Pilates Class Descriptions

Pilates 101 for beginners

This class allows a beginner to learn the basics of the 6 principles of Pilates in the ease of a small group setting.

Jump Class

Bad knees? Ankle injuries? Try Pilates Jump class! Keep your joints healthy while getting the same benefits of a high impact workout. Low impact exercises actually help promote healing and recovery by keeping the joint mobile and increasing strength.

Tween Pilates

For tweens and teens, Pilates can be the perfect balance of challenge and body awareness. Improve core strength, flexibility and posture. 

PILATES & PLUNGE

A class that incorporates Pilates and swimming into one workout! We will start with a half hour warm up in the Pilates studio, then we will jump in for a half hour of swimming that focuses on core and balance.

The Studio

The Studio

The Pilates Studio at the Northgate location allows members the ability to train with Gratz, the original manufacturer of Pilates equipment. Based out of New York City, Gratz has been crafting Joseph Pilates’ unique design since 1929. Members will have the opportunity to experience the Universal Reformer, Wunda chair, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel and Spine Corrector.

Meet Our Pilates Instructors

The Pilates Instructors

Our certified Pilates instructors have completed rigorous 600+ hour comprehensive training to attain the highest credentials in the industry. Collectively we are trained in the Classical Pilates method style.

Susan Foley

Susan Foley

Susan Foley

Pilates Director - (Certified Pilates Instructor)

Susan holds a B.A. in Theater Arts and is trained in Ballroom Dance and instruction. She originally came to Pilates working with Lisa Graham, founder and owner of Agile Monkey Pilates in Santa Cruz, California. Pilates taught Susan to work with, rather than against, many of her postural issues, with which she constantly struggled in her performing arts career. She studied for several years with Jeannette Palmer who inspired and encouraged her to pursue teaching. Susan received her training with Pilates Academy International, with Pilates on Fifth in New York City. She welcomes those of all fitness levels and incorporates modifications appropriate for each individual to ensure that each person is working optimally and safely for their own body, skill level, and background.

Susan creates a comfortable, encouraging, and exciting environment in which the practitioner feels confident, motivated and challenged. The focus is on sculpting the body and increasing flexibility while strengthening the core and maximizing the mobility and comfort of the spinal column. Susan has experience working with all ages, body types, fitness levels, and those with injuries and special physical conditions.

Susan can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 206.522.9400 ext. 281.

 

Lynn Tofil

Lynn Tofil

Lynn Tofil

Pilates Instructor - (Pilates Mat Certified)

Lynn grew up dancing in Southeast Michigan, where she gained a love for the art of body movement. It wasn't until college, when she pursued a degree in Dance, that she found the benefit of Pilates. The balance of muscle groups, focus on alignment, priority of lengthening, while strengthening, the muscles, and neural-muscular connection that Pilates provides helped strengthen Lynn's dance technique in amazing ways. Since becoming a certified Level One STOTT Pilates Instructor just this year, after teaching for more than two years, she has already learned so much about how Pilates benefits not just dancers, but everyone. She has a passion for meeting individuals’ personal needs and goals when it comes to their bodies, and is continuing her education always through practice and research.

Lynn can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 206-522-9400.

 

Maren Sorensen

Maren Sorensen

 

Maren Sorensen

Classical Pilates Instructor

Maren believes that Pilates can be life-changing. Once devoted to cardio and weight training only, she discovered that Pilates posed new challenges both physically and mentally and the combination of the three created an optimum wellness plan. Maren has been practicing and teaching ever since.

Maren can be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling 206-522-9400.

Useful Information for Pilates Practitioners

Useful Information For Both Current and New Pilates Practitioners

• Center
  Center is where you work from. Each and every exercise in Pilates initiates from your core; the center and foundation of your body. Joseph Pilates often called this area the "powerhouse," and it includes the abdominals, lower back muscles, and buttocks. The periphery of the body is simply an extension of your "powerhouse." Work from your center and you will tone and firm the periphery of your body.
• Concentration
  Concentration is the key to maximize your workout; you must be completely present during your session. It is your mind that connects your body to the movements. Pay attention to all of your movements as you are performing them and concentrate on improving your form by focusing on every detail of the exercises. The more focus and mindful attention that you bring to your workout, the more effective and stronger you will become.
• Control
  In Pilates, slow and steady wins the race. Control, rather than intensity or repetition, is key to performing the exercises correctly. All movements should be performed with precision - to gain the maximum benefits.
• Precision
  Precision is essential because every exercise in the Pilates method has a purpose and a goal. Joseph Pilates used to say "honor every movement." Most of the exercises in Pilates are low repetition, thus you must focus on doing a few precise repetitions rather than many with poor control and form. One exercise executed the right way is better than doing several exercises performed poorly!
• Breath
  Breath is essential to the Pilates method. Proper breathing oxygenates your blood, increases your circulation, allows greater flexibility, deepens the work of your abdominals, and brings a sense of ease to your movement. Always breathe deeply and fully, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
• Flow
  Flow or the fluidity of motion, is something that really sets Pilates apart from other forms of exercise. There are no static, jerky, or fragmented movements in the Pilates method. Each exercise should have a smooth, graceful, effortless quality. In the beginning, flow is not expected, as it is more important to learn proper technique. However, as you progress and become stronger, flow will keep the exercises integrated with your center as you perform each individual exercise and transition from one exercise to the next. Seamless and fluid transitions thread the exercises together so that your body is constantly working, even in between the exercises.