Testimonials

“The practice of pilates as I’ve experienced it at Core Pilates since 2014 has been invaluable to me as I age. I have issues with arthritis and degenerative disc disease, and none of the treatments I’ve tried so far, including physical therapy, nerve blocks, medication, yoga or massage, have brought me as much relief–physically or mentally–as doing pilates has. I heartily recommend Pilates to anyone who will listen to me, and when I say pilates, I mean pilates with the expert guidance of Valerie Pascasio, superlative in every way. I’ve worked with Valerie for two years–she is a capable, dedicated professional, a gifted instructor, a kind and caring and conscientious individual it’s been my pleasure and good fortune to know. She is supportive and encouraging and challenging every time we meet. She is knowledgeable about my particular problems and makes appropriate accommodations when needed. She brings out my best efforts and helps me stay confident that mobility and stamina and strength are not just things of the past. What a precious gift to receive!”

– Sally Cipolla, Google Review


“I have been working with Valerie for almost 2 years. I tried almost every studio in Richmond before finding her. She is absolutely wonderful and talented. She got me into the best shape of my life. When I got pregnant she created a prenatal program and once I had the baby she made a postnatal program. Her approach is holistic and tailored to the individual. I recommend her to any age/physical ability person looking to explore the range of pilates.”

– Jenny Salluzzo, Google Review


“I have had Valerie for my pilates instructor for over 2 years. She has helped me become physically stronger, balanced and aware -not only with my muscles but also with connecting mind, body, and spirit in my everyday activities. Valerie personalizes each session to what my body needs.
The best compliment I received was when my husband saw me sitting on a backless stool outside talking to a friend. He said I looked so beautiful and healthy sitting there with my back and shoulders straight (not slumped ) and my head tall.
Pretty nice!”

– Peggy Healy, Facebook Review


“Valerie is an outstanding Pilates instructor. I have been working with her since 2016. I have definitely noticed a huge change in my body over these past two years regarding core strength, flexibility, and overall shape. I really appreciate the care and time she puts into planning for our sessions. She always has new, challenging routines each week. Every session is fun, interesting, and above all, worth it! I am extremely thankful to have found Pilates and Valerie!!!”

– Missy, Google Review


“As a retired physical therapist in my 60s, I realize the importance of strong core muscles and stretching to minimize pain and maintain balance and health as I age. Pilates is helping me reach my fitness goals with weekly one on one sessions with Valerie as my instructor. Her personal attention and expert guidance in proper techniques has been invaluable to me. Her calm speech and genuine concern make her a unique coach! I leave each session energized and happier body, mind, and soul.”

-Tricia Jacob, Google Review


“Valerie has been my teacher for a year now, and I have had a private class with her twice a week. I am almost 50 years old. The thing I like about Pilates generally (having taken classes for years in a variety of settings) is the efficiency: there is no wasted movement and there is always something to work on improving. Taking private lessons with Valerie is efficient x100. Sometimes I try to cheat or do half of an exercise, and Valerie always gently corrects me, which lets me know she is watching everything I do. After a lesson with Valerie, I know that my joints are all in working order, I feel taller, in control of my muscles, and my abdomen feels tighter. She is a delightful person and pleasure to work with.”

– Sharon Seward, Google Review 


“Two years ago I began pilates with Valerie. When I started I was stiff all over. Even though I have issues with my back Valerie instructed with care and always conscious of my problem. She is enthusiastic, full of energy, encouraging, a perfect coach to make you want to do more. Two years later, all my joints are flexible, have no stiffness, can move my body, bent and touch the floor with my fingers. Before I did not like physical exercise, now I cannot wait to go to my pilates session to stretch, to exercise, to move my body. She is the best coach ever! ”

– Mary Dessypris, Google Review


I have had nothing but positive experiences at Core Pilates of Richmond. I was recovering from my disc problems and Valerie has coached me in fixing my posture which has helped a lot to recover sooner. Her extensive knowledge on body parts and its movements has enlightened me to do a lot of home exercises as well. I would recommend Core Pilates to anyone who is looking to get stronger through Pilates.

– Suhas Reddy – Google Review


Valerie is amazing! I am so blessed to have her as my Pilates instructor. She works hard to give me all the benefits of her training. Valerie is a talented attentive, caring and consistent teacher. She is fully engaged with my work out and gives me her complete attention. She modifies a session if I have an injury. Every session she challenges me to become stronger, to take it to the next level. She mixes up the routines to keep things interesting and to work different muscle groups and adds a stretching session in every once and a while to give me a break. Her attention to detail about my form is specific and her instructions are clear and her cues are colorful and easy to follow. I have been doing Pilates for 17 years and have never felt more engaged with my workouts! I look forward to her smiling face and hug every session. I would recommend Valerie to anyone who is looking for a private Pilates instructor.

– Teresa Perkins – Google Review


Absolutely wonderful session with Valerie. I haven’t done Pilates in over 2 years and she was wonderful and attentive. She challenged me and adjusted my form all while teaching me what I needed while working with my advanced Pilates partner. Can’t recommend her enough! Fantastic instructor!

– Danielle Bello – Google Review


A great uplifting experience. For the past 3 years I have been seeing Valerie for private pilates classes. I used to have a bad back that limited my range of motion and inhibited my ability to gain core strength. With Valerie’s guidance, my core is now SUPER strong and my back problems are all gone. The classes help center not only my body, but my mind as well. She has a calming effect that allows our work outs to be restorative rather than exhausting. I can’t say enough good things! Valerie is the BEST!

– Paige Healy – Google Review