Be more fit, more flexible, more athletic, more resilient. With our personalized STOTT PILATES® method fitness programs you can achieve more out of your workouts. A Pilates fitness program can:
Increase muscular tone, endurance and flexibility
Develop balance, coordination and body awareness
Improve posture and alignment
Boost core strength and stability
Refine athletic performance
Relieve stress and back pain
Prevent injury
We offer group mat and equipment classes for all levels including Pilates for Golfers, Fit for Life, Barre Class, and Total Body Conditioning, as well as specialty clinics throughout the year. Private and semi-private sessions tailored to your individual goals and schedule are available.
PROUD PARTNER IN THE PINK RIBBON PROGRAM
Sponsored by West Clinic, the purpose of the Pink Ribbon Program is to ensure that every woman has the ability to regain a sense of well-being that had been lost from the diagnosis of Breast Cancer and its related surgery and recovery. It is an exercise therapy program designed specifically for the needs and challenges facing the growing number of breast cancer survivors. The Pink Ribbon Program helps stretch and strengthen shoulder, chest and back allowing the patient to improve range of motion and strength to those areas most affected by breast cancer surgery, treatment and reconstruction. Our wonderful, certified Pilates instructors teach this one-hour class once a week.
Participants will experience
renewed strength and mobility in affected shoulder and arm
I just want to let you know how much that your Pink Ribbon Pilates class is helping me.
My diagnosis came in 2020, right before the Pandemic shutdown. I had 2 lumpectomies, radiation treatments and was sent home with a prescription for an aromatase inhibitor. I was pretty isolated because of the COVID shutdown, so I stayed in the house and tried to heal and adjust to the side effects of my treatments and medications. I tried 2 different drugs - letrozole and anastrozole. The side effects are tough to tolerate and I dealt with hair loss, anxiety, severe depression, fatigue and severe joint pain. I had no desire or energy to do anything. During a checkup with Dr. Pritchard, I shared that I would like to exercise, but I didn't feel like it. She suggested that I call you and join your Pink Ribbon Pilates class.
Your class has changed everything for me!
First of all, you have a wonderful way of making me feel good about what I'm doing. You can evaluate my body type and guide me to move correctly. My energy level has returned to normal and I am not aching as much as I was before. I visited Campbell Clinic and was told that damage in my shoulders qualified for shoulder replacement. But, with your exercises, I am moving without as much pain. That proves to me that with your class, I have the ability to change the course of my joint pain. I have more energy and I always feel better when I complete your class.
Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in Pink Ribbon Pilates. It means the world to me!
Pilates Classes
Mat Classes
Mat classes use your body weight as the primary source of resistance, focusing on precise movements originating from the center or core of your body. This work will result in a strong, flexible spine with ideal posture and alignment. Classes emphasize the foundational principles of Pilates while offering modifications and variations to suit each student’s individual needs whether recovering from an injury or for athletic training.
Various pieces of small equipment including weighted toning balls, different size stability balls, flex-bands, and fitness circles are utilized in the mat classes to challenge balance, coordination, and strength.
Group Equipment Classes
Small group equipment classes are offered with Merrithew™ V2 Max Plus™ Reformers, Chairs, Cadillac, Spring Walls, with additional jumpboards and cardio tramps added for low-impact cardiovascular work. Instructors design each equipment class to meet the goals of the clients in the class.
Private Equipment Classes
We offer private equipment classes for those recovering from an injury or who those who would prefer individual classes at their own convenient schedule. We also offer semi-private equipment classes.
How To Find A Class
If you are new to Pilates, you can sign up for your free introductory class on our MindBody app by downloading it from the Apple App Store. If you prefer to have a private introductory session, email Jessie at jtretter@balletmemphis.org.
Our Level 1 class is for beginners. Level 2 is for those who have had a regular Pilates practice. Level 3 is a challenging class for those who are healthy, fit, and familiar with the Pilates curriculum.
Pilates
Instructors
All the instructors at the Pilates Centre have been trained in the STOTT PILATES Method, a safe and effective program for developing core strength, flexibility, mobility and balance. They are trained to work with different body types and provide movement cues for body awareness and the practice of proper form.
Pam VanGilder
Studio Manager, STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer, Dance Education Consultant
Iori Araya
Jessie Tretter
Martha Heard
Jessica Heinz
Rachel Hewer
Katie Monaghan
Julie Niekrasz
Sara Grizzle
Amanda Asbell
Studio Manager, STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer, Dance Education Consultant
Pam VanGilder
Pam has worked in the field of dance and movement education for most of her life. She began teaching STOTT PILATES® in 2000 and is fully certified in all the STOTT PILATES® equipment and mat as well as Injuries and Special Populations. She is passionate about helping others acquire and maintain fit and functional movement through Pilates so they may continue to enjoy a full and active life. As an Instructor Trainer in Reformer and Mat she enjoys imparting her years of experience with new teachers.
Iori Araya
Jessie Tretter
Jessica Tretter is a former professional ballet dancer who has danced with Houston Ballet, BalletNext, and Rochester City Ballet. A native of Rochester, Jessica grew up studying ballet under Timothy Draper and Jamey Leverett, in addition to studying at the School of American Ballet and American Ballet Theater during the summer months. From the age of 14, Jessica has been practicing Pilates to combat growth spurts, build strength, overcome and prevent injuries, and to maintain her overall physical health. She supplemented her ballet training with reformer work, group mat classes during her summers away in New York, and worked privately with Pilates instructors during her professional career. It seemed a natural leap to become an instructor herself, so Jessica completed her Balanced Body training on all the apparatus in March of 2019. She has been teaching since the summer of 2019, working with people of all ages and sharing her love of physical motions and body mechanics. Jessica aims to make Pilates feel approachable and accessible for all ages and bodies, and to share her enjoyment of movement.
Martha Heard
Martha has a background in ballet and practiced Pilates for 16 years before becoming a certified instructor. She also practices yoga and gyrotonics and is a registered dietician. The regular practice of mindful exercise has kept her strong and balanced, allowing her to remain active with her ever expanding family, including her grandchildren. Her experience as a student and her own physical challenges with aging carry over in to her teaching. Her motto is “Keep the train moving."
Jessica Heinz
Jessica earned a degree in Dance from Mercyhurst University in 2002 and has been teaching movement ever since. She started her STOTT Pilates training while teaching at the Ballet Memphis School and completed her full certification in California. Jessica enjoys helping people learn more about their bodies through movement. She also loves spending time outside with her husband and their 3 sons.
Rachel Hewer
Rachel Hewer danced professionally for Ballet Memphis for ten years. While dancing, Rachel received her Stott Pilates certification to teach Reformer and Mat. She began teaching in 2008 and became a fully certified in Cadillac, Chair, and Barrels in 2016. Rachel loves helping people gain a better understanding of how their bodies move and function. She enjoys working with all ages, encouraging clients to achieve their goals. Rachel graduated from the University of Mississippi with a degree in Education which she hopes will bring greater insight to her teaching as a Pilates Instructor.
Katie Monaghan
Julie Niekrasz
Julie Niekrasz was certified in 2011 in cadillac, chair, barrels, reformer, and mat. She loves teaching all levels and has fun while doing it and watching her clients improve their quality of life through Pilates, movement, and even some laughter. I truly enjoy helping others.
Sara Grizzle
Sara Grizzle began teaching yoga in 2017, where she fell in love with teaching mindful movement. In addition, she taught mat Pilates and pursued Pilates certifications in mat and all apparatus. Sara's favorite Pilates moves are the Swan on the chair and the Rollup because it requires strength and control. Sara loves being able to tailor sessions to best fit her clients, whether they're looking to add more movement to their daily life or have more specific needs.
Amanda Asbell
Amanda Asbell learned about Pilates through her own back pain. She has taught healing in the form of movement through Pilates for 18 years. Her favorite Pilates exercise is the tie between scissors and the shoulder bridge. A shoulder bridge is a great way to strengthen your glutes, and the scissors exercise is a great combination of flexibility and strength.
Policies & Information
How do Class Passes work?
Class cards can be purchased for group Mat and Total Barre classes in packages of 5, 10 and 20 classes. To gain full benefit of the program we encourage you to attend regularly, therefore the passes expire after 1 year. The classes are 1 hour and are limited to an enrollment of 12.
Group Equipment Classes
Equipment classes are ongoing and can be purchased one at a time or more economically in packages of 6 or 10. The packages expire after one year of purchase. Group equipment class enrollment is limited to 4 at the Kirby location and 5 at the midtown location. Classes are 55 minutes. Not sure which class is for you? Contact Jessie at jtretter@balletmemphis.org.
Equipment Class Cancellation
If you must cancel please do so 24 hours in advance or you will be charged for the class. Please call, text or email your instructor if you must cancel and the time of cancellation will be noted. Illness and other emergencies may be excused at the discretion of the Management.
Refund Policy
The Pilates Centre of Ballet Memphis issues refunds only to clients presenting a doctor’s note stating their injury or illness and recommendation to abstain from activity. A $25.00 fee will be applied to any returned checks.
Instructor Certifications
STOTT® Pilates certification is a very comprehensive program that requires yearly continuing education courses. All of the instructors at the Pilates Centre are STOTT® certified and highly qualified to teach all of the classes offered. Clients are encouraged to attend classes from different instructors to benefit from the variety of teaching styles and areas of interest and expertise. At times there may be a substitute instructor for a class. Please be assured that all instructors will provide you with a class that will benefit your health and fitness needs.
Preparing for Your First Class (Attire & Mats)
Wear comfortable exercise clothes, however not too loose so the instructors can observe your posture and alignment. Bare feet or non-slip socks, no shoes.
Mats are available for use during class, however you may bring your own if you so choose.
Studio Policies
Cell phones should be turned off in the studio. Please refrain from using scented perfumes and lotions before coming to the studio as many people are sensitive to fragrances. The studio is an open space with several classes going on at the same time, please use a quiet voice before, during, and after your class.
Inclement Weather
In the case of inclement weather check the recorded message at the studio and/or the website regarding Mat class cancellations. Those scheduled for group or private equipment classes will be contacted via phone, text or email from their instructor.
The Pilates Centre of Ballet Memphis is a LICENSED TRAINING CENTER for STOTT PILATES® with over 15 of years training instructors. The STOTT PILATES® education method is unparalleled in the industry for its thoroughness and quality. With over 150 workshops to choose from, our introductory and continuing education workshops can supplement your current training and programming.
