Classical Pilates
Pilates is a lot more than an exercise for the abdominal muscles! It is an exercise in developing awareness and mind-body coordination. You learn how to move your whole body in an easier, more relaxed, and integrated way.
Professional actors, dancers, and Olympic athletes benefit from Movement Analysis and stay fit with Pilates exercise, and now you can too!
Every Body Loves Pilates!
Most classes are mixed level and relaxed and small enough that you get the individual attention needed to balance strength and flexibility with functional alignment, so that when we ramp up the challenge you are ready.
As we teach to the skill level and strength of the students in each class, every class is different, so as you progress we increase your challenge individually.
Give yourself a good two months of regular (at least twice a week, three is more effective) attendance. You'll see that some classes are more about relaxation and moving without stress, and other classes take that relaxation up a few notches into its functional applications - applying strength, speed, and agility when and where needed.
Done in a relaxed way, you are less likely to endure injury, and you are more likely to derive noticeable enjoyment from movement during any physical activity.
"Pilates has changed my life! My body used to be foreign to me, and I viewed physical exercise as an unenjoyable obligation. Through private sessions with Lucille, along with class participation, I have gotten to know my body and have discovered joy and great satisfaction in movement and core strengthening. Pilates has inspired significant improvements in my diet and self esteem as well. I am a happier, healthier, stronger person inside and out thanks to Lucille Dyer and Natural Bodies Pilates!" — K. Leary, Colchester
Our fully equipped studio offers something that all the DVDs, home systems, books, and gizmos can't — certified Pilates instructors who can help you to develop control, precision, and mindfulness in movement. A skilled instructor can adapt the exercise for your current level of strength and flexibility, and when you have developed a level of mastery, will continue to challenge you.
"My core is stronger and it makes me appreciate you and all your hard work to get us to a certain place. I feel that I never want to give this practice up because I can see and feel the benefits daily. Thank you!! I can't live without Pilates!!!!" — Paulette F.
We'd love to have you join a class! If you have health concerns, you can always schedule a brief free private conversation or a specially priced full private session to learn the exercises with adaptations.. (classes are designed for generally healthy individuals with no chronic or acute joint pain or limiting health concerns). If you are ready to join a class, just email or telephone to let us know you are planning to attend. Any other questions, please feel free to contact us!
Building true core strength
These days we hear the term core strength everywhere, without any real definition. Here at Natural Bodies Pilates, we understand and teach the foundations for true core strength.
Our goal is to give you the support you need to do more than just strengthen your muscles — and we don't stop at giving you just enough instruction to do the exercise properly. Remember a time for yourself when you felt your whole self moving: it might have been riding a bike, skating, climbing a tree, or dancing in your kitchen. We remember, and want you to remember too, how great it feels to move freely, fully, truly enjoying how it feels — that is true core strength, and we'll show you how to get there.
- Alignment and Posture:
- Strength:
- Flexibility:
- Endurance:
- Weight Management
- Stress Relief and Relaxation
Dynamic alignment of the whole body, which can be remarkably beautiful.
Pilates exercise results in balanced strength for the entire body, promoting better alignment and ease of motion, and a healthy level of bone density.
Pilates exercise is designed to restore flexibility around the spine and all of the joints, allowing for a greater range of motion with more stability.
Pilates exercise is practiced as a continuous sequence of movements which promote endurance and improved circulation of oxygen.
Regular practice of Pilates positively impacts effective weight management plans with reduced stress, better sleep, effective digestion, and increased muscle mass and metabolism
An essential but often under emphasized principle of Pilates is relaxation. Learning to release unnecessary tension in our bodies helps us to find ease and flow in movement and in the rest of our lives…
"Dear Lucille, Your classes are a wonderful resource for the communities around you. The facility is lovely, inspiring. I find your regular use of email and quick response appealing. You have a lovely demeanor, are a great teacher, describe things in way that are generally easy for me to understand.
"I like how you explain the movements and the way you lead with descriptions of what I should be feeling or where a specific body part should be moving. The images you give me to help me direct my energy towards the movement or the goal of the movement. I also think you’re excellent at keeping track of each individual in the class as it happens so people can get the most from their efforts.
"I particularly like your premise that each individual does what feels right, never pushing past the bounds of what might feel comfortable, especially when just starting Pilates exercise."
— Julie W
"Derive noticeable enjoyment from
movement during any physical activity!"
New Pilates Reformer students take an average of 3 private (specially priced) sessions prior to joining classes. These sessions are designed to familiarize new students with the equipment and the Classical Format Pilates exercises, and to help new students understand the safety and personal responsiblity considerations essential for effective group classes.
To get started in your Pilates program: Schedule a free brief consultation to see the studio and discover the plan that will best fit your needs. We offer:
- Specially designed private sessions
- A 3-Session Introductory package to prepare you for Reformer classes Please note: not all students are ready for classes after 3 sessions, and may need to schedule additional private sessions prior to joining a class.
- Introductory 5-Step Full Session Package: For first timers, this is the best way to experience Pilates! Your teacher takes you step-by-step through all of the Level 1 Pilates exercises including the Mat, Cadillac, and Reformer, and includes a full "Up to Speed" session, giving you an idea of what you'll experience in a Classical Pilates Reformer class in terms of the transitions and tempo... and it feels great!
All classes are designed for generally healthy students with no chronic bone, joint or health issues or current injuries, and private sessions designed to teach practice of safe modifications are highly recommended for students with these concerns.
"Lucille is a great teacher! Her classes are never what I expect, and yet exactly what I need. She knows what is needed in every class, and I always leave the studio feeling better!" — Rosalie Hinckley
New Reformer Students: You and a few friends can now schedule a free Friends Group: A 15-20 minute introduction to the Reformer scheduled at your convenience, or get a great price on a full 55-Minute Group (or Private) Introduction by appointment.
Students with prior Reformer experience familiar with the Balanced Body Allegro Reformers, just check in early for a studio tour and registration.
For those students or who are returning to Pilates after a long vacation, or who have learned Pilates on other types of equipment: Due to variations in teaching methods, class content, and equipment, new students may be asked to schedule a Review & Renew session prior to attending classes.
For students ready to advance to more challenging sessions, ask about our Level 2 and 3 packages.
New Mat Students: Please phone ahead with any questions and to reserve your space in classes, and arrive early to registrater. Please feel free to bring your own mat (and towel if needed), or use a mat provided by the studio.