The Pilates Nook

I’m a dude and so I’m pretty wary of super female oriented anything. So this place was s total surprise. I thought I would walk in to a place that sold yoga pants and pushed ideology like «Get your Pilates Body!!!» and «this one’s a good cellulite killer».
But to my complete shock, this was mainly all about movement education.
Now, let me clear about that:
It can be a VERY hard workout. It can also be about prepping your muscles and unwinding stupid patterns I’ve gotten myself into so that I can do what used to come easily for me.
Let me give you my best example out of MANY:
I started having MAJOR lower back pain. Out of the blue. It went on for several weeks. And so I went in and told my instructor and she did a deliberately slow and thoughtful analysis of my movement, when things irritated me, when movement soothed me. And she finally said, «There’s basically nothing wrong with your back. But your hips are SUPER tight.»
And I was like, «What’s that got to do with my back?» (I didn’t vocalize this)
And so she gave me a bunch homework and movement I was required to do at home.
Let me pause here to say, I’m a 32 year old dude, with no injuries or weight problems or limitations in my mobility. IF you saw me, you would think I was healthy and in shape.
Now, after a week of this homework for my hips, my back started to feel less strain. Then after two to three weeks, I only felt the pain in the mornings. Then after a month, it was completely gone. Then I stopped doing the homework. .. and guess what. .. it all came back.
So, take that for what it’s worth. I’ve lost 10 lbs and I’m also constantly realizing how much more fluidly I live my life. Bending down to pick up a shoe used to be a stretch for me. Not anymore. Neck and shoulder pain plagued me in my early 20’s when I sat at a computer desk all day. That’s been gone for over a year now.
I feel younger and more agile than I did 10 years ago. And I can see it in other people that they are not taking any time to maintain and repattern their movements as they get into their 30’s — so I expect to see a lot of my friends getting surgery when they honestly just need to be moving with the gifted instructors at this studio.

I was an Infantryman in the US Army for thirteen years, and accustomed to a high level of physical fitness. After a series of back injuries, I was no longer able to exercise in any way that fulfilled my need. My physical therapist recommended The Pilates Nook, and not only does Pilates provide an excellent workout, my back and core have been strengthened to the point I now am comfortable adding some cardio equipment to my regimen.
The instructors are fantastic, each with an excellent level of knowledge of the human body. They are quick to suggest accommodations if needed, and due to the small class sizes are able to spend ample amount of individual time with each student if needed.
I was initially concerned about the price, however the benefits far exceed the cost. I was transformed from someone who was looking at the potential of not being able to lead any sort of physical life at all to seeing light at the end of the tunnel.

I began attending The Pilates Nook at the recommendation of my physical therapist as a no-​impact option for building strength. I began attending in October, and the difference in the way my body performs is remarkable. The biggest change is my overall awareness of my body and posture. Because of the feedback I get in class, I think more about how my body is aligned throughout the day. I also feel increased core strength that has helped me with other activities such as running and yoga.
The best thing about The Pilates Nook is the instructors. Both Stephanie and Deborah made me feel instantly welcome and comfortable learning new skills. They always provide modifications as they are needed and because the class sizes are small, they can pay very careful attention to each individual student.
If you are interested in pilates, this is absolutely the place to learn more. You will be in the hands of great instructors, in a beautiful studio, enjoying class with friendly people. What more could you want?

I tried yoga on several occasions and always felt awkward and tangled. I decided to try Pilates and it has changed the way I see mind/​body exercise. Stephanie makes you feel comfortable, no matter your experience level. She talks you through the positions with such precise detail, it makes you feel like a pro! After 5 months of consistent classes, I can definitely tell a difference in my strength and endurance in other activities. If I could, I’d go every day!