We love our clients!
For years I avoided doing Pilates because I thought I wouldn’t be able to keep up due to my lack of flexibility. I was wrong. It has made me so much more flexible and more defined. I am still a work in progress but I look forward to my classes and so enjoy my instructor and my classmates. Thank you all at Body Balance.
As a dance professional and yoga teacher, a strong healthy body has always been important to me. Some would say I am a bit of a snob when it comes to choosing those who will teach and guide me.
It was a true blessing when Vicki opened the doors Of Body Balance. I have been a client almost since day one. Vicki and her team are all topnotch professionals. They have...
It has been over four years since I first began my Pilates training at Body Balance Institute. The improvements in my quality of life have been wide-ranging. Initially, I came to work out with Vicki on recommendation of a close friend. After a thorough evaluation and consultation, she suggested that strengthening and stretching my back and abdominal muscles would...
Vicki Sullivan has been been my personal trainer in Pilates and Gyrotonic since February, 2007. I attend 2 times a week and she ALWAYS has new movements, tools and accessories to make each session new and interesting. She is always 100 percent plus focused on my progress. I'm in the best shape of my entire life because of Vicki. She has truly taught me how to make my...
1.) Why do you come?
Initially I came to BB because I had knee injuries from tennis. A friend recommended BB and I trust her opinion. I have been coming for almost 3 years, 3 times a week and not only do my knees feel better but I feel better all over as well.
2.) What's different about Body Balance Institute than others?
BB is an intimate setting where you...
Strength. Serenity. Support. Balance. Flexibility. Peace of mind. Just some of the things I get from Pilates at Body Balance Institute. It's one of my favorite places to be because I know I will feel better upon leaving than arriving. The atmosphere is beautiful and soothing, the classes are challenging and rewarding, and the instructors are knowledgeable and...
As a nurse, a breast cancer survivor (of 8 years), a clinical researcher, with a passion to advocate to eliminate Native American health disparities; does not make me an expert on self-care. My hope is to be a trusted health provider for my patients. I hope to lead patients to the strength they have within to transform health status. Like an abandoned boat tied to a...
I, like most, have tons of paper in piles that I mean to get to soon, or some day, but soon, or some day, never comes. And so, when it became time to clean my paper pile, a crisis had come. It was time to get my stuff in order. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
On August 5th, 2011, the news was infiltrating ductal carcinoma that had metastasized into my...
After many unsuccessful attempts to maintain a regular exercise regimen on my own, as well as brief forays into other exercise venues, I was most fortunate to find the Body Balance Institute – a safe haven that has become my Pilates ‘home’. The comfortable facility, welcoming staff (Carrie, you are great!), amazing instructors and supportive fellow participants have...
Body Balance institute is the best pilates studio in Jacksonville and might be in the country. They helped transform my body and made my core stronger at every step of my pregnancy (pre and post partum) with a great personal customized program. My energy level while pregnant and after pregnancy was superior and I know the instructors had a lot to do with the fact that...
Body Balance Institute has been my weekly Pilates home for private lessons for the last three years. Vicki Sullivan and her team are professional, committed lifelong students of Pilates and various movement disciplines. The equipment is really first-rate and there are a variety of options to keep things interesting and transform movement. The client support is...
I’ve suffered with chronic pain for over 8 years. Gyrotonics promotes “intelligent movement” and it has made all the difference in how I feel. I look forward to my sessions because I know I will have much less pain when we’re finished. I’ve worked with Vicki and Emily (both amazing!). Thank you Body Balance Institute!!
Coming to Body Balance Institute has been beneficial to my body and my mind. The calming environment helps me to be more aware of my movement and I leave feeling more focused and tall. When I was diagnosed with scoliosis as a child, I was not given any alternative treatments to surgery. However, working with Vicki and Julie has helped me to manage my scoliosis by...
My passion for Pilates has been an on going LOVE affair. I was introduced to Pilates as a means to achieving a svelte feminine body. My passion for Pilates increased after I reached my goal. I wanted to continue regularly growing in my Pilates practice. My love for Pilates grew when I started training on various apparatuses and with various methods. I never get...
Having worked in the fitness business for most of my life I appreciate the quality of instructors at Body Balance Institute. They are simply the best. The instructors are well educated in their various specialties and they know the body better than most doctors! Due to BBI and the instructors, recovery from a total hip replacement was 100 % successful. The...
My name is Anastasiya Gerets and I'm legally blind. I grew up in Ukraine, but am now an American citizen. When I was 4, I lost my vision after an unsuccessful jump during ballet class. I injured my neck and was later diagnosed with Visual Nerve Atrophy. My dream to become a dancer never came true.
Because of this neck injury, I would often lose my balance and...
I was looking for a place to do pilates and yoga during the off season to get more flexibility in my hips and work on some other things that I needed. I was referred to Body Balance Institute and what is so cool about this place is all the different techniques they offer including gyrotonic and powerplate. They offer so many different ways to reach your goals and so...
At 57 years of age I discovered my love for ballroom dance. Having been catapulted out of the masculine world of corporate America, reduced to a commodity, all over sudden without a job after 28 years I began my continuing search for balance and joy in my life. Aware of silver linings in everything that takes place in life I was looking where my own sliver lining might...
I heard about Body Balance Institute through a friend who is a Pilates enthusiast. I knew I needed a physical program and thought this was the perfect thing to do with my daughter. We do Pilates once a week with Julie and Gyrotonic on another day with Vicki. I credit the exercise with eliminating the need for lower back surgery as I am not feeling the pain and...
I started acupuncture treatments with Andrea for a few issues. She jumped into action and was happy to communicate everything she was working on each session. Andrea is a wonderful teacher and knowledgeable source in acupuncture and Chinese herbals, there is a reason she was voted "Best In Jax"!
I first heard about Pilates as a college dance student, since it was known to create long, supple muscles with an emphasis on the core. Thirty years of aerobic and weight conditioning classes followed, but there was still something missing. That “something” is a strong mind-body-spirit connection, which I’ve found at Body Balance Institute. (No, I’m not a New Age...
A year ago I didn’t know what Pilates was. And the reformer! I was pretty sure that was the device used to torture the hero (Wesley) in the movie The Princess Bride.
But a year ago I was in constant pain and I had stopped all forms of exercise. I used to walk half marathons and now found it too painful to walk the isles of the grocery store. So a year ago my doctor...
They had me at C-curve. I’ve been taking classes with Body Balance Institute since 2011. I’d done mat classes before, but there is no comparison to the studio experience. My first private made it clear that Pilates is a permanent part of my life. The quality of instruction, the attention to detail, the friendly atmosphere are just some of the reasons you’ll enjoy...
I feel Vicki Sullivan has educated me to be able to grow old knowing what I must do with my body. She has made me realize the importance of stretching and thinking about creating space with my body. She explains in a way I can comprehend that we have two cores and they connect everything in our body. I truly feel my training with Vicki has given me more confidence...
The best prescription my Physician ever gave me was to join Body Balance Institute. It has changed my life, mind, body, and soul.
I found BBI by accident and haven't left. I was looking for an exercise routine that I enjoyed and would help transform my body, and that is what BBI did for me. The staff is wonderful and really looks at you holistically. This studio has helped me achieve my fitness and lifestyle goals like no other place has.
“Bliss and Gratitude ... in spades and times a million - forever ... thank you Body Balance! Top Notch. Done Right. Taylor, Cheryl, Kristen and Lisa ... you are amazing!
After not running for over three decades, I decided to begin running again with a goal to complete my first marathon. After several injury related stops and starts, I had the great fortune of being introduced to the Body Balance team – “team” being the operative word. This Body Balance team is an amazing group of passionate professionals who truly care about...
This past spring I embarked on a new found passion: stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). A SUP is a board that is larger and thicker than a traditional surfboard making it more buoyant, allowing me to stand up on top of the board even in motionless water. I use a long paddle to propel myself on the water.
SUPing is a lot of fun but challenging because it requires...
Body Balance Institute is such a helpful caring place. I have gained tremendous benefit for my shoulder and neck injuries here. The atmosphere is very conducive to healing, relaxing and focusing on whatever your needs are. It is completely different from some of the gyms I have been to. There simply is no other place like this.
For over 2 years , my Mother in Law and I have been taking Pilates instruction from BBI, and Taylor Brown has been a huge inspiration for our anticipation to continue our "Better Health" journey.
My MIL is 89 yrs. young, and as you may imagine, "Life" has given her some challenges along the way that make it important to recognize the value of physical health as...
I’ve worked with Vicki and Body Balance Institute for over three years. I had tried every imaginable workout program and either lost interest or did not feel like it made an impact. Until I met Vicki. I work full time so have the challenges of sitting in an office and on an airplane all day and also try to stay in shape so I can show my dressage horse Prime Rate...
I want to start this by acknowledging all the wonderful women that I have been blessed to have as my teachers on my path of Pilates. They all deserve to be acknowledged as women that heal. I know for a fact that the need to acknowledge my body and give it the love that it deserves came after trying for years to do it the abusive way. My body fought back and led me to...
I have been coming to Body Balance Institute for many years because of the high level of expertise, the results that I achieve, and the sense of community. I love their involvement in community affairs the commitment to volunteer work that benefits the arts, animals and others in need, and the giving back to the community. BBI also attracts fairly mature individuals...
I have been a student at Body Balance (BB) for few years. Lisa Long, one of the instructors, introduced me to BBI. Lisa suggested that I joined pilates group lessons to add a different experience to my pilates practice. I started out with one group lesson; but I am currently taking three lessons per week. I like BB. The instructors are excellent and very experienced....
After a serious medical setback, a friend recommended mat Pilates to me to regain flexibility. Next, I progressed to private lessons on the Reformer and improved immensely. The sale of our home and relocation to the JTB corridor led me to classes at BBI. The studio is maintained with care and complete with an array of cutting edge apparatus. Each class is taught by...
I am grateful to have found Body Balance Institute over 5 years ago. Like many others, I joined gyms seeking to get in shape, but it didn’t provide me with the satisfaction I was seeking. I had read about Pilates and the long-term health benefits that it provided as well as the stress relief. That’s when I found BBI. As soon as I took my first lesson, I knew this...
In my 3rd year of Lyme disease recovery, regaining strength was top on my goals. However just dropping in on a yoga or Pilates class was more than I was ready for. Along came my beautifully spirited and oh so knowledgeable answer: Cheryl. I’ve been doing personal training with her and as she is helping to strengthen me, she constantly tailors each session to my...
Vicki Sullivan and her team of amazing instructors and therapists offer a unique, holistic approach to fitness and wellness that has literally transformed my body and spirit. The back, knee and foot pain I came with seven years ago are distant memories, thanks to a combination of gyrotonic, pilates, acupuncture and massage.
BBI is so much more than a pilates studio...
I am not an athlete and I came to gyrotonics in my late 50’s. At first, I found it strange, medieval, and scary. I persisted out of curiosity and found it puts you in touch with your inner energy and encourages a healthy and positive communication between you and your own body. I love the movement and the flow. Now, I know where I am in space, my feet are in touch...
I am hooked on Gyrotonics and Pilates. I had neck and shoulder pain for years. I tried every kind of medical and chiropractic treatment with no relief. I tried Pilates at Body Balance and within 6 months was pain-free. I have now been a client at Vicki’s studio for seven years and swear by their methods. I had looked for years for a training and exercise program that...
I have been with the Body Balance Institute for just a short amount of time but have been very pleased with the level of expertise and customer service. Because I have prior Pilates experience I feel confident in recommending them.
I started at the BBI 5 years ago when I was looking for a spark to what was had become my routine. I found it at Body Balance. When I started at BBI, I was stuck in the rut of weight training with some cardio thrown in. I couldn't touch my toes and I was way too stiff for an active 50 year old. My husband started at BBI to fix his own issues so I thought I would...
In the beginning we had very different ideas of what exercise was. It was almost as if we had tunnel vision and could not look “outside of the box”, so to speak. We had the notion that heavy weights and compact exercise was one of the only ways if not the only way to exercise. When working with heavy weights it is very common to work on one muscle group at time...
BBI had been an extremely valuable in my quest for health and wellness. I've used a variety of services from Pilates to Acupuncture and experienced exceptional results. BBI's staff is extremely thoughtful, engaging and knowledgeable. Since beginning services at BBI, I've experienced marked improvement in overall health and wellness. If you're looking for results, look...
I have been doing Pilates and Gyrotonic for the last 10 years and it has eliminated my back pain, especially the problems that I used to have with my back when I traveled. At this point I am looking for an exercise program for life, one that keeps me flexible and fluid in my movement. I recommend Pilates and Gyrotonic for Life!
1. Why do you come?
I started coming because of a hip injury. I stayed because of how good I feel after class.
2. What's different about Body Balance Institute than others?
Difference is Body Balance Institute is a community. I have made some lovely friends from attending classes. I also really appreciate Vicki’s dedication to education, both of her staff...
I’ve been coming to BBI for the past year and find the staff and equipment second to none. Over the past five years I have visited several studios using various Pilates methods, but none have equaled BBI. The difference has been that, rather than focus on a particular system, BBI’s trainers focus on the client and adjust the workouts to their needs. Over the past year...
I started Pilates after suffering through a herniated disc in my neck, followed a few months later by a partially frozen shoulder. 10 years of regular Pilates later and I’ve not experienced any of these types of problems again. Pilates (coupled with regular massage therapy) have allowed me to avoid injuries and physical therapy! I love BBI
I started taking Pilates classes and private sessions at the Body Balance Institute when my family and I relocated to the Jacksonville area nearly two years ago. After participating as a competitive gymnast and diver growing-up, and after having my two daughters I was suffering from chronic hip and back pain. I knew I needed to find an exercise regime that would not...
Pilates has changed my life and body. Without it I would probably have rheumatoid arthritis. This experience is keeping me young and strong, and my instructors are awesome.
I want thank Body Balance Institute for continuing to give me a great quality of life. I started with Pilates a few years ago, and 5 months later had to have back surgery. I attribute my recovery to Pilates and the instructors there. I have taken from every instructor, Reformer, Gyrotonic, Barre, Elevated movement and also enjoy massages, fascial massage and...
Kristen is the embodiment of a true educator. She is passionate, extremely knowledgeable, and inspiring to all of her students. I have gotten into deep conversation with her on multiple occasions about anatomy, pedagogy, and integration of Pilates into other fitness modalities. She is able to know what imbalances are occurring in the bodies of her clients by visual...
Blink and my eyes would open to a new day of pain. After enduring years of repetitive ballet practice and movement experimentation to choreograph ballet and modern dance moves (then topped by childbirth), my SI joint would taunt me daily with searing pain. Working with Vicki Sullivan and her extensive range of body balancing wisdom, she has corrected the misuses of...
I'm indebted to Lisa Long for introducing me to Pilates and Body Balance Institute; I transferred from a country club Pilates class I started in 2004 following Lisa Long to Body Balance. I continue my classes with Lisa including the introduction of elevated movement. Its' because of Lisa that I am in the best shape of my life! Lisa also encouraged me to take classes...
Pilates has done many good things for us. It has transformed our bodies and minds. Two years since starting lessons, Pilates has changed us. Not only does Pilates help us to have healthier bodies, but we are also more aware of our bodies. We want to thank Cheryl, our instructor, who has been so supportive and informative about our bodies and the importance of...
Working with Vicki, Lynne, and Scott for the SmartBells podcast was a wonderful experience. My prior knowledge of pilates was little to none. Coming out of it, I am extremely grateful of everything they taught me. Not only has it helped me physically with lower back pain issues, but it has also helped my golf game!
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone...
I have exercised regularly my whole life but once I began Pilates I haven't since lifted a weight . My flexibility is greatly improved and feel better than I ever have. The staff at BBI is so well trained and absolutely tailor your workout routine to your needs and desires. The facility is as well equipped as any I have ever visited. Pilates is not often thought of as...
BBI is a wonderful place! They truly take a balanced approach while addressing the individual needs of their clients. I no longer go to therapy because I can go to workout at BBI. My teenage son has found pilates and Bodhi a fun way to build strength!
I’ve been doing pilates at BBI since their opening at Hodge Boulevard in 2007. Last week while traveling I was descending one of those narrow metal staircases attached to a small plane and of course carrying a bulky bag over one shoulder when the heel of my shoe caught on the edge of the stair at the top. I had only one hand on the stair rail because of my bag and my...
I stumbled into Pilates quite by accident some 6 years ago. I was actually working out at a typical gym downstairs from the Body Balance Institute. That is where I injured my reoccurring back issues and had to take a break from lifting weights. Not wanting to not work out for a while I literally stumbled up the stairs and found Erin and Pilates. This happy...
I started coming to Body Balance Institute to help with my Fibromyalgia. After so many years of being on medication and thinking that I was going to be on it for the rest of my life, I wanted to find something that could help me. I started coming to BBI twice a week for Pilates and Gyrotonic, and I can tell you now, that I am completely off my medication. I never...
"So, John. How much do YOU think you should weigh?"
That's how the conversation began at my annual physical last year. Ouch! Gee thanks, Doc.
At the time, I hadn't given it that much thought. I'm an avid cyclist, and my climbing weight was what triggered my cycling obsession 10 years ago. Then Body Balance started offering classes at the PGA TOUR where I work, and...
I’ve been a BBI client for 19 years. With their help I’ve climbed the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, gone on Safari in Africa and bicycled in Italy, France and U.S. Excellent teachers, flexibility and friendliness are their trademarks. If you care about living life to its fullest, Body Balance Institute is the place for you.
I've been a student at Body Balance Institute just shy of 3 years. After being a student of Pilates for 2 1/2 years, I came here specifically to learn about Gyrotonics, but I found much more! This is a friendly, supportive and nonjudgmental environment. Vicki and her entire staff have listened carefully to my goals and they have assisted in every way in helping me...
After spending 30 years working in the fitness industry and making all the mistakes you can make lifting too much weight or lifting too often, I have developed some serious injuries and my body finally told me it was time for a change. Having operated clubs my whole life, I have never paid a penny to exercise so needless to say I was skeptical. I really needed to find...
Where do I begin...I set out at the beginning of the year like most, committing that I was going to focus on my physical health. The difference this year was that I wanted to explore fitness programs that were different than the traditional gym or workout videos I usually try. After a bit of research I decided to explore Pilates.
I contacted a number of studios in...
I’ve gone to other pilates studios and gyms looking for a solution to my long standing back problems with no success. Then I heard about gyrotonic from a friend in Atlanta who swore his back problems were much improved since starting gyrotonic so I decided to give it a try. Then my lucky day! I found Body Balance and set up a consultation with Vicky. She listened...
