Best of Pilates 2019

Best Of
Written By Tracy Belcher

Thank you to everyone who took the time to nominate your friends, teachers and peers for this year’s Best of Pilates 2019. Isn’t it kind of fun to take a few minutes away from the hustle of our own immediate worlds, to give a shout out to all the amazing people, studios, programs and resources around us, who inspire us to move every day?

There was so much inspiration in the Pilates world this year, and the nominations were plentiful. Here are just some of the Pilates superstars who Pilatay.com and readers wanted to give a shout out to, a little “we see you!” and “keep on killing it!”

You guys rock!

Do you want to add another “virtual shout out” to the list? Leave a comment below with who or what inspired you in 2019, and why. Let's keep the love fest alive! (And make sure to subscribe so you can participate in the next nomination survey.)

A Stellar Community Relations Campaign

Alexia Hammonds for Gratz Pilates

This year, Gratz Pilates went all in, uniting #teamgratz with stellar community relations campaigns and even a dedicated liaison, Alexia Hammonds.

Gratz was truly in the trenches this year, supporting their customers and community.

Gratz came out in full force as a supporter and connector in the classical Pilates community. Activities included: social media campaigns that incorporated its larger community of practitioners (including yours truly); in-person studio visits all over the U.S.; an Archive Reformer tour that brought the prized apparatus to 12 cities across the U.S. for local practitioners to try out; and more. Gratz was truly an example of community relations best practices.

They even sponsored a Pilates teacher training scholarship in partnership with Equinox.

Hats off, team Gratz. We can’t wait to see what’s next!

Pilates Conferences

PMA Annual Conference

This was one of the most FOMO (fear of missing out) events of the year as those of us who didn’t attend watched all the fun via Instagram, silently kicking ourselves for not making it happen this year.

“Why, oh why, didn’t I buy tickets?” we ask ourselves.

And then we remember, “Oh, right... Because it is on the other side of the country, and I had to work.” There’s that. (Well, that’s my excuse, anyway.)

Props to the PMA for putting in the time and effort to bring so many together. What makes it even more exciting is how the participants - from vendors to presenters - have become so dedicated to bringing their A-game to this conference. https://www.pilatesmethodalliance.org

Momentum Fest and Jessica Valant

This three-day Pilates and movement celebration is gaining serious “momentum” (see what we did there?)

One of many nominations that came in for Momentum Fest and its founder Jessica Valant read, “I think Jessica Valant should be acknowledged for creating Momentum Fest and giving opportunities to many instructors, who might not otherwise be ‘seen’.” Same.

Jessica also has a YouTube channel which was repeatedly nominated in the survey for bringing the realness in terms of both Pilates and women’s health issues from infertility to endometriosis. She also opened up about her recent prolapse repair surgery and health journey on Instagram this year.

Thank you, Jessica, for putting it all out there, and making us feel more supported, particularly when it comes to sensitive subjects like women’s health, which can be hard for people to talk about in a public forum.

She has said that she created Momentum Fest to give all movement lovers a place to belong and feel part of something.

What she did, dreaming up and realizing an entire conference and making it a pretty darn successful one at that, in just a few years, is major. And it is a beautiful thing that her supportive vibes and inclusive ways really shine through in Momentum Fest’s culture. https://momentumfest.com

Read: A License To Learn: What Pilates Teachers Want Most In 2019, Is To Be A Student

Conference Presenters

Speaking of Pilates conferences, shout out to these Pilates superstars! You were nominated as the teachers we most want to take a workshop with at a conference, or to see as a presenter. We heart you!

Facebook Groups

Pilates Contrology Marketplace

Isn’t it kind of hilarious that Pilates Contrology Marketplace is, by far, everyone’s favorite Facebook forum this year? Apparently, the people who answered the nomination survey simply just want to buy more equipment. (And I get it. Same, ya’ll. Same.)

Facebook forums are not for the faint of heart.

Want to see what happens with two very passionate and opinionated sub groups of Pilates people, with very different opinions, converge… behind the safety of a computer screen? Join the Facebook forums.

Yes, they are primarily informative and supportive and wonderful resources... until someone innocently asks “What do you guys wear on your feet when you teach?” or “What do you think about hot Pilates?” Suddenly, all hell breaks loose.

That being said, the moderators are all generally very good about keeping the peace, not allowing cyber-bullying, and making sure conversations stay productive. And, when they are not, pull out the popcorn and a glass of wine, and enjoy the show.

Shout out to all the moderators who are keeping the groups positive and productive including Susan Sommers with The Contemporary Pilates Haven and Sunni Almond with Going More Joe who received many, many shout outs in the surveys for hosting helpful and supportive groups. Thank you!

March Matness Mania

March Matness, Benjamin Degenhardt

“He has put countless hours into true research to give us so much knowledge about the history of Pilates. Now he continues that work through his own offerings, including March Matness.” These words are from just one respondent of the nomination survey, but the sentiment is echoed in responses again and again.

#marchmatness has 85.5K posts. #marchmatness2019 had 37.2K and 2018 had 33.2 (and 2017 had 23.4).

This baby’s growing. 2019’s posts were so epic, Pilatay.com posted a Best of for the March Matness Superstars. I mean people went all out. Costumes, themes, stunning photography. B-A-N-A-N-A-S.

But March Matness is not just a pretty face. Benjamin Degenhardt has united Pilates lovers across the globe in celebration of Joseph Pilates’ original matwork.

You guys loved March Matness this year, as it was the most nominated social media challenge. But what’s really amazing about this program is how incredibly successful it is at achieving its mission. It’s brilliant. And fun. And we like fun.

And while we are on the subject, props to Benjamin for being such an inspiration, and not taking himself too seriously. I mean he could. He can back it up. But he keeps it light, and we need more of that. And one more thing: If they ever make a Pilates reality series, let’s hope it stars Benjamin Degenhardt and Rebekah Rotstein. Their little social media shenanigans are just hilarious.

The “Wundaful” Lori Shipp

Lori Shipp and Wunda Chair Wednesday

Do you guys know Lori Shipp of Vive Pilates in Raleigh, NC? (@lori.shipp)? It was so nice to see her name come up again and again on the “Best of Pilates 2019” nomination form for being tirelessly dedicated to her students and Pilates community, and for being a ray of light and love!

She started #wundachairwednesday as a way for instructors and Pilates lovers of all training backgrounds, levels and lineages to have a space to share, to be inspired and to be encouraged by one another on her favorite apparatus.

“It makes me so happy to scroll through all the different posts on #wundachairwednesday every week and see the different people, places and styles of Pilates and all of the connections people make from all over the world. Really, at the end of the day, we are all trying to do the same thing - move more, get stronger, love others and have fun while doing it! Thanks y'all, for being here and showing up every Wednesday, for all the love and support and for this amazing wunda fam we got here on our little corner of the internet.”

Thank you, Lori!

Get Your Freak On

The Contrology Freak Challenge by Kira Lamb

This newbie is coming in strong with sponsors like Gratz Pilates, 360 Pilates Online, Pilates at the Pillow, Pilates Lineage, S6Fitness, Cathy Strack and Pilatesology, all who contribute to raffle prizes for challenge winners.

“You’re invited to celebrate Joseph Pilates’ Birthday week! Join Contrology Freaks around the world for our 2nd annual #contrologyfreakchallenge. Are you ready to party?”

The challenge is on NOW. It started on December 9, but it is not too late to catch up and join the party! “Bring Your Own Pictures (or videos) to show us how you #workthesystem.” Post daily pics, collages, &/or videos that demonstrate different ways in which these Classical Pilates exercises appear in the system to 1.) introduce 2.) challenge &/or 3.) reinforce specific movement patterns across multiple pieces of apparatus. The themes can be found here.

Visit here to sign up for daily emails with instructions. Also, props on the marketing, Kira! Such fun!

There were so many Pilates resources named in the survey as go-to places for instruction, inspiration and education. Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to create resources for all of us to benefit from. These are just a few of the resources, and those that were most mentioned on the surveys. However, if you have something to add, please comment below.

If you would like to raise awareness for a resource, please email hello@pilatay.com. This year, Pilatay.com will feature a series of resource lists to generate even more awareness for all the great the resources out there.

Pilates Podcasts

Electronic Resources for Pilates Instruction

A Must Read Pilates Blog

Pilatesandrea.com by Andrea Maida

It is not at all surprising that Andrea Maida’s blog was one of the most mentioned all over the “Best of Pilates 2019” nomination form. It is just candy for the Pilates lovers’ soul.

Andrea is a purist without pretense and she describes the “why” to Pilates in such a friendly and beautiful way, through both written posts and Youtube.com videos. There is so much good stuff there.

She answers all the questions you had during your Pilates teacher training, but were afraid to ask. And she does it all while being the perfect combination of intellectual, yet humble and relatable.

Her two most popular posts, “On the Order of the Pilates Reformer Exercises” and “On the Order of the Pilates Mat Exercises” are classics. Check them out, and make sure you subscribe. She also has a Youtube.com channel.

Winter Reading

There are so many great Pilates books out there to choose from! Here are some of the top titles on your reading list this year (from nomination form, in no particular order):

  • The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler

  • The Red Thread of Pilates The Integrated System and Variations of Pilates - The Arm/Baby Chair (The Red Thread of Pilates Series)

  • Love All Around: The Biography of Romana Kryzanowska by Cathy Strack

Instagram Tutorials

The Pilates community is getting social, and we are not just talking about the millennials. Even some of our second ‘generation-ers’ have joined the social media bandwagon and we are so, so grateful that they have. They are bringing the heat with online tutorials.

There are just too many to list, but here are some of instagram accounts that readers most recommend. You guys LOVE these tutorials. If you are not following these accounts, go do it now:

Read: Best Pilates Instagrammers of 2018

Pilates Studio Crush

Oh my gosh, you guys are crushing on sooo many studios! Here are some of the studios you were particularly inspired by this year.

(Ok, guys. We see you with your sparkly studios, killer workshops, and top-notch instructors…)

Feel the Real

Alycea Ungaro, Real Pilates

Full-disclosure. My classical certification came from Real Pilates. However, Alycea and her Real Pilates empire made a lot of moves this year and you guys took notice.

When asked who you most admire on the nomination forms, one respondent explained why Alycea topped her list: “She went from a home studio to three successful studios across New York City, a world-wide teacher training program, and she has amazing books. Most importantly, she shares the work with kindness, and she is generous with her knowledge.”

Yes, she is a wonderful teacher. And I can tell you from experience that she is a stickler for consistency and precision, not just in her work and from her students, but across her business. That’s not easy.

No matter which instructor you are working with, if they are Real Pilates trained, you are getting the Real Pilates experience.

One of the things I loved about learning from Alycea is that she doesn’t just teach you how to execute an exercise; she teaches you how to squeeze the juice out of every movement.

And I think a lot of us could learn from her business savvy and gain an understanding of marketing and community relations as well. Real Pilates launched a new branding campaign this year, put a lot of effort and focus on building the Real Pilates teacher online community, and really upped the social media game so we could all come along for the ride. Bravo, Alycea and Real Pilates team!

Also, Alycea makes real efforts to propel the next generation by promoting her teacher trainers and instructors. Juan Estrada and Tela Anderson represented Real Pilates at the Gratz booth at the PMA. New mom Keren Feingold hosted a MamaLikeMe workshop. The list goes on. Check out Real Pilates on Insta to see all the fun.

The Pilates Snob

Also on Alycea’s team is Victoria Batha, the Pilates Snob.

You purists are just loving @thepilatessnob’s “WTF Wednesday.”

Ok, so this program was definitely created for a niche audience. If you are a “all movement is good movement” “the only bad Pilates is the Pilates not practiced” type of practitioner… this is not for you.

Purists, however, are finding great delight in her videos spoofing the horrors of “#pilates.”

And, I give her props for upping her marketing and branding efforts this year - it is looking très professionnel!

Classically Inclusive

The Pilates Center Boulder

This year was a good year for TPC. Sisters Amy Taylor Alpers and Rachel Taylor Segel, who both trained under Romana Kryzanowska, founded their Boulder, Colorado-based studio in 1990. Their teacher training program is among the most respected out there, with the Master’s Program being one of the most coveted continuing education certifications available.

The fact that they are already so well-respected and don’t have anything to prove, makes their efforts to engage with the entire Pilates community that much more meaningful.

This year, they really stepped it up on social media, bringing their teaching tidbits to the masses with online Pilates tutorials via Instagram and Youtube.com via “Tips of the Week.”

They lend their expertise as presenters/teachers at conferences big and small (Amy Alpers recently announce she will be teaching at Momentum Fest next year).

Among their many workshops this year, was “The Five Lineages Conference: The History of Five Elders of Joseph Pilates.” It was a five-day workshop, each day hosted by an expert representing an elder: Romana Krysanowska by Amy and Rachel; Carola Trier by Jillian Hessel; Kathy Grant by Kim Haroche; Ron Fletcher by Deborah Mendoza; and and Eve Gentry by Debora Kolwey.

Their openness and inclusion is something to admire and strive for. Thank you TPC, Amy, Rachel and team, for being such great role models!

Pilates Rockstars

Shout out to all of these Pilates rockstars, whose names came up most frequently when readers were asked who inspired them this year, and deserved a shout out!

Positive Vibes

Grace Hurry

This was a good year for Grace. I am willing to bet that everyone who has ever met her would agree that she deserves every blessing.

She is truly a beautiful mover. Her photos and videos are captivating. And it is no secret. Not only did she adorn the cover of Pilates Style this year, but has attracted over 80K Instagram followers.

In addition to having that magical combination of strength and ‘grace’ (props to her parents for choosing such a fitting name!), she stands out because she is so positive and down-to-earth. She doesn’t take herself too seriously and isn’t afraid to laugh at herself.

From IG stories (like an entire series) centered around navigating her teaching life with a huge blemish on her face (relatable) to captions that actually make you spit out your matcha latte, they are so darn funny, her fun-loving personality shines through.

Like, seriously. Thank you God, for bringing us Grace. She’s just what this Pilates community needed.

Inspirational Rehabilitation

Laura Browning Grant and Jon Grant @laurabpilates

If you are a Pilates lover on Instagram, you have, at some point, watched Laura Browning Grant’s Instagram posts with tears in your eyes, as she documented the aftermath of her husband Jon’s terrible car accident resulting in traumatic brain injury.

The #teasertuesday founder’s feed quickly went from photos of the Pilates community teasering at vacation destinations around the world, to calls for prayer to the backdrop of hospital rooms, as she turned her attention 100% to Jon’s recovery.

Well this year, we got to see Jon turn a corner as the result of Laura’s unwavering dedication to his healing and her faith. The light is back in his eyes, and she’s using Pilates to heal his body. We will keep praying for Laura and Jon and many more happy tears to come.

Queen KRN

Kathi Ross-Nash and the Red Thread Ranch

Not only is Kathi Ross-Nash completely captivating and larger than life, but she embodies Pilates. She is the perfect living example of how you can achieve your maximum physical potential, exclusively via Pilates. Her body is #pilatesgoals, and she doesn’t supplement her practice with cardio or weight training.

She was one of the most frequently mentioned teachers on the nomination survey, and it is not at all surprising.

Her book, “The Red Thread of Pilates: The Arm/Baby Chair” was repeatedly mentioned as the best Pilates book on the market. She has several in the series. Check them out here.

The Red Thread Ranch weekend workshops/trainings have all Pilates people checking whether their city has direct flights to Sarasota, FL. (Her workshops actually sell out in literally hours.)

And, she was the most mentioned conference presenter. It is rare for a major conference to pass without some viral video of a standout moment from her presentation that has you sitting on the edge of your seat. She really brings the energy and literally has people cheering and clapping in the middle of a presentation.

And then there’s her new animal print studio. Slow clap on that one.... WITH a standing ovation.

So here’s the point. We love KRN. She is such an inspiration, and we are so grateful that she has chosen to share her knowledge and life with her Pilates community in so many meaningful ways. You can check out her Instagram here.

Contributing to the Preservation of the History of Pilates

The Restoration Of Joseph Pilates’ Original Studio, and the Pilates at the Pillow (TM) Program

While there were many contributions to the Pilates community this year, one stood out: “The restoration project of Joe’s original studio because it is a labor of love and a lot of work, so the Pilates community can have access to Joe’s original equipment and property for the first time.”

The Pilates Source™️ and Sean Gallagher led the amazing and historic preservation of Joseph Pilates’ original Beckett, MA studio. The restoration comes complete with a museum where visitors will be able to view this iconic piece of Pilates history. 

Pilates teachers were able to see the progress first hand through Pilates at the Pillow™️, a series of three-day conferences, held at the historic Jacob’s Pillow and Joe’s studio in Beckett, MA. Created by Sean Gallagher and Elaine Ewing, Pilates at The Pillow™ was developed to research, define and refine the standard of The Art and Science of Contrology through workshops based on archival documentation, scientific research, and reproduction of lost apparatus and exercises.

It does look like a remarkable experience, and attendees seem to absolutely love it. Next year’s conferences will cover topics such as, “The New Science and Lost Art of Joe’s Corrective Work™” and “The New Science and Lost Art of Apparatus Off the Guillotine™ .”

The 3-day adventure will set you back $1,250.00, which includes all event activities, workshops, meals, and housing. Each session accepts only 40 attendees who must apply and be approved.

Pilates Studio Travel Goals

There are so many amazing studios around the world, and thanks to online resources like Instagram, we are able to crush on them hard from across the globe. Here are some of the studios on our “must visit” lists:

Bluebird Pilates in Munich, Germany by Jean Claude Nelson

Ok, so who’s arranging the field trip to Bluebird Pilates Munich? Apparently, we are all in.

This studio is travel goals.

Jean Claude has been providing an inside look at his beautiful studio and his flawless execution via Youtube.com and Facebook for years. However, this year, he started to dabble a bit more on Instagram. (Thank you, Jean Claude. Please, keep it up.)

I think what is so captivating about his work is how pure, clean, and effortless he makes the most complex exercises look. Take a look if you don’t currently follow him.

The Movement Refinery, Melbourne

So first of all, they are in Melbourne, Australia. There is just something about the Pilates community in Australia that lends itself to total “crush” material. They are so darn fun! Like, can all of your please be my best friends?

Ok. But that’s not why you voted them as your studio crush. Nor, was it their gorgeous “pastel palace” interior (#studiogoals). It is seriously heavenly. Check out some of their photos on Instagram here.

In addition to be so darn cute and funny, they are also one of the few classical studios in the country to teach the authentic method. They are also a hub for continuing education, offering many opportunities for instructors to work under visiting teachers from interstate and overseas (this year they hosted our own Benjamin Degenhardt and Lesley Logan).

But back to the pastel palace… it is so pretty.

Epitomizing the Work

Elaine Ewing, Rhinebeck Pilates 

“Elaine epitomizes the work.” “Her form is flawless” “She embodies the Pilates principles and looks to Joe for answers. I adore her!!” “Her commitment to teaching and being taught is what makes for a true teacher.”

Those are just a few of the comments left in the nomination survey about Elaine Ewing of Rhinebeck Pilates.

I have to say, I agree. Not only is her IG feed a feast for the Pilates lover’s soul... she is also the co-founder (along with Sean Gallagher) of Pilates at the Pillow™.

She’s regularly lending her knowledge and understanding of classical Pilates and Contrology throughout the various online forums. She always has a very diplomatic approach and brings the facts and information that we are all looking for, in a very calm and humble way.

Whoever said “those who can’t do, teach” never met Elaine. She embodies Pilates and truly puts her money where her mouth is.

And, as if that weren’t enough, her studio, Rhinebeck Pilates, is major studio crush material.

We are so grateful to Elaine for sharing so much inspiration with her online community and inspiring us from across the globe.

Thank you to all the teachers, companies, and studios who put yourselves out there to share your knowledge and joy of Pilates. You inspire us all.

Do you want to give a shout-out to a teacher, studio, or program that inspired you this year? Comment below.

To participate in the next nomination process, subscribe to Pilatay.com!

Tracy Belcher
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