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Multi-level Mat Classes Are Back at Pure Pilates!

We stopped offering group classes awhile back and are excited about re-launching them virtually. It’s the perfect time to tell you how learning to see “gray” helped me become a proficient Pilates teacher and how my version of the best mat class was created.

Growing up, I was taught black and white by my parents. Things were good or bad, right or wrong, one way or the other. I got really good at picking sides, making judgments and becoming a fabulous debater about why I was “right”.  My husband, Rico, says that even when he knew I was completely wrong, my argument made him believe it was his fault!

I am not sure when seeing gray became a thing for me.  I do know it’s directly related to the work I’ve done through talk therapy, meditation and all those self-improvement books sitting on my shelf.  But today, seeing gray was clearly part of my being when I opened my studio in 2007. The 2008 economic downturn certainly took my very black and white business plan and forced me to re-invent and survive in a very gray time.

Pure Pilates opened with private sessions and mat classes.  Multi-level mat classes. From the beginning, anyone who wanted to participate in group classes at our studio had to learn the ABC’s of Pilates or what our teacher’s call the Fundamentals.  To get the most out of Pilates, we wanted a new student to know the basics of breath, where to move from (the core of course) and become an independent mover. Our clients would be guided through movement by their teacher, but ultimately, we wanted the student to understand what was best for their body. This was not the one size fits all approach.

Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced mat classes were (and still are) very popular, but I just couldn’t wrap my head around how we could “label” which clients could be in what class.  I have trained amazing athletes who could muscle their way through an advanced mat class, but truly didn’t have the core strength or the flexibility to do it correctly! And you can be an advanced mover but have limitations that must be taken into consideration. So multi-level mat became our thing – come in, invest in your private sessions, learn the fundamentals, learn how to move your body safely and you could join group classes.  The rest was up to our talented teachers!

Doing Pilates takes focus and precision but there are so many ways to be a successful mover in a Pilates workout. Teaching multi-level mat is challenging – it’s all about seeing gray. It’s problem solving in the moment. It’s assisting the student to find their “Pilates Body” versus the one size fits all approach. Up-leveling or down-leveling Joe Pilate’s original work is how our staff offers a unique and successful workout for each and every client.

I invite you to give the multi-level experience a try. Our instructor, Laura K. teaches the class virtually on Thursday nights at 6pm. For some of you who are new to the PP community, I don’t recommend this format until you understand the ABC’s of Pilates or if 60 minutes of movement is just a bit too much to start with. If you want to start a Pilates practice, try a virtual flash 15 package or schedule an in-studio Private Consultation.

For the experienced movers, you may enjoy the challenge of this class.  Laura will take you through a total body mat workout, while offering modifications and variations to give options for what YOUR body needs. They will offer shades of gray – no black and white.

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Katie is a passionate mover who was brought to Pilates through dance. After a professional dance career, Katie discovered her love of teaching-connecting the mind and body, and working with students of all ages and levels. Her appreciation and understanding of everyone’s ever changing body and needs only became greater as her own body went through pre and post natal stages, an experience which has helped Katie navigate problem solving, and bring a freshness to each session making them feel personal and specific to each body’s needs. Her sessions are full of flow and aim to challenge clients with a sense of comfort, and often a little humor, all of which she has brought to Pure Pilates since 2016. Katie thinks the gift of movement and self care is one of the best things one can do for overall wellness, and is thrilled to seek and fulfill milestones and goals with each of her clients. When she’s not at the studio, Katie is taking care of her three little humans- another job that also makes her smile, laugh, and challenges her on the daily.
Eighteen years ago I discovered my love for Pilates. After having my two children, I felt the need to move my body again. At the time I was living in North Carolina, and worked through many different exercise and training programs. I discovered Pilates, and instantly knew it was right for me. Forteen years later, and a move to New Jersey, I decided to share my love of Pilates with other people looking for some way to move their bodies. Pilates has also been a way for me to keep me strong and flexible to continue many activities. My family loves to be active, and I often find when we are all together (mostly vacations) our days consist of activity and movement such as hiking, kayaking, or skiing(more on this later). As I have gotten older I find it even more imperative now that I keep my body strong. Recently I was in a skiing accident that left me with many knee injuries and ultimately having to go into surgery. I found being able to do light Pilates a few weeks after surgery kept me sane and ultimately helped with recovery time. Pilates has not only helped me be able to keep up with my children, but has also provided me with a body that is able to function at peak performance. My approach to Pilates can be described in one, simple word: movement. Movement can help you, both physically and mentally. Movement, and Pilates, is ultimately about self care. Having a built in time to focus on your body and movement can help relieve yourself of feeling tired, anxious, and stressed. Movement awakens you. Even after one session you can leave feeling calmer and energized.
Enjoyment of life through movement is a vital part of Kathy’s philosophy. When not in the studio she leads an active lifestyle trail running, cycling, skiing and hiking. She also loves connecting with people while traveling with family and friends. One of her favorite cycling trips was riding along the coast of northern California. Learning new things and sharing knowledge is also important to Kathy. She has a passion for food, likes to cook for her family and experiment with new recipes. She is currently trying to achieve the perfect pizza. She is also an avid reader of historical fiction and biographies. Her latest endeavor is learning to play golf.
Carol M. Crincoli, owner Pure Pilates studio, has been in the fitness industry since 1990, with experience in corporate and commercial fitness, recreational programming and teaching as an adjunct professor. She began practicing Pilates in 2003 and received Pilates training through the PhysicalMind Institute in New York, NY. She holds certifications from the Pilates Method Alliance (PMA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a group exercise instructor, personal trainer and lifestyle and weight management consultant. She was also accepted into the IDEA-PFT Recognition System as an Elite Level Personal Fitness Trainer. She is the only trainer in the NY-metro area for Trent McEntire’s Arcus equipment. Carol graduated from the Boston Conservatory of Music with a BFA in musical theater and a minor in dance. Opening Pure Pilates is the culmination of a lifetime dream, and her mission to "inspire life from the core" is a holistic approach to health and wellness—from exercise and nutrition, to stress management and self-care. Carol is also the inventor of 8th Avenue Rail, an organizing solution for Tower springs.