Pilates is a series of exercises based on the teachings of Joseph H. Pilates.  These exercises can be performed on the floor (Mat) or on specifically designed apparatus such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Tower or the Wunda Chair.
Pilates exercises are designed to balance the body by focusing on the core muscles - the back, buttocks and abdominals.  Learning to stabilize these muscles will in turn tone and trim the waistline, buttocks and thighs while developing strength in the lower back.
Participants in Pilates should experience and increase in flexibility, joint range of motion, better posture, longer, leaner muscles and an overall sense of well being. 

Who should participate?
Anyone can participate in an individually designed program of Pilates-based exercise.
These exercises do not put direct force on the joints or ligaments but rather on the deeper muscles that offer them support.  Each exercise is repeated a small number times - usually 10 repetitions or less.  The focus is on more precise movement rather than on repetition.
Fitness enthusiasts, athletes, teenagers, senior citizens and people who suffer from chronic pain, joint stress and a variety of conditions will benefit from this effecient method of exercise.
As always, it is recommended that you consult your physician before you begin any exercise regimen.

Meet our instructors

Jolie is the Owner of The Pines Studio for Pilates. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. in Communications. She has been teaching Pilates for 27 years. In addition to being trained by her mother Missy Becker-Noll, Jolie has traveled extensively to study with other Master Pilates trainers.  Jolie is Comprehensively Certified through Peak Pilates®. She is a Master Instructor and Mentor for their education program and serves as a member of the advisory board for Peak Pilates® , and is a teacher trainer for FITCORE®.  Jolie has been a presenter for 16 years at Pilates and fitness conferenses.In 2011 Jolie took an Aerial Yoga class and fell in love with it! The idea of applying her Pilates strength and flexibility to soar to new heights was exciting. In 2012 she completed an Aerial Yoga teacher training certification through Patvan Yoga. She brought Aerial Yoga to The Pines Studio, making it the first studio north of Pittsburgh to offer it. She is also certified in TRX.
In her free time, Jolie loves to challenge herself by participating in triathalons and endurance running. She started a project called "Pilates On The Move,"  which she organizes for her clients to participate in relay triathalons or 5K's.  Taking their Pilates bodies out and applying that strength to other areas of fitness. 
 Jolie teaches both private and group classes in Pilates, Aerial Yoga and TRX. She is available for presentations, workshops, and consultation.

Bill Hughes is a Registered Nurse and a member of the River City Brass Band here in Pittsburgh.  He has been playing the Trumpet with the band for nearly 20 years. He has a Bachlors degree from Carnegie Mellon University.  Bill has always had a passion for fitness his entire life.  He loves the sport of triathlon and has competed in 5 IRONMAN races, along with countless running races; including the Boston Marathon.  Bill came to The Pines Studio as a client seeking to better himself for triathlon.  He saw first hand what Pilates can do and became an instructor.  He is also certified in TRX training. 