PILATES

pilates

Hey there! I’m Jeanene - a lifelong mover and Pilates enthusiast. I grew up in Kansas City, where I basically sang and danced my way through childhood and I never really stopped moving!

Pilates first came into my life back in my New York City dance days. Between rehearsals, performances, and plenty of sore muscles, I discovered that Pilates wasn’t just cross-training. It was a secret weapon for keeping my body strong, balanced, and injury-free.

After more than 20 years as a professional dancer in NYC, I hung up my performance shoes and became a professor of dance at San José State University in California. Then, when my family landed in Knoxville in 2021, I felt a pull to dive deeper into what had always kept me feeling strong and centered: the magic of movement through Pilates.

I’ve had my share of injuries, and Pilates has always helped me to feel free and safe in my body again. That’s why I love helping others find that same spark! At Integrative Physical Therapy and Wellness our one on one sessions are a fantastic way to dive into movement patterns that may not serve your physical goals. I’m so thrilled to be part of the amazing team at Integrative PT, where I get to blend my love of movement, recovery, and connection every day. It’s such a joy to share this space with people who are passionate about helping others feel their best - body, mind, and spirit. My philosophy? Pilates is for every body. Come as you are! We’ll move, explore, and build strength from the inside out.

Welcome! My name is Lori. My Pilates Journey started almost 20 years ago in Cincinnati, Ohio with a simple question to a girlfriend: “What are you doing to get those toned arms?” I’ll never forget her response, because it changed my life. “Pilates Reformer Classes. I’m going to buy you a package, so you can go with me.” I immediately became hooked after my first session. The exercises were gentle, but effective. There were so many different exercises and positions.
I never get bored with Pilates because no two classes are the same. Chatting with my girlfriend made the time fly by! I never knew exercising could be this fun! The results of Pilates were fascinating. My posture improved, my flexibility and my strength.

For three years, I religiously practiced Pilates three times a week. Then, my husband was offered a job back in our hometown, Knoxville, TN. I was so excited to come home, but was devastated when I learned there was not a Pilates studio in Knoxville. I longed to be an instructor and bring my love to Knoxville, but would not leave my children to go away for a training program. My solution was to purchase my own reformer and continue my practice at home while they grew. I did this for years, taking classes in big cities like New York and
Washington whenever I traveled.

My big break in becoming an instructor happened a few years ago. A friend called to say she had heard of a Pilates instructor training program here in Knoxville. I jumped at the opportunity! I completed the 500 hours of instructor training in 6 months while working another full time job. When I finally received my certification, I retired my CPA and CCFO licenses and began sharing my pilates passion full time. I have never been happier! I am so excited to start a
pilates journey with you!

Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on strengthening and improving flexibility, balance and body awareness.

Key Principles of Pilates:

- Core Strength: Pilates emphasizes strengthening the core muscles, including the abdominal muscles, back, and hips.
- Flexibility: Exercises are designed to improve flexibility throughout the body.
- Alignment: Proper posture and alignment are crucial to Pilates.

Breath Control: Breathing techniques are integrated into exercises to enhance movement and coordination.

Whole-Body Approach: Pilates exercises engage multiple muscle groups and improve overall body function.

Benefits of Pilates:

Improved posture and body alignment

Enhanced core strength and stability

Increased flexibility and mobility

Reduced risk of injuries

Improved balance and coordination

Enhanced body awareness and mind-body connection

Stress reduction and relaxation

Types of Pilates Classes:

Reformer Pilates: Uses a specialized machine called a reformer to add resistance and variety to exercises.

Private Reformer Pilates: One-on-one individualized sessions with a certified instructor for personalized guidance that focuses on upper/lower body and core strength.

Semi-Private Reformer Pilates: Two to three-person sessions, with a certified instructor and personalized guidance.
Group Reformer Pilates: Four-person sessions, with a certified instructor and personalized guidance.

Who Can Do Pilates:

Reformer Pilates is suitable for people of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities. Modifications can be made to accommodate different needs. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting Pilates if you have any underlying health conditions.

Conclusion:

Reformer Pilates is a versatile and beneficial exercise form that promotes strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. It is a great option for individuals seeking to improve their posture, core strength, and body awareness. With proper instruction and modifications, Pilates can be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.