Poway Pilates uses individual approach with clients

By Peijean Tsai

While Pilates has surged in popularity in recent years, it certainly isn’t a fitness fad, according to Jennifer Richards, Poway Pilates owner and instructor.

Poway Pilates owner and instructor Jennifer Richards. Photo by Peijean Tsai

That’s because of Pilates’ extraordinary benefits, with individuals gaining improved flexibility, muscle and core strength, better balance and posture, and reduced stress and pain.

“I don’t see it as being a trend. I see it growing and flourishing as a method,” said Richards, who said her studio closely follows the teachings of Joseph Pilates, whose philosophy emphasizes the core and encompasses the idea that our bodies work as a whole, not as separate units. “Bodies are changing because of it, and it’s a method that fits a lot of different needs.”

Poway Pilates is a full-service training studio that incorporates all the equipment and exercises of the Pilates method. Recognizing that each person has different physical needs and issues, the studio uses an individual approach with clients. That includes an initial assessment session to determine the appropriate Pilates classes, training, and modifications to best serve each person.

Classes are offered Mondays though Saturdays and include reformer Pilates, Pilates/barre workout, kettlebell, and Pilates boot camp classes. Private and semi-private instruction is available.

Even in small group classes, instructors are able to modify workouts for each person as needed.

“It’s a personal training environment. Even though we have classes, you are still getting that individual attention,” said Richards, who is one of seven instructors at Poway Pilates.

The studio is for all ages and skill levels, including teens, athletes, post-rehabilitation clients and seniors.

Especially popular at Poway Pilates are the reformer classes, which can be ideal for those with bone density or post-rehabilitation issues. The reformer is a resistance exercise machine that incorporates a moving carriage, springs, pulleys, and straps in a bed-like apparatus, allowing individuals to build strength, flexibility, and bone mass in a mostly no-impact workout that challenges the core. There are over 500 exercises that can be done on the reformer alone, Richards said, and it works for even heavyset and very tall clients.

“Experiencing Pilates on a reformer is another experience because we’re able to work with all body types,” said Richards. “It’s a little bit more controlled, versus mat Pilates.”

Richards opened Poway Pilates at its current 1,600-square-foot Midland Road location in September 2007, combining her previous two smaller studios into one. Richards, who has over 15 years of fitness training experience, said she decided to focus her business on Pilates years ago because she saw her clients experiencing different problems, including more work-related injuries and stress.

“People are not moving as much as they used to,” Richards said. “Pilates gives that mobility back into your body.”

Other equipment and apparatus used at Poway Pilates include: the Wunda Chair, Cadillac, ladder barrel and tower reformer.

For individuals who are new to the reformer, Poway Pilates offers starter packages designed to orient clients with the machine and have private one-on-one time with instructors to prepare them for group classes.

“It’s a good foundation that really helps prep them for class,” Richards said.

Poway Pilates (858-748-7864), which is a member of the international professional association and certifying agency Pilates Method Alliance, is located at 14053 Midland Road in Poway.

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Posted by Staff on Jul 2 2012. Filed under Business, Business Profiles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry