New Year, New You

Bodies by Pilates may be the solution to your weight loss resolution.

As 2007 comes to a close, we reflect on the past year and look to 2008 as a time to make changes in our lives. Millions of Americans will make the popular New Year’s resolution to shed extra pounds. But what if you hate stepping foot in the gym? And what if you are embarrassed to work out in front of lots of other people? That is where Bodies by Pilates comes in.

“I don’t like exercise, but I love Pilates,” says Audra Smith, co-owner of Bodies by Pilates. Having a sister who has been a Pilates instructor and certification teacher for seven years in Springfield, Missouri, Audra saw the need in south Tulsa for a high-quality Pilates studio. She set out on a mission and recruited her mother, Denise, to join her. The two began a two-year certification program in Springfield, one of several Pilates certification centers in the country.

Following their intense anatomy-based training and testing, Audra and Denise opened Bodies by Pilates as a home business. “Our client base grew tremendously, and we got more and more requests to open a bigger studio outside our home,” Denise says. A year and a half later, the duo has finally moved into their current space at 101st and Sheridan. Since November 26, the two women have enjoyed better serving clients in their new, larger studio.

Available at Bodies by Pilates are sessions for individuals, duets and groups of three to four people. While most clients take classes twice a week, others visit the studio more frequently. In addition to Pilates, the Smiths recommend maintaining a well-balanced diet and keeping up a regular cardio program for successful weight loss.

Bodies By Pilates teaches the STOTT PILATES® method. Its contemporary approach to delivering strength, flexibility and endurance aims to restore the natural curve of the spine. “Balance is a big part of life,” Denise says. As one of many types of Pilates, the Stott method rebalances muscles, increases mobility and creates body awareness.

Since the new studio has opened, Denise and Audra have seen many new faces. While many clients just want to increase their overall strength and flexibility, Bodies by Pilates sees many clients with osteopenia, plantar fasciitis and other injuries. “We see lots of injured shoulders, backs and knees,” Denise mentions. “One client with a rotator cuff injury began Pilates and has since seen improved range of motion.”

“We have clients ranging in age from 25 to 74,” Audra says. “And they are not just women!” According to the Smiths, many golfers take Pilates classes at their studio to improve their overall game. “Pilates teaches flexibility, how to bend down properly and just functional skills for everyday activities,” Denise adds. “It makes people stronger and able to use their bodies in ways they couldn’t before.” Also having been known to take Pilates are Washington Redskins football players, Tiger Woods, Sting, Madonna and other celebrities.

Not sure if Pilates is for you? Bodies by Pilates offers an introductory class for just $35. Clients will work one-on-one with an instructor for 55 minutes to assess personal fitness needs and learn the basics of the equipment and exercises.

For more information, call (918) 528-6161 or stop by and visit Audra and Denise at their new studio in the Forest Trails Shopping Center. More information can also be found online at www.bodies-by-pilates.com. Call today to join a group or schedule your own Pilates appointment. And keep an eye out for Pee Wee Pilates classes for children in the future, as well as Silver Flex for seniors. What are you waiting for? Get moving!

For more information, contact

Bodies By Pilates

(918) 528-6161

www.bodies-by-pilates.com