Shortly before Thanksgiving last year I ran into an old yoga buddy who I hadn’t seen in a while. Our conversation quickly turned to exercise and what we had each been doing to keep in shape. I had spent 7 years completely devoted to yoga. But it had been 4 years since I had rolled out my mat. I spent 18 months (before that) trying to push through an injury until my body just couldn’t take it anymore. I decided to take a 2 week break from yoga. After 2 weeks I knew my body wasn’t ready to return to my yoga practice. I decided to spend the summer rehabbing – I went to a physical therapist on a regular basis and switched to a cardio-only workout because that didn’t bother the places where I had been over stretching in yoga. A 2 week break turned into 6 months and I still wasn’t completely better. Eventually, I found an interval training program that I liked. But my body didn’t look anything like my friend’s and I insisted on knowing her secret…Hilliard Studio Method! Of course, I had heard of it, but thought it would be too intimidating. My friend convinced me to give it a try and I decided after the holiday I would!

I will never forget the first time I walked into the studio. Ashley immediately welcomed me. She had already looked over the upcoming class roster and knew that I was new. She set me up with my mat, walked me over to the weights and introduced me to the teacher Lee. Lee asked me about my previous workout experiences, if I had any injuries she should be aware of and encouraged me to ask any questions. Wow! I had never experienced a friendlier exercise environment in my life! As hard as the first class was, I knew I had found something that would give me the results I was seeking.

I had probably walked through the door 2 or 3 more times when I met Liz and Clary. It was obvious that their warm and welcoming attitude set the tone for the studio. It quickly became a place that I couldn’t stay away from. After a month of classes, I could see the definition in my arms and shoulders changing and I was able to get through my least favorite sections (plank!!!) more easily. I was sold!

Long, lean, defined muscles had always been what I sought for my body and I had finally found a place where I could achieve the body I wanted surrounded by positive and inspiring women!