Spark Pilates

Since 2019, Spark Pilates has partnered with Core Compassion Project

Core Compassion Project is a nonprofit with a purpose of providing Pilates scholarships, specialized fitness bras and lymphedema sleeves for breast cancer patients and survivors.

Join us on Saturday, October 24th @ 9:30am for a donation based Mat class The White Oak Cottage. Afterwards, stay for breakfast and support a small business who has supported this cause for 3 years.

“An opportunity like this becomes more than Pilates, it is an opportunity to create community amongst warriors so no one has to fight alone.” - Lisa (our warrior!)

Help us recognize and support women on this journey. 💕

Spooky season is here! 🦇🕷️🎃

Thank you Balloons by Lindsay for the batty balloon display.

Thank you Abbey Guffey for snapping these photos.

How my experience as a classically trained ballet dancer, injured for 10 years, guided me towards working with students with pain and injuries.

I was 12 years old when I was cast as Clara in the Nutcracker. That was an exciting time in my life however, this is the moment my injuries began. During that season my training intensified and there was more pressure and expectations from others on me.

At 12 years old my body was growing and changing as I moved into adolescence. At this period of time, it is not uncommon for highly trained female athletes to develop injuries. A stress fracture in my foot was the first injury.

Following my role of Clara, more opportunities presented themselves to train and perform at a higher level with older peers. I was 14 years old when I began experiencing shin splints. My mindset at the time was to push through because the cost of being an injured dancer was too great; a loss of performing opportunities, a regression in ability, a loss of self-worth.

By the time I had reached my early 20s, my body could not push through any further. My shin splints had progressed to stress fractures on the tibia. I would loose feeling in my feet and control over my lower leg muscles while performing. I was regularly at some level of pain and no amount of ice, heat, rest or Advil would resolve that.

I had seen a primary care physician, physical therapist and consulted numerous dance instructors- no one was able to help me. No one, until at 26 years old I booked a private Pilates session with an experienced Pilates instructor. (More on that to come.)

Unfortunately my experience with injuries extends beyond those earlier years. I have tested and pushed my body.

My experience often has similarities with my student’s experiences. I physically understand what it is like to be injured. I understand how an injury can challenge you mentally and emotionally. I have been there.

I spy spooky eyes watching you 👀

Happy National Daughters Day!!! 💕😊

Student Spotlight 💡

To many, Lisa is a Pilates instructor who teaches thoughtfully, enthusiastically and for the early risers. While Lisa is a Pilates instructor, she remains a student. A lifelong learner with a health and wellness journey that precedes her time at Spark.

Lisa has been active her entire life. It was in the military she found her passion for all things health and wellness. An avid runner and weight lifter during her 20 years of service in the United States Army, the constant pounding along with military training took its toll on her body.

After her military service ended, she looked for alternative ways to continue her passions, but albeit a little bit wiser and gentler. It was then she first discovered Pilates and the positive impacts it had not only in managing pain, but also improvements in mood, body awareness, posture and core strength. However, it was a cancer diagnosis that encouraged her to pursue her practice with renewed commitment and with a determination to share what she has learned with others.

Lisa holds a Masters Degree in Sports and Health Sciences with a concentration in Chronic Illness. She is a student of education and movement and an exceptional Pilates instructor.

Congratulations to South Shore Boutique on turning 14 years old!!!