Compassionate Body Pilates

Sometimes, hugging a big ball is just what you need to start a Pilates session.

As I grow further into my teaching practice I am seeing the value in breathing and relaxation before getting to the more challenging work.

If your body is relaxed and tension free, everything we do afterwards will be more efficient. Plus, feeling happy and relaxed in my studio is exactly what I want for everyone 💖

I am blessed with the best clients 💗 I was brought these flowers fresh from the garden this morning 🌹and they are brightening up the bathroom quite nicely. Thank you Jennifer!! 🙏

📢June schedule is out!

I have no new intro classes scheduled for June, however, private intro packages are still available 🙂

In July Rachel will be offering a Monday 11am intro to Reformer in partnership with the City of St Catharines.

The reason I haven't listed any intro classes this month is that I am FULLY occupied with all the current classes I have 😍 They keep moving up through the levels and I have to keep planning new material to keep the momentum going ! It's an exciting time for me. I love to see the incredible progress everyone is making 💪

Some highlights:
➡️Tuesday 12:15 mat is now level 3/4 (they started in December - 6 months later here we are! Congratulations 👏 👏 👏
➡️Tuesday 5:15 mixed equipment is now level 3/4 too! We have had a few folks with prior experience join the group and it was time to bump it up a notch.
➡️I am starting up a new Saturday morning level 1/2 class at 10:30am on June 8th. Got to find more space for the recent Intro graduates!

If you are wondering what it's all about and want to come see me for a free 30 min private taster, please reach out.

We are a small and friendly studio with a lot of laughter and fun going on during classes 😁

See you in the studio 😘

Had a visit from a fellow teacher this morning We had a lot of fun - she got to try some new exercise variations, and I got to show her all my shiny Pilates toys! Thanks for coming to see me Aly!

It's an exciting time in our studio on Lake st ! We are ready to add more evening classes to the schedule and are looking for the right teacher to join our team. Please share if you know any local teachers who might be interested.

Thank you 😊

This little note from a client made me so happy this afternoon ☺️

I am incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such lovely people ❤️🙏

🙏

📢Starting next Friday, a new intro to Reformer class at 10am !
Want to try out a new form of exercise in a welcoming, inclusive and fun studio?
Interested in learning more about Pilates... and trying out some movements on a moving carriage with ropes, springs and pulleys?!? 😆😱😉

Sign up via our app (it's called Compassionate Body Pilates in your app store) or on our website (link in bio)

See you there !

Announcement 📢 May Class Schedule is up!
Please note:
➡️ We have 2 spaces left in the intro to reformer Saturday, starting this week ONLY!
➡️To register for classes I recommend downloading our app (search for Compassionate Body Pilates in your app store/play store)
➡️*NEW* Level 1/2 equipment class is starting on Wednesdays at 10:40am from May 22nd
➡️If you want to see other class times on the schedule please reach out to let me know when is good for you !

Thanks 🙏

So we properly packed out the studio this afternoon for the official 1st Anniversary celebration of our studio space at 117 Lake!
Sending out a HUGE thank you to all of my beautiful clients, it was so wonderful to spend time with you today. I am so honoured that you are joining me on this Pilates journey 🙏🤩

I have so, so much to be grateful for, but here's a few special mentions:

thank you for being so supportive to me over the last year and for helping me get started in this new space (so many decisions to make in those first weeks !!) ❤️
to.earth.niagara I'm so glad you joined the team a few months ago and I really appreciate you taking on the extra small studio jobs with such enthusiasm! It really brightens up my Wednesday having you in the studio ❤️

My parents aren't on instagram, but they deserve a shoutout for being my silent business partners on all things behind the scenes over the last year. Thank you mom and dad, I couldn't have done this without you ❤️

thank you for making the delicious drinks today 🥛
AND for being on board with all that starting up a new business has meant for our family 💕

🌯The wraps were a big hit - and I need to send a special thank you to Bunny for coming in on a Sunday (your day off!) to make them specially for us. You went above and beyond for a local business and I really appreciate it ❤️

And last but not least,

thank you 🙏 🧁The cupcakes were absolutely delicious! Definitely recommend trying the salted caramel 😋

On that note, I tried to get the sticky cupcake fingerprints off all the machines before I left... Guess we will see tomorrow if I missed any... 😂

Onwards and upwards ☺️ bring on year 2!

✌️

Had a lovely surprise from a client today ❤️ Really brightens up the studio 💐 enjoy your weekend!

Had a fantastic morning hosting the Beyond Kegels event 😊 There was lots of laughter and sharing of stories from this fantastic group of ladies. And so much practical and useful information for us all to take away! Huge thanks to and for giving so freely of their time and expertise. We are already thinking about planning another one, based off the questions and engagement from this group. So fun! 🤗

Announcement post 📢 April schedule is out! 🗓️
Some Highlights 🌟:
➡️NEW intro to reformer class on Saturday mornings starting April 27th
➡️ Tuesday mat class at 6:25pm is now officially level 4+ (congratulations folks! 🎉🥳)
➡️ Beyond Kegels event is on April 20th (scroll for info)

Lots of exciting things happening this month at our 'lil studio at 117 Lake st.

Happy April 🌞 I hope you all had a fantastic long weekend!

I'm so excited to be collaborating with Dr. Carmen Schmidt and Dr. Meghan McNaughton on this upcoming event ! We have all identified the need for more education about women's health issues, and so have come together to create this unique in-person offering. In this workshop you will learn actionable strategies for maintaining pelvic health, movement "snacks" for building strength throughout your busy day, and ways to regain energy with simple changes.

Leave this unique event feeling empowered, educated, and connected to a supportive community of local women.

Price: $35

Tickets are available on my website (link in bio)

📢 Check out my new blog post: "How often should I do Pilates?" I love giving a complicated answer to a simple question 😆
Even a little bit of Pilates can have a powerful impact on your body. Don't get bogged down in the "shoulds," find a way to make it work for YOU!

How often should I do pilates? - Compassionate Body Pilates I get asked this question pretty frequently, especially from new clients joining the studio. I don’t feel there’s an easy answer that fits for every individual. Here’s a few factors worth considering to help you figure out an answer that works for you: Most of us have limited time available. B...

Exciting news! Today I tallied up the proceeds from my T-shirt sales, and I made a donation of $130 to Community Crew! If you aren't aware of this charity, they do amazing work providing lunches to children at schools across Niagara. Food insecurity is a huge issue and I am so grateful that Community Crew is feeding kids in need. 🍱🍎❤️🙏

I still have LOTS of t-shirts left in all sizes so if you want to get one just reach out to me! The price is $35 including HST. I am continuing to donate 30% of the proceeds from my T-shirt sales to Community Crew!

EXCITING NEWS! ✨ We have a new teacher joining the CBP team. This is Jesslyn ⬆️
I met Jesslyn when we were students together on the Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training Course in Fonthill in 2022. She was an enthusiastic participant, always asking LOTS of questions, with an incredible eye for detail. She appears really serious when you first meet her, but when you look closely, you will notice a little twinkle in her eye as she has a great sense of humour. She currently works as a nurse part time, teaches some yoga classes in Beamsville, and is a mom of 3. She is really excited to start teaching with us and I’m so happy to have her join our team. Welcome Jesslyn!

*Announcement post* 📢
New classes+swipe to see the full schedule for February!

Please note:
-Classes are limited to 5 on the equipment and 7 on the mat so spaces do disappear quickly.
- Drop-ins are an option if a class is listed as full, when there are last minute cancellations from the regular members. See the updated numbers live on our custom app/website.
-If you are new and want to meet first for a 30 min private taster session please reach out!

I look forward to seeing you in the studio ❤️

Pilates is truly for everyone.

However, social media can make it feel like this isn't the case.

I've been lucky to find some excellent teachers out there sharing content which reflects more diversity in this industry. You really have to look hard to find it but it's out there!

If you want to fill your feed with people of different shapes and colours sharing thoughtful and engaging pilates content, check out these accounts:







I'm sure there are more so if you have recommendations please share in the comments!

Classes are filling up! I've had some requests for more options to be added to the schedule next month. If there's a time and class you are looking for please comment below 👇 thank you 😁

Do your wrists hurt when you try to do a plank or pushup? Weight bearing on your hands can be a barrier to progressing in Pilates, so I like to go over this often with my clients. A few simple tips can make a huge difference! Try this:

1. Spread your fingers and press them firmly into the surface (compare pic 1 & 2)
2. Press down under your knuckles (imagine your hand is a foot- the ball of the foot should connect as well as the heel)
3. Slightly draw back and up with your hand at the same time as pressing down, trying to create an "arch" under the palm of your hand.

I also check what's happening in the thoracic spine (in between the shoulder blades) because it's easy to drop in that area. Your shoulder girdle is WAY stronger than your wrists and hands! Lift and engage by making the thoracic spine level with your shoulder blades.

Sometimes there's more going on- so if this doesn't help you, going to see a physio is 💯 recommended!

Roll on 2024! Here's our January intro class schedule for those looking to try out Pilates for the first time. We still have spaces available and they start next week! If you are looking for a welcoming, inclusive and intimate space to try out a new form of exercise this is where we shine 😊 Pilates has so many amazing benefits and is adaptable to all.

Our clients report the following benefits:
- I can get up off the sofa and bend to tie my shoes without any stiffness anymore
- I feel strong enough to try my favorite sport again
- I have no more pain anymore or I've cut back significantly on my pain medication

Like anything, it takes time to see results but the results are fantastic. Pilates is an exercise format that is different from your usual gym/bootcamp... You exercise with intention. You develop strength all over your body while stretching it out at the same time. No sweat until you reach the more challenging levels 😜

Classes limited to 5 !

This past year really showed me just how much I am capable of, and also, how blessed I am to be surrounded by such supportive people. It's been such a journey in 2023, and I have so much to be grateful for !❤️

Here's a little summary of all that went on behind the scenes to get my studio space up and running in 2023:

➡️ January- March 2023: I found a space that looked amazing in my neighborhood. I want to thank all of these people for helping me decide to go ahead with signing the lease: my Dad (who did so much work for me on the business side of things!), the amazing Rachel Ramsden (Pilates teacher extraordinaire!), my friend Nadia (a talented graphic designer- the first photos are her mock ups of colour choices for the studio- she updated my logo, designed a sign, and so so many other things), my friend Cassandra (social media marketer extraordinaire!) and my husband Stuart (for supporting me as I jumped into the unknown- it was a big leap for my whole family too ❤️)

➡️On March 1st, 2023 I met with my new landlord to get the keys.The equipment was delivered the very next day!

➡️My good friend Gary helped me over the next 4 days to unpack, assemble and arrange the 6 Cadillac Trapeze/ Reformers. My in-laws cared for my kids long into the evenings so I could get it done!

➡️March 7th I taught my very first class in the studio that Tuesday night, with some very special mat clients who have been with me for many years. Check out a photo above from several years ago with them!

➡️Fast forward to December 18th: I hosted a festive party to celebrate- check out the pic from the party 🥳 Many of those same mat clients came along, but lots of new faces too!

I haven't had a chance to run end of year reports yet, but I can tell you that I have gone from 1 class per week, to a schedule of 10 classes per week. That is a lot of progress in only 9 months. I am super excited to see what 2024 holds!

I would like to finish by saying a HUGE thank you to all of my amazing clients. I wish you a happy, healthy, and fun-filled 2024!

Happy holidays to all who celebrate ! 🎄💕😁

Forgot someone on your gift list?!? I have the perfect idea for you... A gift certificate for Pilates 😉

Here's some gift ideas and prices:

➡️A private session: $80 plus HST
This is especially great for someone who feels nervous about joining a group class, or has a specific issue that holds them back from exercising. Pilates is modifiable for any body !

➡️ 6 week intro to Reformer class: $149 plus HST
We have lots of options in January with spaces- why not buy someone a whole 6 weeks to try it out?

You can also choose any amount to be used towards any service!

Available for purchase online www.compassionatebodypilates.com/gift-cards , and the gift can be emailed to you or the recipient directly.

Happy holidays 🎄❤️

That's a wrap for 2023! Sending a huge shoutout to all my beautiful clients, thank you for being here with me in the studio ❤️ This week has been especially fun with the client party we had, the amazing generosity of everyone in support of Westview centre, the giving and sharing of tasty treats after classes, and of course, the sparkly antlers that keep falling off when I bend over 😆 Sharing my silly attempts at selfies here for you, not sure what I'm doing with this post 😆 except to say that it's been fun hanging out with y'all. Happy holidays! 🎄❤️🥂😘 🦌 See you in 2024!

We had a great turnout tonight to the festive client party 🥳🎄💕😍 it was so lovely to spend time with everyone, partaking in tasty drinks (thank you for the delicious mulled cider!) and eating delicious food. Seeing this beautiful community grow is the best! Happy holidays 🎄💓

Meet Lois! She's a fun lady, that's for sure, always cracking a joke or having a giggle in the back of the class. I'm so thrilled she has been able to move into group classes from private sessions in the last few months. She's worked hard to improve her mobility and gain strength and she's doing GREAT! Thanks for being such a spectacular presence in the studio Lois 💕

Had a special visitor today in the studio... Meet Molly! She came with Jacques for his private session because she gets a bit nervous on her own at home. She starts growling if she can't see him the whole time!! So cute 🥰 and I loved her festive sweater today 🐾🎄 Happy Holidays from Molly 😘

Announcement post 📢 Check out our January schedule for newbies ☺️ *Intro to Reformer OR Intro to Mat available!

What can you expect from an Intro Class with CBP?

-A solid introduction to the fundamentals of Pilates

-Guidance from an experienced, fully qualified instructor

-A welcoming and inclusive studio and community

-A space where questions are encouraged and feedback is always welcomed

Sign up online at our website www.compassionatebodypilates.com or by downloading our app (Compassionate Body Pilates)

Thank you 🙏

Looking for a perfect gift for your friends and family this year? We have gift certificates available for purchase online. You choose how much. Can be applied towards any service anytime during the next year. Link to the store here:http://bit.ly/419MQEJ 😁