Mixed-level reformer classes at Speakeasy Pilates are great for beginners. Many studios require students to complete beginner Pilates before joining other classes. Clients often ask whether reformer Pilates needs strict levels to be safe. The answer depends less on levels and more on teaching. A lot of Pilates studios run on a school system. You take beginner classes. You’re observed. You’re approved. Then — and only then — you’re allowed into the next room. It’s orderly. I

A Fundamental reformer class at Speakeasy Pilates in Lexington, Virginia. (And why our Fundamental and Tower Power classes are designed to work for almost everyone) People sometimes ask why Speakeasy Pilates doesn’t have a class labeled “Beginner.” It’s not because we don’t work with beginners. We do, all the time. It’s because the word beginner  doesn’t actually tell you much—and in a small town, it can be more limiting than helpful. Lexington, Virginia has about 8,000 pe

We’ve all heard it a million times in exercise class: “Engage your core! Engage your core!”   But what does that actually mean? Think of...

Mary here is an incredible runner! I love working with runners! They show up fit, strong, disciplined.  One of the things I like to work...

Merrithew reformer springs: How often should you replace them and why are these suckers so expensive? If you’ve ever peeked at...

Ever notice how, the second you try to lift a leg in Pilates, your shoulders creep up around your ears like your ears are trying to eat...

Pilates leg circles are beautiful—until your hip starts clicking. You’re on the mat, legs in the air, trying to channel your inner Pilates pro. You start those elegant leg circles and— click.  Your hip makes a weird popping sound. What's going on? That click is usually your hip flexor tendon snapping over bone because your stabilizers (looking at you, abs and glutes) are not fully engaged in the conversation. Add in a circle that’s bigger than your control and suddenly your

Low back pain during Pilates is often the result of moving the spine too much. The lumbar spine wants stability, not mobility. Pilates is one of the best things you can do for your back — but only if it’s done correctly. In fact, a lot of Pilates classes can actually make your back pain worse! (Did I just say that?) Why Your Low Back Might Hurt in Pilates Here are the most common culprits to low back pain during Pilates: • Too much spinal movement.  Excessive roll-ups, roll-

Speakeasy Pilates in beautiful downtown Lexington, VA If you live in the Shenandoah Valley and you’re still driving to Charlottesville or Roanoke for a good Pilates reformer class, stop. You can save the gas money — and your lower back, glutes and hips — by coming here, to Speakeasy Pilates in beautiful downtown Lexington. We’ve got five gleaming STOTT reformers (leather and steel, babe. The Rolls-Royce of reformers), plus towers and stability chairs, and we keep classes s

Our wonderful instructor Kristen Youngman has officially stepped back from the Speakeasy schedule. Between co-running Center of Gravity...

For years, I didn’t get the hype around the Bird Dog exercise. It felt too easy, too basic — more like a warm-up than a workout. Bird...

Poor posture, core weakness and muscle imbalances can make your back hurt after standing too long. (And no, it’s not just because you’re...

Plyometrics—also known as jump training—isn’t just for elite athletes. It’s a critical tool for women, especially those approaching...

Speakeasy Pilates brand new reformer (our 5th!) is up and running! And honestly, it’s as if we had the fifth reformer all along. Almost...

My top 4 strengthening exercises for sciatica

My top 4 stretches to ease the pain of sciatica. They're all oldies, but goodies! So many people suffer from this debilitating condition....

Does this body look like it has "gluteal amnesia?" Nah... One major clue: You sit all the time , aka “chair ass.” Other signs you might...

Weak glutes can set you up for injury. "Gluteal amnesia." It’s a real thing. And quite common. Especially among those of us who sit a lot...

If you love Pilates, whether on the mat or on the equipment, the sweet spot for most people is two to three times per week . This will...

I have a confession. I started posting workout videos online. I resisted it forever. Why? I'm afraid of making an ass out of myself. But...