A Passion for Pilates Leads to Entrepreneurship

Michele Bonasera, owner of The Pilates Studio at Bayport, was not always the pilates whiz she is today. Reading about her inspiring experience with the fitness program may influence you to try it.

Bonasera was a single mom of four sons when she went back to school at 38-years-old to become a physical therapist assistant. After five years in that position, Bonasera discovered pilates during one of her clinical affiliations.

Her newfound passion for pilates eventually led Bonasera to open a business dedicated to the fitness program in October 2004.

Pilates focuses on the core postural muscles that help keep the body balanced and are essential to providing support for the spine. The exercises teach awareness of breath, alignment of the spine, and aim to strengthen the deep torso muscles. 

"I liked it so I trained in pilates and started doing that part time," she said, "But then that grew and grew and grew," she said. 

Part of the appeal of pilates for Bonasera is how it has changed her own body. Through practicing a pilates move called the "roll-up" for six weeks, Bonasera was able to complete a full sit-up for the first time in her life.

"I was able to get strong and healthy, and if I could do it, anyone could. Pilates is a very creative avenue to get as healthy and as strong as you can," she said.

With her newfound physical strength, Bonasera took the next step. "As the pilates really took off, I realized I could be my own boss," she said.

All of Bonasera's sessions at the studio are one on one with her clients, as she has reservations about having more than one person on the machines at one time. "There is too much margin for error and too much room for injury. I keep my eyes focused on you. I just watch you," she said.

Sayville resident Lisa Kahn has been a client of Bonasera's for three years. "My body feels strong and healthy. I find my aerobic exercises somewhat easier, as I employ muscles that are working hard and strengthening from Pilates," she said, "As hard as some of my sessions are, I always look forward to and actually enjoy the 30 minutes I spend with Michele."

Bonasera, who just relocated from Bayport to Patchogue, grew up in West Babylon where she graduated from high school in 1976. She has lived in Sayville, California, Pennsylvania and Florida, but she is especially fond of where she lives now, "I always come back to the south shore of Long Island because there is nothing like it," she said.

Giving back to the community is another big part of what Bonasera does. Her studio is a drop off site for the Greater Sayville Food Pantry. Last year, the business, along with help from the customers, "adopted" two families for the holidays. "I have the nicest, most generous clients in the world," she said.

The Pilates Studio at Bayport is located at 580 Middle Road. It is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon. All sessions are by appointment. For more information, please call 472-4100.