Customer Testimonials

Hear what some of my clients are saying about The Pilates Barr...

I am a 48 year old wife, mother, and nurse who has spent my whole life taking care of everyone but myself. About 6 months ago I decided something in my life had to give. I was feeling old, out of shape, and had no energy. I am not a big gym kind of person (not enough accountability) and a personal trainer was not in my budget. A friend suggested I try yoga or Pilates. While doing a web search for a Pilates studio close to home I happened to find the Pilates Barr. I read through the information on the website, called to schedule a consultation, and have been hooked on Pilates ever since.

Laura promised me at our first meeting that if I took 2 classes a week for just 3 months she could help me change my body. Laura was right! In just 3 months I lost 10 pounds and dropped a dress size. Adding Pilates to my life is the best thing I have ever done for myself. Laura's classes are fun, challenging, and affordable and Laura is a great cheerleader and motivator. Who knew shaping up and losing weight could be so fun!

A devoted pilates fan for life!

Natalie Z. - Indianapolis, IN - November 2010

Words really can't describe my love for the Pilates Barr. I LOVE The Pilates Barr & Laura is INCREDIBLE!!! I'm the kind of person that enjoys trying new things but can get bored quickly. This has not been the case with my Pilates Barr experience…I'm just approaching a year since starting & now enjoy 4-5 classes a week including Reformer, Zumlates, Mat Class, and Butz & Gutz; I love them ALL!

To say I'm a Pilates addict would probably be an understatement! Nonetheless, I can't imagine loving Pilates without Laura Barr. "Pilates with a Personal Touch" is EXACTLY what you get at The Pilates Barr. Laura gets to know each of her clients from day one. She takes the time to understand your body, its limitations & your personal goals…Laura then makes your goals her goals. An hour class with Laura will FLY by. Class is so much fun you don't realize the intensity…that is, until the next day!

LB is experienced, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic about her job but even more, she's caring & very kind. Still, people most know her by her incredible sense of humor… sometimes I think my core gets a double workout just from laughing so much!!!

The small class sizes, the diverse variety of classes, and great prices, coupled with a one-of-a-kind expert & personable/fun instructor make The Pilates Barr THE place to go for a wonderful Pilates experience. I highly recommend it.

Laura, thank you for all you've done for me. I can't wait to continue to introduce The Pilates Barr to everyone I know…you just make lives better!!!...you sure have mine - thanks!

Sarah - Fishers, IN - January 2010

"I think you need a smaller size". Music to any girl's ears and exactly what I heard recently when I went shopping!!! Of course I made the salesgirl repeat that again...and again - just because I felt so darn good knowing that all the fun I have with Laura in class was really paying off.

I am NOT a huge person but, at 50, it has become harder and harder to manage the aging effects on my body. And, as it has become harder, I am far less motivated to work four times as hard to get the same results that I did when I was in my 30's and 40's. I eat a very healthy and balanced diet - with the exception of my adored wine, which I figure I've earned!!! - but, after a certain age, it's just not enough. My husband is actually the one who got us "hooked into" Laura. He was looking for a fix to his inflexibility and I was looking for a Pilates coach who would be FUN, keep it interesting and challenging, and who had a class size smaller than 20! Laura fits that bill and MORE!!! She gives us individual attention as she coaches us all. She laughs with us and gives the most positive encouragement I've found (this is NOT my first Pilates experience). She also kicks our butts. Whether it's a mat class, Zum-lates, or Butts 'n' Guts I always leave her class feeling great and totally energized. Laura is extremely acommodating to our schedules - my husband and I both have work and personal life "stuff" that Laura attempts to work around whenever she can. I cannot say enough about The Pilates Barr!! I am ever happy that my husband found Laura (YES!!! He is more flexible!! Pilates is NOT for girls only....ask Tiger Woods or Jason Kidd) and I'd recommend her to anyone, anywhere!

Meg - Fishers, IN - July 2009

When I started taking Pilates from Laura Barr three months ago she said, "give me three months of twice a week and I promise you will see changes in your body that you will be happy with." Well, being from New York, I took that with a wee bit of skepticism, but all the same, gave Laura my commitment to attend class two times per week for three months. Exactly three months later, a girlfriend and I spent the weekend in Chicago doing some shopping, eating out and dancing. The whole weekend was great, but the shopping part was so exciting because everything I tried on was too big! Yes Ladies, I was absolutely giddy with excitement as I quickly grabbed clothes an entire size smaller than usual. Interestingly, I have not lost any weight, but "things" are toned up and looking like I want them to.

So, the point here is, if you are going to do it, commit and do it right; after 12 short weeks, it will pay off....Laura keeps her promises!

Thanks Laura!

Eileen - Westfield, IN - May 2009

I first started Pilates with Laura Barr a couple of years ago and I am a huge fan of her group classes as well as her one-on-one Reformer training sessions.

Back in the day, I was a competitive gymnast. When Laura introduced me to the Reformer, I was sold. Many of the moves remind me of balance beam or floor exercise in gymnastics. The majority of the workout requires balance and concentration resulting in a very graceful and complex workout. That sounds a little strange but it's the only way I can explain it!

I appreciate the Reformer workout because I am a 39 year old woman with severe rheumatoid arthritis making any type of impact on my joints pretty painful. The Reformer is perfect for me. Laura has an arsenal of exercises that are both creative and challenging. She has been able to combine all of the things that I love. The Reformer is a very "elegant" form of Pilates yet she has a cardio aspect to the workout that is brilliant. The combination of balance and concentration of "minding your core" is her signature mantra and I look forward to every workout with her.

Laura has so much energy and she has a way of motivating you to be your best. She doesn't stand for mediocrity in her class and she pushes you like your training for the next IronMan… Her group classes are designed to place you with other individuals within your same skill level. This is one of the aspects I love about her class. She is very hands on and stands by the "weakest link" theory that having one person that demands all the attention because they are lagging forces the entire class into slowdown mode. So she tailors each class so this does not happen. You also do not move into a more advanced group until she thinks your ready. This was very helpful because you never feel like you can't keep up with the group and at the same time you strive to get to the next level. Getting in to see Laura and maintaining a spot in one of her classes is a coveted prize as she has a waiting list in most of her classes.

On a personal note, Laura is a wonderful person, she cares very much for each of her clients and really does walk the walk and talk the talk of her Pilates methods. She is a high spirited instructor who truly loves her work.

Thanks Laura!

Natalie - Carmel, Indiana - May 2009

About a year ago, I was having dinner with a friend, and I was talking about the need to start exercising because I wanted to stop taking any Type-2 Diabetes medication.

My friend was a Pilates instructor, which I had heard of but hadn't really thought about it for me due to my size (5'10" a size 3X).

My friend started describing the benefits like increased flexibility and feeling longer and leaner. This type of exercise was low impact which I needed due to the beginning of aching, arthritic knees.

As we talked, I thought about my Mom's degenerative arthritis in her spine which drove her to immobility - even with a walker. Also I was thinking of my sister who had two knee surgeries by the age of 40 (due to excess weight, not athletics or exercise). So I decided I would try it; what did I have to lose?

Well, I lost a lot! In the last year I have lost 21 inches all over and I now wear pants that are 2 sizes smaller! ! I have always been very clumsy and now my core is stronger and I even feel a little graceful! I no longer take diabetes medication and my last blood work was excellent! I have changed my eating habits too, but I still have chocolate and ice cream. Portion size is now a big part of my changed food habits.

I think I am proof it doesn't matter what your size - Pilates will help remake your body, and my wonderful friend Laura Barr can help you too! I can touch my toes and do so many Pilates moves and exercises that even Laura wondered if I would be able to do.

Laura Barr and The Pilates Barr gets 5 million stars from me! You will have fun even if it is hard work; Laura always makes you laugh. Call her and begin changing your health and life today.

-Ruth - Indianapolis, IN - February 2009

Knowledgeable, exuberant, patient, humorous and innovative. These terms describe Laura Barr, instructor at The Pilates Barr perfectly.

I am a seventy year old student who has worked with Laura for a year. My progress has been amazing! She provides an individualistic and developmental program for her students. I am a client with physical challenges because of a failed knee replacement. We discussed my limited knee problems at the beginning of our association. She loved the challenge and has found alternative ways to help me achieve exciting, fun and wonderful accomplishments in my Pilates class.

It has been a fantastic year for me physically and psychologically. Thanks so much, Laura.

-S.T. - Indianapolis, IN - January 2009

I have been a student of Laura Barr's since September 2007. At my first session I could not touch my toes! How things have changed. I am now an advanced student with a "six-pack." It is not a 30 something "six-pack," because I am 63.

Pilates has improved my life. Not only am I more physically fit, but I have also learned how to focus on my core and use it in other physical activities such as waterskiing.

I love Laura's enthusiasm and professionalism. She loves what she does and it shows. Laura carefully observes her students during classes. She does this to protect everyone from injuries.

Like many others, I have donated rarely used exercise equipment to organizations. I can truly say that Pilates is the first exercise program I have loved! I attend class three times a week and don't plan on stopping.

As Laura always says, "Mind Your Core!"

-Tina - Cicero, IN - December 2008