Created in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates, Pilates is a mind-body exercise system designed to coordinate movement and breath together to work the smaller and deeper stabilizing muscles of the body as much as your prime movers. This means that Pilates aligns your entire body’s overall structure and supports its joints. What appears to look simple can be deceptively challenging and incredibly effective when done correctly with good form. Pilates has a strong focus on strengthening your core musculature, improving your flexibility, and enhancing your mind-body connection. It's more than just crunches and leg lifts—it's a system of controlled movements and precise postures that can help you improve your overall health and well-being. The optimal strength gained from a consistent Pilates practice is nonrigid, balancing strength with mobility and flexibility. It helps you move and breathe through your daily activities with more freedom and power and less pain.

STOTT Pilates is a specific approach to pilates that emphasizes scientific research and biomechanics. It offers specialized modifications for various needs and conditions, making it ideal for pre- and postnatal clients. The Stott Pilates method has a goal of restoring the spine’s natural curvature while promoting the rebalancing of the muscles around the joints, with a strong emphasis on scapular stabilization, lumbo-pelvic placement and postural alignment, and optimal muscle activation. While it still follows the major principles set forth by regular Pilates such as breathing, fluidity of movement, and concentration, it focuses more on the alignment of your posture, using props, and engaging in sequential exercise. STOTT PILATES incorporates modern exercise principles, including contemporary thinking on spinal rehabilitation, fascial integration, muscle conditioning and athletic performance enhancement. For example, some Piates methods, such as Classical Pilates, promote a flat back (imprinted spine), whereas STOTT PILATES exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and rebalance the muscles around the joints. Stott Pilates offers a number of benefits, including: Increasing stability and core strength Improving alignment and posture Building flexibility, coordination, and balance Increasing muscular balance and strength Improving muscular endurance and tone Helping to prevent injuries and increase body awareness Improving athletic performance Reducing stress and back pain

In many respects, Pilates and yoga are very similar. Both are mind-body methods of movement that emphasize deep breathing and smooth movements to increase mental and physical strength, flexibility, and balance. While yoga and Pilates both build core strength, enhance flexibility, improve posture and balance, have a strong breathing focus, and promote mindfulness and body control, there are a few key differences to each form of mindful exercise. Here's a breakdown of their key differences: Movement Approach: Yoga: Classes typically involve Flowing transitions through connected static postures (asanas) that are held for one to several breaths. The emphasis in yoga is on mindful movement synced with breathwork. Pilates: Sessions typically involve controlled, precise movements with an emphasis on core engagement, alignment, and breath. Exercises often involve repetitive sequences with controlled transitions, building strength and stability. Equipment: Yoga: Typically uses only a yoga mat, although blocks, straps, and bolsters can be used for support in certain poses. Pilates: Typically utilizes specialized equipment such as reformers, chairs, the trapeze table (or cadillac), weights, and other apparatus that provide resistance and support for various exercises. However, mat pilates uses only the body and sometimes props, and can be done anywhere. Intensity: Yoga: Varies widely depending on the style. Vinyasa and Ashtanga are more vigorous, while Yin and Restorative are gentler and focus on holding postures for long periods. Pilates: Can range from beginner-friendly mat classes to challenging apparatus work. Modifications are readily available for both, allowing adjustments for individual needs and fitness levels. Ultimately, the choice between yoga and pilates depends on your personal goals and preferences. Both offer incredible benefits for physical and mental well-being, so trying both and seeing which resonates with you could be the best approach! When you have a private session with me, I incorporate both Pilates and yoga exercise, depending on how you are feeling, what I think would be most beneficial to you each session, and your preference.

You can easily book a session through my "Book a Session" page, which will take you to my Wellness Living booking page. Here, you can choose a time that works best for you. If you have any specific needs or questions, or prefer to reach out to me to book directly, feel free to email me, and I’ll be happy to help out.

The frequency of your sessions depends on your goals and availability. For most clients, 2-3 sessions per week yield great results, but I’ll work with you to create a schedule that aligns with your lifestyle and objectives.

Wear comfortable, form-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. This helps me observe your movements and alignment. Pilates is usually done barefoot, but you can wear grip socks if you prefer.

Absolutely! Regular exercise during pregnancy is highly beneficial! Embracing an active lifestyle and prioritizing self-care during pregnancy and postpartum not only benefits your physical health; it also nurtures your emotional well-being. When you exercise regularly during pregnancy, you are keeping your body strong and active. I see such a difference in my clients who begin a regular exercise routine early in their pregnancy - they tend to feel much better into the end of their pregnancy, during birth, and postpartum as well. If you have a medical reason that prevents you from exercising during pregnancy (such as being on bed-rest), there are still low impact exercises that can be done from your bed to keep your muscles strong and ready to carry your baby. If you fall in this category, I am happy to come to you for private, extremely low-impact, safe, and beneficial, sessions from your home.

Yes! Pilates is a fantastic choice for pre- and postnatal fitness, offering numerous benefits like strength and stability, flexibility and mobility, pain management, and (when your Pilates teacher is also a birth & postpartum doula) childbirth + parenthood preparation. Pilates focuses on core engagement, which is not just your abs but also your back, hips, and pelvic floor muscles. Because of this, Pilates sessions help to build a strong foundation to support your changing body throughout pregnancy. Improved core strength and body awareness as well as specific exercises that help you mentally work through physically challenging exercises can significantly benefit the birthing process. Strengthening these core muscles also helps to prevent or alleviate common pregnancy discomforts like low back pain, sciatica, pubic-symphysis disorder, round ligament pain - the list goes on and on. Gentle stretches and controlled movements help you maintain and even improve your flexibility, helping you adapt to your physical changes comfortably. An additional benefit of private Pilates and/or yoga sessions is that they promote mental well-being: Sessions are not just about physical strength and flexibility but also about cultivating mental strength and flexibility as well as a strong mind-body connection. Our time together is aimed to help you develop body awareness, improve breathing techniques, and promote a balanced nervous system. These skills are invaluable during birth - they will teach you how to work with physical discomfort and navigate the birthing process - whether that might look like for you. These are also invaluable skills to have as a parent and human in our busy world.

In my opinion, this question has a nuanced answer. That is because both traditional cultures as well as your OB or Midwife will tell you to not exercise for the first 6 weeks - 3 month, HOWEVER, as someone who has had a kid, I can attest that taking care of a newborn baby during that "fourth trimester" is VERY physical, and I believe that there are some forms of exercise (ah-hem Pilates and yoga) that when done smartly can support your body during this time. I always tell my clients that they should come back for sessions after birth when they are ready. For my clients who are craving that self-care and intelligent exercise in the first few weeks postpartum we work really gently targeted exercises that open the shoulders that can get sore from so much holding and hunching over the baby, use the breath to connect to the deep core muscles, which helps you stabilize your core during all those hours of baby holding + baby equipment carrying. We stretch and breathe and give you some time to process your pregnancy, birth, and the experience of welcoming a new live, or lives, into your home. We gradually build up the intensity of the workouts as time passes and based on how you are feeling. As the first few weeks, months, and years of raising children pass, there will be times where you come to my studio feeling energized and other times when you will feel tired or drained; Based on how you are feeling in the moment you step into the studio, i will tailor your session to how you are feeling that day, so you walk away from your session feeling better. Three things to note 1. If you are newly postpartum and want a session but don't have the time or energy to leave your house, I offer in-home sessions. If you would like in-home sessions, you also have the option to tack on yoni steams and/or abhyanga massage to your session. I can also provide guidance on baby care, breast or bottle feeding, pumping, and taking care of yourself and your wellbeing. 2. Postpartum does NOT only refer to the first three months, the first year, or even the first 5 years after your last birth. Once you are postpartum you are always postpartum! Do not hesitate to reach out if you gave birth 5, 10, 25 years ago and are interested in booking sessions! 3. As much as I'm a proponent of giving yourself the care of private Pilates/yoga sessions postpartum when you are ready, I also emphasize that prioritizing rest, healthy eating, and emotional support is the most crucial during this time.

Pilates is fantastic for postpartum recovery! I almost feel like Pilates was MADE for postpartum recovery! Which sort of makes sense since it was initially created for rehab purposes. Pilates strengthens weakened muscles, improves core stability, and promotes pelvic floor health, aiding in recovery and rebuilding your pre-pregnancy body. Postpartum recovery requires care and attention to restore your body's strength and vitality. It is important to work with someone who understands the nature and nuances of the postpartum body and the specific work required for a healthy and strong recovery post pregnancy and birth. Through Pilates, you'll find moments of tranquility and a deeper connection with your body, allowing you to navigate the emotional and physical challenges of parenthood with greater ease.

Pilates is safe for pregnancy, especially when done with the right precautions and modifications. Pregnancy is a period that can present unique physical challenges and changes. To support pregnant clients in their journey, I offer a program that combines private Pilates sessions with the expertise of a birth and postpartum doula. Sessions are designed to empower my clients to nurture your body and prepare for birth and beyond. Maintaining physical fitness during pregnancy can help alleviate the various aches of pregnancy and keeps the body strong for birth. It also sets you up for a strong postpartum recovery. My Pilates sessions provide a holistic approach to strengthen and condition the body and can be as mindful and targeted as a physical therapy session or as athletic as a lifting class; but always with a focus on posture, breath, flexibility, endurance, and enhancing core strength, while remaining mindful that the belly needs to grow to accommodate baby. Specialized exercises alleviate discomfort, reduce muscle tension, and promote overall well-being. The benefit of working with a certified Pilates instructor who also understands the physicality and mechanics of birth, you can trust that each movement is safe, effective, tailored to your changing body, while remaining mindful of your future birth and postpartum body.

Regular exercise can be a valuable tool for promoting overall health and potentially improving fertility chances. Here's how it can help: Increased blood flow: Physical activity improves blood flow, including to the reproductive organs, which can positively impact fertility in several ways: Nourishing Eggs and Sperm: Improved circulation delivers vital nutrients and oxygen to the testes and ovaries, supporting healthy egg and sperm development. This can enhance sperm motility (movement) and egg quality, improving their chances of meeting and forming a viable embryo. Optimizing the Uterine Environment: Enhanced blood flow to the uterus thickens the endometrial lining, creating a more receptive environment for implantation of a fertilized egg. This increases the chances of a successful pregnancy taking hold. Hormone Regulation: Improved circulation can influence hormonal balance, impacting fertility-related hormones like estrogen and progesterone. These hormones play crucial roles in regulating the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and preparing the body for pregnancy. Improved Immune Function: Adequate blood flow helps maintain a healthy immune system in the reproductive organs. This reduces inflammation, which can hinder embryo implantation and overall reproductive health. Overall Well-being: Increased blood flow is a marker of overall physical health and vitality. This can translate to better fertility potential as it signifies a well-functioning body, ready for the demands of pregnancy. Stress reduction: Chronic stress can negatively impact fertility. Exercise is a well-known stress reliever, aiding in hormonal balance and creating a more favourable environment for conception. Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight, especially for those with obesity or PCOS, is crucial for optimal hormonal balance and ovulation. Regular exercise can help with weight management, leading to improved fertility chances. Hormonal balance: As stated above, exercise can positively influence various hormones essential for fertility, like estrogen, progesterone, and insulin. Lowering stress hormones like cortisol, which can affect ovulation, is another benefit. Improved sleep: Regular exercise can promote better sleep patterns, also playing a role in regulating hormones and reducing stress, both beneficial for fertility. Mental well-being: Exercise enhances mood and overall well-being, which can be especially helpful for couples struggling with fertility challenges. Important notes: The type and intensity of exercise matters. Moderate-intensity workouts for 30 minutes most days of the week are recommended. Excessive exercise can have the opposite effect and negatively impact fertility. Consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any health concerns. Remember, exercise is just one piece of the puzzle. Other factors like diet, age, and pre-existing medical conditions can also influence fertility

While exercise and activity are an important component for a healthy body, losing weight can be a complex journey, and there's no single, guaranteed solution. Pilates is not an exercise method that is focused on weight loss, but it can contribute to a healthy weight management plan by building muscle. Building muscle impacts your metabolism in significant ways, making it a worthwhile pursuit for boosting your overall calorie burning and health. Here's how: Increased Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR): BMR is the energy your body burns at rest for basic functions like breathing, digestion, and circulation. Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns more calories than fat even at rest. Each pound of muscle burns approximately 6 calories per day compared to 2 calories for fat. So, as you build muscle, your BMR increases, leading to a higher overall calorie burn throughout the day, even while you're not actively exercising. Improved Exercise Performance and Muscle Memory: Building muscle makes you stronger and more efficient in your movements, allowing you to burn more calories during exercise. Additionally, muscle growth creates an "afterburn" effect, where your body continues to burn calories at an elevated rate even after your workout is finished. Over time, muscle memory allows your body to rebuild muscle faster if you take breaks from training, even though your BMR might temporarily decrease. Overall Benefits: Building muscle can help you: Lose weight or maintain a healthy weight by burning more calories overall. Improve your body composition, leading to a leaner and more toned physique. Increase strength and endurance, allowing you to perform daily activities and exercise with greater ease. Enhance bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Improve insulin sensitivity, potentially reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Boost your mood and self-esteem by feeling stronger and fitter. Remember: Building muscle takes time and consistent effort. Don't expect overnight results. Combine strength training with a balanced diet to achieve optimal results. Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Building muscle is not just about aesthetics; it's an investment in your overall health and well-being. With dedication and the right approach, you can experience the significant metabolic benefits of increased muscle mass and reap the rewards of a fitter, healthier you.

My Pilates sessions are designed for everyone—whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, navigating the changes of aging, undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, or simply looking to maintain or improve your fitness. I also specialize in prenatal and postpartum care, providing tailored support during these transformative stages.

I combine the principles of TCM with Pilates by focusing on the body’s energy flow and balance. This holistic approach addresses not just the physical aspects of movement but also the energetic and emotional components, promoting overall wellness.

Absolutely! My sessions are carefully customized to support recovery and promote healing. I’ll work with you to create a safe and effective plan that helps you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility at a pace that suits your body’s needs.

Yes, Pilates is an excellent way to maintain and even improve strength, flexibility, and balance as you age. My sessions are adapted to meet your fitness level and focus on enhancing your physical capabilities while minimizing the risk of injury.