As someone with a passion for movement and well-being, I was naturally drawn to Pilates.

I was exposed to movement during my childhood years as a dancer and after graduating college, I began practicing yoga as a mental and physical outlet.

I moved to Detroit so I could pursue my Masters degree in Acting. I wanted to focus my mind, body, and spirit on a transformation bigger than myself. I’ve realized through my studies and Pilates training that I want to help other artists like me reconnect with their bodies.

Since we've been back at the studio, the biggest change for me has been wearing a mask. Though our cleaning protocol is a little more intense, we have always kept a very clean studio and I haven't really felt much of a change there. Even coming through one door and leaving through another hasn't been much of an adjustment.

My dear friend and colleague, Holly Furgason, owner of Blue Sparrow Pilates in San Francisco sent me this note recently.

Dear Nancy,

The Pilates field should be a reflection of our larger society and be a leader in creating diverse, inclusive, and equitable spaces for movement.

Greetings:

I want to discuss coronavirus. Like you, I am unsure whether the virus will affect our area, but we have to be diligent to protect each other.

Over 23 years I have heard from many of you that our uber clean studio is one of the reasons you love equilibrium.

Have you already taken Mat and Reformer or maybe only one of these courses? Are you wondering why it might be a great idea to take CCB?

I'd like to answer you with a resounding YES!!

After taking Mat and or Reformer you may think that you have enough of a selection of exercises to keep all of your clients happy.

Doing your observation hours can be a challenge. Most of us get interested in Pilates because we enjoy movement which can make it difficult to sit and watch someone else workout.

Here are a few tips to get you through the hour:

Put away your phone.

In 1998 I heard about Equilibrium from an acquaintance who had been teaching Pilates for many years in her home. I took a session with her and she told me about this new studio that was open in Bloomfield Hills. She suggested maybe I should check it out.

When STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor Beth Albert-Quinley opened her home studio, Core Resolutions Pilates and Fitness Studio, in 2007, one of her first clients was a woman who wanted to get back in shape after her pregnancy.

Mary Alice has been my client for 5 years this month (Happy MELTiversary Mary Alice! ), so I decided to interview her about her MELT practice and share her experience. If you've never heard of MELT, MELT is hands off manual therapy. We use a soft foam roller and small balls to balance your nervous system and hydrate your connective tissue system to help reduce inflammation and pain.