Pacific Coast Pilates: A Way of Life

A multitude of exercise centers and styles flourish in the L.A. area but if specialized body conditioning is the fitness goal, then look no further than Pacific Coast Pilates in Pacific Palisades. With classes consisting of three to four people, owner and instructor Lisa Corpin works with people one-on-one based on their own strengths.

“Pacific Coast Pilates, it’s a small and intimate setting . . . You get a lot more specialized training and attention,” Lisa Corpin said.

A Body Arts and Sciences Institute-certified instructor with a background in dance, Corpin was a Pacific Coast Pilates employee for seven years before she became the owner two years ago. Lisa Corpin (formerly Lisa Lieberman) runs the exercise studio with her husband and business manager, Tony Corpin.

Like other Pilates studios, practice at Pacific Coast Pilates focuses on the “powerhouse” or core abdominal muscles to develop lean and long muscles instead of bulky ones by utilizing concentration, breathing, and the “four S’s” of strength, stretch, stamina and stability. With consistent practice of two or three 55-minute sessions a week, a leaner, younger physique, increased energy and mental clarity can be achieved, said Lisa Corpin. Unlike larger classes elsewhere, Corpin believes that more progress can be made with her smaller classes and focused personalized training.

“A lot of people come in after physical rehabilitation,” she said. The personalized aspect of her training allows people to rebuild and focus on areas of weakness or strength while working to rebuild their coordination and flexibility after injuries.

“It really focuses on their core . . . your entire center,” she said. “The reason why your abdominals are important is that it really protects you from injuries.”

Pat Nahigian has looked forward to her twice-a-week sessions since she started them in 2004 and said she fully enjoys the entire hour.

“I am 53-years-old and probably in the best shape of my life,” said Nahigian.  “It's fun and to say the least, it helps keep me sane.”

The content of the classes isn’t the only thing that has kept Nahigian coming back. Lisa Corpin’s teaching style is also a big draw. “Lisa seems to happily put up with my antics and has kept me motivated through many years of being a steady client,” she said.

Corpin’s clientele consists of both men women who range in age from their 40’s to 70’s “but I have some teenagers, too,” Lisa Corpin said.

Generally, new clients begin a 55-minute session on the mat or the reformer before moving on to the high chair or Cadillac and finish with standing wall exercises.

Originally designing the reformer with resistance springs to rehabilitate bed-ridden soldiers wounded in World War II, Joseph Pilates created Pilates and the 10 primary apparatuses that can be found at Pacific Coast Pilates. Eventually, the goal is to use all of the equipment for a balanced workout.

“Live longer, happier and healthier—Pacific Coast Pilates is a way of life,” Lisa Corpin.

Pacific Coast Pilates is currently offering an introductory package of four private sessions for $199. Check them out at www.pacificcoastpilates.com.