Pilates Life Studio

Our Group Apparatus 1 classes are very special and we love them around here at the studio.

All our classes are led by a Kinesiologist (Amy) or kinesiology university student (Gwyneth). We understand movement inside and out.

We adapt each individual class to the group of clients participating.

We take the client’s injuries, issues, limitations, and ability level and program accordingly. We also listen to the advice from your physio, chiro, dr, and osteo to guide your movement in class.

Group Apparatus 1 classes focus on building functional movement patterns working with pre-Pilates (physiotherapy style exercises) and foundational Pilates exercises to build strength, endurance, coordination, balance, flexibility, and core stability.

This level is perfect for those who are new or newer to Pilates, those who need to build important muscular connections, those who like a slower transitional pace, or for those rehabilitating an injury.

All new clients are asked to attend four Group Apparatus 1 classes (or several privates) to learn the basics, before deciding whether to move up to the Group Apparatus 2 level or stick at the first level for longer. The first level sets each client up for success to become stronger for the higher level of exercises.

We have a very special offer for new clients: 4-pack of drop in Group Apparatus 1 classes at our much discounted membership rate. You get to try the studio out and see if it’s a good fit for you. Link for more info in profile.

Depending on the theme of the class, clients benefit from using a variety of Pilates Apparatus: reformer, wunda chair, tower, arm chair, barrels, and other Pilates apparatus, like foot corrector, toe corrector, 2x4, bean bag, etc.

We’d love to meet you! Please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have, we are glad to help.

Meagan has done it again!

Our family photos for my graduation are so lovely. Thank you Meagan ❤️🤗

I started my journey to complete my Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology university degree in January 2022. And graduated this Spring 2026.

I have been in the fitness industry as a certified Personal Trainer since 1999. I later added yoga teacher, group exercise instructor, and Pilates teacher certifications.

Through out my career I have always wanted to finish my degree in Kinesiology. I tried when my children were younger, but it was too much at that time.

So four years ago, I set out on my journey. It was challenging juggling family life, taking care of the pups, making time for dear friends, and opening the studio all while taking university classes. It has also been rewarding. I truly love learning, so I really enjoyed delving more into the science of movement.

Thank you to my family and friends for your support. As well as my fabulous clients who inspire me to teach. You make this career so worth it. I get to teach healing movement to such an amazing group of clients, you are a gift ❤️

Please note: two of the photos were taken at the commencement ceremony taken by me and my son Harrison. The rest were Meagan.

The last few photos I couldn’t help myself but post, Meagan took gorgeous photos of my pups: Cassie, Murphy, and Sophie 🥰❤️

Three years ago I came across a recent meta-analysis researching which modes of exercise reduce low back pain and wrote a short article about it.

This massive meta-analysis looked at 118 randomized control trials (RCT) of ways to reduce LBP and to determine which type of exercise is best for reducing pain and disability in adults with chronic LBP.

RCTs reduce bias and provide a rigorous tool to examine cause-effect relationships between an intervention and outcome, so analyzing 118 RCTs is an amazing way to see accurate outcomes (Hariton & Locascio, 2018).

This particular study looked at LBP and different modes of exercise:

* Stretching
* Generic strength workouts
* McKenzie method
* Aerobic workouts
* Pilates
* Core-based workouts
* Specific motor control exercises

Pilates had the highest likelihood for reducing pain (93%) and disability (98%) (Fernández-Rodríguez et al., 2022).

Full article linked in profile

Photos by

Phew 😮‍💨 we did it!

Vancouver Sun Run 10k

And even with all the amazing 58,000 runners Gwyneth (60:00) and I (59:12) were able to improve our 10k run time from last year - woot woot!!

Great start to the summer racing season 😍🤩

Thank you Vancouver Sun Run and other participants for making this event so enjoyable 🏃‍♂️ 🏃🏻‍♀️ 🏃

Awhile ago I wrote an article about a 2012 meta analysis that demonstrated that moderate intensity aerobic exercise and resistance training reduces the sensitivity to painful stimuli in healthy individuals and those living with chronic pain.

We get stronger, gain energy, fix muscle imbalances that can lead to pain and/or injury, and now we know exercise also builds our tolerance of pain.

My form of resistance training is Pilates on the apparatus. The springs, equipment, and our body weight are all forms of resistance within the Pilates system. My fave aerobic exercise is running 5k to 10k.

To read full article, link in profile.

Resources
Naugle, Kelly M., et al. “A Meta-Analytic Review of the Hypoalgesic Effects of Exercise.” The Journal of Pain, vol. 13, no. 12, Dec. 2012, pp. 1139–50. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2012.09.006.

Photo credit: and

This amazing piece of Pilates apparatus is also called a Step Barrel.

The Spine Corrector consists of a rounded surface called barrel or hump. There is a step attached to the hump, with a well and a lip. There are sturdy metal handles on each side.

The Spine Corrector was designed by Joseph Pilates to correct imbalances or weaknesses of the spine.

It’s amazing to building a strong core 🔥🔥🔥

We use it to lengthen and strengthen the torso, shoulders, back, and hips. It’s an ideal piece of equipment for aligning and mobilizing the spine while also helping to improve posture by stretching the chest.

We have six high quality Spine Correctors, one in our private studio and five in the main studio for each client in our small group Pilates apparatus classes.

Photo credit by the amazing

I LOVE doing Pilates. It feels great and does my body good. I feel muscularly connected and more flexible.

One of the main reasons I have a regular Pilates practice is the corrective aspect. Classical Pilates exercises promote optimal movement that heals and strengthens.

Due to imbalances from the way we move (or hold positions) during our daily lives, as well as, from our previous and present injuries our joints and movement patterns become misaligned.

Most people don’t think about these dysfunctional movement patterns until the misalignments began to appear as painful symptoms. It’s important to know no one moves perfectly all the time, it’s impossible! A goal for our clients is to help realign and rebalance the body to help reduce pain and discomfort and increase strength around each joint.

A 2008 study demonstrates well how important alignment is for the body for pain and strength. Link of full article in profile.

Studio photo credit:

Study:
Research Report Titled “Effect of the Scapula Reposition Test on Shoulder Impingement Symptoms and Elevation Strength in Overhead Athletes” from Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, January 2008, Volume 38, Number 1