undoubtedly resolved through extensive use of Pilates over the past year and a half.”

I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 1990. It is under control with medication for REM sleep to enable growth hormone production for muscle recovery during nighttime rest. I maintain a vigorous exercise regimen including intensive cardio workouts on the elliptical machine and treadmill. Although strength training through weightlifting is a regular part of my workout, it shortens the muscles and leaves me tight and sore.

Pilates, on the other hand, elongates the muscles while providing intense core strengthening and leaves me feeling GREAT! I am such a fan, Cheryl -- of the method and you, Shannon and Matt!

Beverly Chaplin

I always look forward to my Pilates sessions with Shannon. It is a challenging yet relaxing workout, and I can both see and feel the results of these workouts daily. As an instructor, Shannon combines her expertise in the technique of Pilates with an obvious passion for teaching. She also provides invaluable guidance in other areas of fitness, as well as nutrition, to create a well-rounded regimen that has made a big difference in my exercise program. I highly recommend Lents Pilates to anyone who is serious about their health and wants to exercise in a way that helps strengthen muscle tone, improve flexibility and posture, and avoid injury.

Rachel S. Shore , M.D., F.A.A.P.

Cheryl Lents' Pilates mat class is my favorite hour of my week. It's relaxing and invigorating at the same time. I love the soothing music, Cheryl's kind encouragement, and the smooth transitions as my muscles stretch and become stronger each week. My whole body and mind appreciates the workout that Cheryl creates. She is so conscious of the level of the participants. I believe each of us think we have just had a private coach who knows just what we need to feel good about what we are presently capable of, and where we can be with her gentle guidance in the months to come. I can recommend the Lents mat classes to anyone who wishes to have the most satisfying hour of their week.

Sincerely,
Susan Sheldon

I absolutely love working with Cheryl at Lents Pilates. Cheryl is a consummate professional and has always taken the time to properly educate me on how to train safely while maximizing my results. Cheryl has so much energy and enthusiasm; I love to be around her. When I recommend Cheryl or Shannon to others, I know they will walk away from Lents Pilates and feel the exact same way as I do. This is so worth the 30-minute drive to train with such an upbeat team of professionals.

Thank you so much sharing your knowledge and being you.

Bonnie Halperin

Years ago in the 1980's, I lived in Miami and attended Cheryl Lents Aerobic Dance classes that were held at my apartment building several times a week. I have never had such a good time working out. I became a pretty good dancer since I learned so many steps and built up my stamina in the workout classes.

I've belonged to a gym my whole life, no matter where I've lived and have been a jogger, hiker and tennis player along the way. I'm now a woman "of a certain age" and many of my activities such as jogging and tennis are no longer possible. I have a bad knee that I don't wish to test since surgery last year. It's hard to get a good cardio workout unless it's on a bicycle or a machine and that gets old. I miss your classes and would love to participate again.

A former student and still a fan,
Brenda Sauer

Like most of my friends, I was a regular at the gym and was determined to stay in shape for life. Then life happens. A couple of car accidents left me with permanent neck and back injuries. I asked myself, "What do I do now?" I'm not a sedentary person. Going back to the gym to do weight lifting and spinning was not an option for me. My physical therapist agreed and suggested Pilates. She handed me Shannon's business card and I didn't look back.

I've been working with Shannon twice a week for two years now. Her encouragement, excellent training skills and nutrition advice helped to make dramatic changes in my shape and posture. I've gone from a size 8 to a size 4. I'm now healthy, happy and standing tall. Thanks, Shannon. You're the greatest!

Joey Salmansohn

I just visited your website and have to say WOW ... you look great!! It looks like you are still doing some wonderful work with your clients. Their testimonials attest to the great job you are doing. Your daughter also looks great .... a junior Cheryl. I know what a great feeling it must be to have your daughters involved with you in your business.

I'll never forget the first time I ever heard about you....must have been circa 1984. I had just completed the Balke Stress Test ... in fact, I beat it. The doctor said I was probably the second most fit person in Boca. When I asked who was the most fit, he said "Cheryl Lents". Having never heard of you, I set out to find out more about you and found that you had a studio not too far from my house.

After several years of attending your classes and improving and maintaining my fitness, I was able to complete my Transcontinental Run across the US (Fernandina Beach, FL to La Jolla, CA; 2310 miles; 77 days). Alas, after 35 years of running, logging approx. 69,000 miles, my meniscus in one knee is all gone ... completely worn away. So my running days are over.

I will always remember the joy I had in attending your classes and, as a result, the great condition I was able to attain.

Good luck!
Jim Starkovich

Cheryl Lents' Pilates classes are a gift that I give to my body, mind and soul every week. If I miss it, I really miss it!

Live, Love & Laugh!
Laurie Tamres

Until I found Pilates with Shannon, I had not exercised regularly for over 10 years. I had a personal trainer at a gym, but the trainer pushed me too hard and I hurt my back, so I had to quit.

Once I turned 30, I knew I had to start exercising again if I wanted to keep myself looking and feeling young and healthy, but years went by and I kept putting it off. Then I heard about Pilates from several people who loved it. They assured me that it would strengthen my back rather than weaken it and give me the overall results that I wanted – a strong, toned body with lean muscles, not bulk. I am not self-motivated at all when it comes to exercise, so I knew that I would need to find a trainer to keep me on track.

I have been working with Shannon three times per week in private sessions since April 2005 and I really enjoy it. She keeps things interesting by constantly introducing new exercises and increasing the difficulty as I get stronger and more balanced. The changes in my body are definitely visible now, both to myself and others; I love seeing new muscles and a flat stomach in the mirror and getting compliments from my husband! Even on days when I feel kind of blah, by the time we are done with the session, I feel so much better. Plus, Shannon is a sweetheart and I am happy to say that I have gained a friend as well as a great trainer. Pilates is just what I was looking for and something I can see as part of my life for a long time to come.

Adrienne L.

Pilates has been a life-changing experience for me. I was a little skeptical of Pilates at the beginning. I have been doing traditional training and exercise for years, but adding Pilates into my workout regimen has helped relieve the stress in my life, strengthen my core and give me a kind of inner serenity.

Working with Shannon has been amazing. Whether it’s at the beginning or end of the day, my body feels both stronger and more flexible. I have seen a change in my body shape and I’ve only been doing Pilates for a few months. Shannon has taught me how to tune into my different muscle groups, relax my shoulders to relieve stress and improve my posture. It is one of the best overall workouts I have found. Thank you so much, Shannon! You are amazing!

Lori Frankfort

Cheryl is an inspiration to all her attend her class. Her enthusiasm motivates you to be the best that you can be. Dancing with Cheryl is the most fun I have all week!

Miriam Shumaker
Physical Therapist

I am a believer. I had been doing Pilates for about a year when I met Shannon. I immediately felt a connection and knew that she was listening to my desires for my body and fitness level. In the past, I felt that I knew the next move the instructor would say and really could mindlessly walk through my workout. NOT WITH SHANNON. She motivates me and pushes me to the next level at every session we have. She is a focused instructor who keeps me focused and on track with my personal goals. How lucky am I? I have the connection to my mind and body during our workouts.

After starting with Shannon, my Pilates body has been taken to the next level. I am so much more confident in a bathing suit and my posture is like night and day. People always say that I look different. I do and I feel different. AMAZING. I am a groupie, a loyal to the Lents Pilates girls!!!

Paige Sreenan

I have been stretching, crunching, stepping, twisting, dancing, sweating, gyrating, pulsating, flexing, cavorting, sliding, kicking, punching and laughing with Cheryl for over 21 years. She is, without a doubt, one of the most motivating and knowledgeable exercise instructors I have ever met and I am grateful to her for keeping me in shape and loving every minute of my workout.

Thanks Cheryl, you're the best!!!
Sami Davidson

I had my eye on the Pilates Method for about two years, and in March 2005 I decided to take the plunge. While I was attracted to the goal of a toned body, increased upper body strength, greater flexibility and strong abs, I had a more compelling reason. I had been working out with weights, and for some unknown reasons, I began experiencing episodes of light-headedness and even passing out while exercising. My husband, a physician, suggested that I try exercises that were lower impact, required concentration and had an emphasis on breathing. Pilates was the answer.

In just seven months, I have seen a dramatic change in my body, both inside and out. I have greater strength and muscle tone, better posture, a flatter stomach and trimmer waist. I have noticed much more flexibility. My family says my stress level is lower.

Shannon is a fantastic instructor and trainer. She varies the exercises and tailors each session to specific needs. She never lets me get bored! Her exercises are challenging, creative and fun. She is always helpful and encouraging. Now, I look forward to exercising! Thank you Shannon for making Pilates a total joy.

Jackie Saltzman

Cheryl's classes are absolutely the best!! I've taken aerobic classes for 25 years and nothing can compare. Her music is great and the routines are so much fun. I look forward to every class.

Judy Yusem

Cheryl is an absolute inspiration! Always positive, encouraging, beautiful, classy and sassy! An incomparable instructor ... it would be very difficult to take a class with anyone else after experiencing hers!

Susan Rotsztajn

I have taken Cheryl and Shannon's Pilates mat classes regularly for the past four years or so. I have been to many different exercise classes with several different instructors over the years. None compare to Cheryl and Shannon. This mother/daughter team are by far the best instructors around. They know about fitness, but more importantly they know how to motivate, inspire and teach their students how to improve their bodies. I look forward to going to their classes. It is always fun, never boring and they always feature different exercises. Mat class has given me a better body, but it also helps me to relax and get rid of stress! I don't know what I would do without this dynamic duo! They are an inspiration to all of their students, but most of all to me!

Thanks,
Renee Luzzi

I've been exercising with Cheryl Lents for over 20 years here in Boca. She is an inspiration to those of us who know her on so many levels. Because of her pursuit of knowledge and skill in the fitness arena, I feel that I am at the top of my game. I love working out with her – she makes fitness fun and I hope to continue for 20 more years!

Sherry O'Neill

I have taken classes with Cheryl for 23 years. I love it and it is part of who I am. Her classes aren't just for staying fit and trim. It is just plain FUN!!!! She is the BEST!!!! I can hardly wait to get to class ... it is the fastest hour and a half of my day. I am a happier and healthier person knowing the Lents family. I would recommend her classes to everyone ... especially people who have a lot of stress or who hate to exercise, because they will no longer hate to exercise.

Abbie Sherman