Catie Smiley Pilates
This is a resource for anyone looking to exercise in a meaningful and body-positive way. degree in dance and a minor in Spanish.
Follow the Services tab at the top for opportunities for us to move together! My name is Catie and I am a PMA - NCPT with an additional specialization in prenatal/ postpartum corrective exercise. I began my Pilates education with Balanced Body while attending university. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in 2015 with a B.A. After completing my comprehensive Pilates trainin
![CatieSmileyPilates on TikTok](https://img3.findglocal.com/014/569/386708340145690.jpg)
CatieSmileyPilates on TikTok Warming up with a set intention and purpose. &coffee
![CatieSmileyPilates on TikTok](https://img5.findglocal.com/106/380/377527181063806.jpg)
CatieSmileyPilates on TikTok Challenging the front and back body all in the same movement sequence!
![CatieSmileyPilates on TikTok](https://img3.findglocal.com/818/211/373010728182118.jpg)
I love strategically sequencing
exercises so they seamlessly flow from
one to the next
CatieSmileyPilates on TikTok I love strategically sequencing exercises so they seamlessly flow from one to the next
![CatieSmileyPilates on TikTok](https://img4.findglocal.com/256/313/362533862563138.jpg)
CatieSmileyPilates on TikTok Working on a fun and challenging flow
Whenever I’m short on time but in need of a full body workout; I always turn to the Pilates Chair.
A large majority of Chair exercises are performed in a seated, standing or kneeling position. The limited “down time” on the mat keeps the energy level high as one flows through class. Chair will challenge your alignment, balance, coordination, core control and strength.
So if you are looking to elevate your workouts, come flow with me on the Chair !
Photo credit 📸: Andrew Glatt Photography
✨Fuse Ladder classes are back!! ✨
Not sure what a Fuse Ladder is or how to use one? That is ok, no experience is required for joining the class! What you can expect to experience: familiar Pilates mat exercises/ concepts kicked up a notch (or two 😉). The ladder and springs of the Fuse apparatus will challenge your balance, control, coordination AND cardio!
Swipe ➡️ for a sample of Fuse Ladder movement!
Join me every Monday 6am and 7am for a fun Pilates FUS(E)ion! 😉
Photo credit: Andrew Glatt Photography
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I recently found some old dvds of dance performances I did years ago. Man oh man, was that a trip down memory lane! It really made me stop and reflect on my current and past relationship to movement.
Dance was always something I did every day for almost my entire life. It was truly my everything. It was how I expressed myself as an introverted person. It was how I interpreted the world around me and how I created relationships with others.
Like all relationships, my relation to movement definitely changed over time. My perspective of what being a “successful/ professional” mover looked like took a 360 degree turn. I felt like I wasn’t good enough for dance and therefore a failure. But really what it was was that my relationship to movement grew with time. It is still the language I speak and communicate to my clients at work, it is still how I convey my thoughts and express my feelings. I have found new movement interests that inspire me to be brave and tough. I am reminded as I watch these old memories of dancing that movement is my gift to give to others.
Photo Credit: Robert Rosen Photography
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It’s no secret that I love working with Pilates equipment! I love the challenge, support and variety it provides for each and every workout.
But on the other hand, what is truly unique about Pilates is that it does not require fancy equipment in order to enjoy the practice. Pilates Mat work is a wonderful challenge that will strengthen/mobilize the body from head to toe.
It’s a movement language that is enjoyed and practiced all around the world in a variety of places and settings. I love that I can travel to other places and instantly feel a sense of connectedness and familiarity through practicing Pilates.
When your Pilates instructor makes you do towel work, remember it’s only out of love! ❤️
The towel is a small Pilates prop that packs a powerful punch! Many have a love/hate relationship with this prop as it can be quite challenging on the shoulders/ upper body.
What makes the towel unique is the fact that it does not stretch like a traditional resistance band would. Instead, the challenge truly comes from resisting yourself by pulling (R to L) while remaining in control of your scapula (shoulder blades) and ribcage. It creates a close chain circuit of energy between the two sides of the body which is why it feels so difficult.
It may appear simple, but don’t let looks fool you! This is a great prop to add to your personal collection if you are looking for variety in your workouts!🔥🔥🔥 Pilates + Coffee
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If you’re looking at this post on your phone, chances are you are looking down with your shoulders slightly rounded forward. Am I right...?? “Phone posture” is so tempting. I know I was guilty of it writing this post!
To be clear, flexion is a good thing. But like all good things, it should be done in moderation. Constant flexion of the spine throughout the day can lead to neck and shoulder pain from supporting the weight of the head off center.
But that is also why all of our bodies can benefit from a little time spent on the Spine Corrector! The arc of the barrel is designed to contour and support the curves of the body in a variety of positions. It is also a great tool to challenge balance and coordination!
Come give the Spine Corrector a try and together we’ll get those heads back in line! 😉 Pilates + Coffee
Photo credit 📸: Andrew Glatt Photography
When the average person takes a break, they may find a comfy chair to lounge on. When Pilates teachers take a break, we can’t help but play on our chairs!
Had fun in between clients playing around with some Jack Knife variations on the Combo chair. It revitalized my whole body and gave me the energy I needed to keep going for the day. It’s so essential to take time every day to move, even if you only have a few minutes to spare!
Starting small is ok! Even 10 minutes of movement a day can go a long way!
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Ready to turn up the heat on your Pilates practice?? If you are looking for a good, whole-body workout, the jumpboard attachment for the reformer is just what you need!
Jumpboard will get your heart rate up and those endorphins flowing! It will make you feel like a kid on a trampoline all over again. And the best part is, it’s an amazing cardio workout! Nothing beats having fun while exercising!
The spring resistance provides a system of support while jumping. Many of the exercises are done laying down which is significantly more gentle on the joints than a traditional trampoline class.
So don’t be shy, jump on into class!
Pilates + Coffee
Photo credit 📸: Andrew Glatt Photography
Have you ever taken an exercise class where you felt confused or like you were in WAY over your head??
No one likes to feel like they aren’t good enough to be in class. One way to avoid your clients leaving with that negative experience is progressions. Whether it is a private session or a group class, progressions are a must! If you want your client to be able to achieve a more advanced exercise, you can’t just throw them into it expecting success. They need to build up to it gradually.
For this video, my peek exercise was Long Back Stretch on the Reformer (the sequence at the end of the video). But if I saw my client was unable to complete the previous introductory exercises, the final sequence of Long Back Stretch would not be an appropriate choice for that session.
Doesn’t mean it won’t ever be the right exercise choice. But for the time being, look at it as an opportunity to build your client towards a new goal. They will leave feeling successful and more capable if you progress them over time!
Exercise smarter and not harder. 😉
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⬆️This is usually the first piece of equipment I gravitate towards when I’m at the studio.
I love the way the Ladder Barrel supports the body in just the right places. It is designed to allow movers to experience engaged lengthening instead of uncontrolled over-stretching.
Also, don’t let its simple appearance fool you! The Ladder Barrel packs a powerful punch! It can be used in many different was to challenge strength, alignment and stability as well.
Come try it for yourself!
Photo credit 📸: Andrew Glatt Photography
![](https://img3.findglocal.com/891/400/165691898914003.jpg)
Love Motr so much it makes you jump for joy?! I know the feeling 😉....
The Pilates Motr can be used in so many different ways and orientations to add challenge and variety to any workout. I especially love how much support it provides for standing exercises! It’s so nice to have an “arm” to hold on to while trying to balance (or jump)!
Photo credit 📸: Andrew Glatt Photography
Location: Pilates+Coffee
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Thinking about returning to Pilates (or exercise in general) but are feeling out of shape or incapable? I have heard that from so many of my clients who had to take 2020 off.
Just remember it’s not about being perfect when you come to class. Showing up is half the battle! Be proud your body got you through the challenges of last year. That is something to be grateful for.
Come enjoy movement all over again! Join me at Catie Smiley Pilates!
Photo credit 📸: Andrew Glatt Photography
Location: Pilates+Coffee
![](https://img3.findglocal.com/458/418/142323414584185.jpg)
Anyone else love hanging upside down? 🙋🏻♀️
The Cadillac is one of the only pieces of Pilates equipment you can hang from! It is an awesome tool to challenge grip strength and upper body stamina. The standing frame opens up a whole different world of movement possibilities and provides variety to any workout. It’s additional components (aka the springs/ push-through bar) help the body to move seamlessly from exercise to exercise without any need to stop!
So give it a try and find your inner flow!
Photo credit : Andrew Glatt Photography
![](https://img5.findglocal.com/599/536/128211635995363.jpg)
The chair is arguably one of the most challenging pieces of Pilates equipment. Its limited surface area forces the body to depend on internal core control instead of a physical surface for support. In other words, the chair won’t let you “cheat”. It’s a wonderful tool to challenge ones mobility, balance and strength while in motion.
But don’t take my word for it! Come try a chair class with me !
Photo credit 📸: Andrew Glatt Photography
![](https://img5.findglocal.com/273/622/127469682736225.jpg)
If you’re wondering what this crazy contraption is under me, allow me to introduce you to the Motr! The Pilates Motr is an amazing piece of equipment that will challenge your balance, strength and coordination. It is portable, compact and easy to use for workouts at home!
Check out my latest YouTube video for a fun Motr workout! —> https://youtu.be/GIgiBzWLiyo
![Pilates Resistance Band Workout (25 min)](https://img4.findglocal.com/952/059/126292679520592.jpg)
Looking for a fun way to exercise at home? Check out my Pilates resistance band workout on youtube! It will make those muscles feel 💯!
https://youtu.be/5MfZonxqoto
Pilates Resistance Band Workout (25 min) This Pilates resistance band workout will get the whole body moving and feeling good! Required props include a resistance band (medium strength) and a mat. N...
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