Every year as a certified pilates instructor, I have to take continuing education. This year the STOTT Total Barre program was offered and I signed up mostly to get my credits completed to keep my certification.
My mind flashed back to dance class and recitals in glitzy costumes. But really it’s nothing like that. Barre is a combination of postures from ballet, pilates and yoga. All three disciplines lengthen and strengthen opposing muscle groups to restore postural balance. It has more of a dance component than yoga or pilates. If you don’t like to dance, you probably won’t like it.
Exercises are done on the mat or using a ballet barre for stability. Movements are generally small and isometric targeting specific muscle groups (think glutes) alternating with tracks that are intended for cardiovascular benefit. Repetitions are done to the beat of the music with some segments highly choreographed. Each class offers a full body work out, and hand weights are incorporated to increase the intensity of the exercises.
It gets your heart rate up and certain muscle groups will definitely be “feeling a burn”. The choreography can be challenging but tracks remain set without changing for a period of time. The music is motivating and the exercises are lots of fun.
Barre is not a replacement for a solid pilates practice but rather a nice extension to your training program. If you like dance, you will like it.
SDK Pilates is great! So far I’ve taken Pilates classes with Steph and Nancy, and I’m looking forward to Yoga with Mark. Currently working on core strengthening, shoulder mechanics, overall conditioning, and my golf game.
My experience with SDK Pilates has been outstanding. All of the instructors have been knowledgeable and welcoming. All levels of fitness and capabilities are embraced, addressed and challenged. Individual needs are seamlessly met with in the class. Every class is different and I always walk out feeling better than when I walked in. I take Pilates twice a week and wish I could take it every day!
“SDK Pilates’ yoga instructors are beyond wonderful and very reliable. Our community and hospital staff truly enjoy the classes and we are extremely thankful for their partnership with us.”
I have taken yoga and Pilates classes from Stephanie for many years, and I can say that she is terrific. Her background in physical medicine and rehab makes her uniquely qualified to instruct and coach with a focus in balanced strengthening, proper alignment, and prevention of injury. I enjoy the low key environment at the studio, and have made many friends in her classes.
I love the classes and instructors at SDK Pilates! Stephanie, the owner, has been a tremendous help to me with understanding challenges I face with a bad hip. Her expertise and medical background have helped me select exercises that are appropriate for me and I have learned there are still plenty of things that I can do to strengthen my body! At other places, I sometimes overdid my workouts (and hurt myself) – SDK’s instructors have helped me increase my flexibility and strengthen my body in a s…
Stephanie’s class is well-paced, challenging yet welcoming for first timers and those who are more experienced. She offers seamless coaching throughout and her enthusiasm and energy is inspirational.
“Sandi and Elaine have the ability to deliver a class that meets the needs of all attendees in the class, even when there is different levels of experience.They have a great manner of presenting poses and ensure good form for a safe and enjoyable Yoga class.”
I have been a client of Stephanie’s for several years. What I think makes her stand out from other studios is that she was a doctor & understands each individual clients bodies. The new studio is airy spacious & calming
SDK Pilates is wonderful! I have been taking classes from Stephanie for a number of years and thoroughly enjoy both her Pilates and therapeutic yoga sessions. Her training as a doctor enables her to work around physical limitations and injuries and strengthen weaknesses. She has helped me immensely with chronic shoulder issues. The fun nature of the classes, the camaraderie of the attendees and the great workout make SDK classes my favorite way to exercise!
Pilates has been a wonderful experience both physically and mentally – it relieves stress and gets your body in a “can do” spirit to stretch and feel good. The instructors are the best and the people I’ve met in class are fun to be with. Friendships develop. I will do this forever!
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