Core Mind & Body: A Pilates & Fitness Studio

For Christmas, my husband generously sprang for an introductory gift certificate to studio in town. Nearly five months later, he started inquiring as to why I hadn’t used it yet. Simple answer? I’ve always been intimidated by Pilates, or rather the long, lanky dancer-ish bodies that seem to go hand in hand with it.

In short, I’m more the short, compact type and tend to shy away from standing in a mirrored classroom with overly tall, toned types. As a result I’ve been pretty paranoid about practicing Pilates, which also is all about abs, which I’ve all about lacked since motherhood...

Finally he gave me an ultimatum – use it or he would. Because the only thing worse than the thought of my having to sweat alongside svelte women is the thought of my husband doing the same, I begrudgingly picked up the phone and booked a session. I then searched online to see if Spanx made workout wear. They don’t.

When I walked into the studio I was met by friendly faces — many at my own eye level – a good sign. The warm, hip décor was also welcoming as was the candy bowl on the reception desk. Could I actually have been wrong about worrying so much?! By the time I’d gotten a tour of the place, from Tara Roscioli, my outgoing instructor, I was much more at ease and ready to see what the fuss was about, abs and all. I even let out a sign of relief, before remembering to suck my stomach back in.

After giving me a thorough spinal/posture analysis, Tara quickly and effectively gave me an overview about how Pilates works and what exactly it could do for me, back pain and all. “Strengthening the core really gives people the tools they need to live pain free,” she explained. “Most people feel a difference right away and see one within a few weeks.”

Turns out that before Tara turned to teaching Pilates she was an attorney. “I’m still fixing people’s problems,” she joked. “Just now they’re the physical issues.”

She’s seriously found her calling. I took to her tutelage like a fish to water. This fitness philosophy I’d feared for so many years not only suddenly made sense – it became something I could actually do! With her encouragement, we went through floor exercises that made me realize that I did, indeed, actually have abdominal muscles that I could actually use and doing so would help my posture, back pain and other muscles, too.

Basically, Pilates uses resistance training to balance muscles which helps build good posture and improve overall body alignment. It’s a non-impact exercise system that focuses on the deep muscles of the abdomen and spine, allowing muscles to lengthen and strengthen without bulking. Because it eliminates stress on joints it’s effective for all fitness levels.

“Consistency is key,” she explained. “We encourage people to come twice a week.”

By the time we got on the machine I was kicking myself for not having tried it sooner. I felt strong and stretched – a sincerely great combination since I usually feel sore and tight following my usual routine of cardio and weights. While leaving I met Tara’s next client, Alexis Gubbay, who arrived with her young infant in tow. She’s been exercising at Core since January, and loves the place.

“I found classes — machines and mat — so beneficial and so much fun that I started going to two and then three classes a week,” she said. “I never notice the time fly by and Tara always does new exercises so I am never bored.  You can’t beat that!  Also, she’s is very knowledgeable about her field and so I feel I am in great hands.”

I’ve been to two sessions now and can’t wait for my next one or to meet some of the other instructors. And you know what else? Now that I’m engaging my core and focusing on my posture I do feel a smidgen taller. Really. As for making progress with that svelte stuff, I’ll have to keep you posted.

Core Mind & Body is located at 195 Maplewood Avenue. Introductory series will run you $175 and comes with 1 initial Private, 2 Privates, unlimited Mat Classes and 1-½ hour Nutritional Consultation. Call 973-378-9000 for more information.