Winter Updates
there is a pilates machine in the middle of the room .

Wow everyone, here we are again at the end of December. I really cannot believe how fast this year went. So many great things happened for the Studio. 


  1. We are now fully equip! The Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Spine corrector, and Big Barrel . These are the juicy pieces that help you become better at body awareness, connection, and Mat. It has been so exciting to see how the method has reshaped and made all of your bodies stronger. 
  2. The Online Pilates Library became LIVE and to the public. It has been amazing to hear how they are helping the members grow and change physically as well as intellectually about the Pilates exercises. All of the members are giving some really positive feedback. Here is an amazing testimony from a member in Tennessee.  “You should subscribe to these videos. So much information and easy to follow instruction is what you will find. My shoulder had been slowly getting worse this past year, but thankfully  Heidi Garcia  helped me gain control to heal. We don't live in the same state, so these videos are keeping me going after our in person session. Her attention to my physical placement really made my body remember where it should be and how it should be doing it. Oh how I wish I could see her in person each week! At least I can watch a video each day. My goal is to get mobility back in my left shoulder. What's your physical goal? Sign up!!! You will gain knowledge and grow stronger!”
  3. This was my Third year teaching the SPORT gymnastic team ballet. Of course I sprinkle Pilates into the teaching. I love hearing how their Pilates Privates are helping your Young Athlete gain more confidence, understanding of their body and healing them to return to their sport. When we support and give them the tools to take care of themselves there is less likely of injury and burn out.
  4. Progression happened! This year as it passed I was able to see that we are beginning to have 3 distinct levels here at the studio!!! Oh gosh what a dream. 
  5. Pilates with a Glass at Union Hill has been a fabulous outreach to our community. THANK YOU to all for making this a fun event. Ever since I got my National Certification I believe even more how important it is for people to understand WHAT Pilates is… this is going to mainly come from the exercises, what is out there being called Pilates is questionable but Real Pilates WILL NEVER GO AWAY because it’s not a trend. Trendy things don’t last long in fitness or wellness. 


Of course, there are far more than 5 but I’d say these are the Top 5. Ready to go for another year?

a stack of yoga mats with a pilates ring and a pilates ball

Changes in the New Year

The first big change that will happen going into 2024 is that I am no longer teaching on Friday. After a lot of research, tallying and analyzing, Monday and Friday’s are days I see the least amount of clients. This will allow me stay on top of my other duties. 


There is now going to be a Mat III. As I’ve always said, you are welcome to try any level of the Mat Classes but starting at Mat II you do need to be confident in your modification if you need them. This class is a faster pace than Mat I so, the transitions from one exercise to next is faster and you need to know the set up (or your set up). You also need to know the vocabulary of the beginning exercises because we are learning the Intermediate exercises, their names and how to do them correctly. I call Mat II the Plank building level so wrist, shoulders and neck needs to be in good health. Here are Day and Times for the new Mat Class schedule. 


Mat Level 1: Wednesday at 11am

Mat Level 2: Thursday at 9am

Mat Level 3: Tuesday at 12 pm


Lastly, starting January 1st there will be rate changes. I’m working closely with a Business coach whose business is called Profitable Pilates and I want to make my studio just that. Starting in January the packages of Privates and Mat will be sold separately. 

a group of people are posing for a picture in a restaurant .

Pilates with a Glass Dates

Here are the upcoming Pilates with a Glass dates:

  • January 20th
  • February 10th,
  • March 16th.


Start time at 11am. We tried having two classes a month for the past few months but our numbers went down and I couldn’t fully devote time to marketing it. So, we are going back to 1 time a month. Click and get your January’s spot here.

a woman is laying on a pilates machine while a woman stands behind her .

 Being a Personal Trainer at Times

Being a Personal Trainer at times...or maybe all of the time, I am your cheerleader! Cheering you on telling you, “you can do it” and believing in you! Well, sometimes the Trainer needs a cheerleader too and I absolutely have one in Erika!!! Erika started with me in a Pilates Mat class and quickly realized she needed more understanding. 


Amazingly, Erika only started caring for her health and wellness in her adult years. I was truly shocked when she shared with me about the amount of weight, she had lost years prior. What I find with working with Erika is that she will not give up! She will do the dirty work and she will do it as slowly and concentrated as I ask her. She’s also is a true lover of Pilates. When she goes out of town, she will either do the On-Line Videos or she will go to a Pilates studio where she is at and do a class there. This is incredible! This allows her to be open to other instructors that only help her become better at Pilates. Erika was so timid at first and she had a lot of fear going into exercises but she trusted me. When I saw, something wasn’t going to happen, there, yet, I found her another piece of equipment to do the exercise and she would then have a click of connection being able to go back to the first spot and do those exercises there. The amount of growth that Erika has done with me has been so exciting to watch, more than just that, she is always cheering me on. I feel so much support by her. This not to say I don’t feel that from others, but Erika has been like that since day 1. FIVE STARS! 


I have learned so much about my own body mechanics since my first pilates class with Heidi! It has been almost a month and a half, and I feel stronger and so much more energetic and flexible. I used to feel stiff and have a lot of pain in my back. Heidi takes her instruction to the next level by offering so many different hints and exercises that I use throughout the day, using breath, different ways of movement in everyday tasks and stretching. I am starting to see differences in my overall physique as well -- more toning through the core and waist area. I exercise regularly, spin classes and weights, Heidi's pilates instruction has enhanced my workout regime. I look forward to getting stronger and learning more! This is an amazing program!


Heidi is an excellent instructor with a wealth of experience. She has great knowledge of body mechanics and has helped me transform my body from the inside out! We are so blessed to have her expertise in this valley!


My journey in pilates began four years ago and it keeps building and I keep growing in strength and ability! No more pain, just flexibility and strength, all due to Heidi!


Like wow! I feel so accomplished by her words. I am so proud of you Erika! You take the time to embody Pilates. You are humble when you receive correction, you are committed to yourself to keep pushing forward and because of that your spine is only getting younger and your muscles are getting stronger. Thanks for being my cheerleader!

Reflecting

a woman is holding a baby who is crawling on a table
a family is posing for a picture in front of a christmas tree .

Back in October a date passed and it marked my 20th year teaching Pilates. One of the main reasons I decided to become a Pilates Trainer was because I really wanted to work with people who really wanted to “be there”. They want to learn Pilates, they want to heal or get stronger and they had a good attitude about working out. Honestly, I can say 99% of the time I get that and I LOVE IT! I was also a single mom 20 years ago so, having a job that allowed me to support myself and our son was top priority. I have learned so many lessons throughout the years, teaching is my absolute passion. I remember the first time a client came to me with a real issue, I went straight to my Pilates guide, applied those exercises sprinkled in creative ways of doing them ..since I only had my reformer, chair and spine corrector. It was the most amazing thing for me watch her body become something totally strong, upright, confident and in no more pain. I’m so proud of my clients and the work we’v e put in together. Here are just a few.


  • Rehab of knees, neck, shoulders, low back pain, and feet. 
  • Regain core strength for balance, performance and confidence.
  • Help center out and keep pain at a minimum for scoliosis, osteoporosis and Arthritis. 
  • Improve athletic performance in dance, football, golf, tennis and gymnastics. 


Thank you to each one of you for entrusting me with your body. I know each one of your stories when it comes to pain or frustration about your body. I know how far you have come to heal and make yourself stronger. It takes time, dedication and patience to change your body and mind! I know Pilates feels like you are moving a snails peace at times, but that is how progress works believe me I know! 


Pilates has helped me get out of chronic low back pain, improve my dancing, rehabbed me after giving birth to my children, rehabbed me after hip surgery, after kidney donation, after an incision hernia surgery, keeps my hip strong and mobile, and just recently the back of my knee muscle stain. 


Thank you again!

Heidi 

a woman is sitting on a yoga mat using a laptop computer .
By Heidi 29 Feb, 2024
Hello Pilates enthusiast! The countdown is on for Spring to start… and I think it’s safe to say that most of us are ready for it.
a woman is standing in a room with a pilates machine .
By Heidi 03 Feb, 2024
I hope that the New Year has found you new hope in whichever area of life you need it. For me the New Year kicked off with some challenges of illness but it was gone and out of my system within a few days… but low and behold a sinus infection came to visit me. I haven’t had one of those in a long time. Gave me a bit of a questioning of all things, but once I got over that hump of reminding myself of some truths, I was able to jump back into things. Have you ever gotten off track with things? Since we are all things Pilates here, have you ever found yourself getting off track of your Pilates routine? If so, you are not alone. I’ve definitely gotten off track. The first thing I did was recognize that I wasn’t in my Pilates routine. I also notice how my body felt, what my mood was like and what I was thinking in my mind. I had to carve out firstly, mental time. Thinking about how good I would feel after my workout helped me carve out 5-10 minutes. Maybe it was my breath practice, maybe it was simply lifting my pelvic floor when doing the dishes, but those small steps helped me get back on my mat, then to the reformer; finally, back into a good solid workout routine. Once I got back into my Pilates routine, I noticed that I can handle things good or bad, that come my way. My body feels strong, my mood is a lot more leveled and my thinking becomes more positive. Sometimes, the beginning of this process is hard, but give it once a week, then twice and before you know it, you will find your groove. Of course reading it and saying it is much easier than doing it, and that’s where I come in. In person or online I am here to help you get started and to keep you going.  Have you been off track before? How did you get back on track? I would love to hear about it to cheer you on or to congratulate you.
a group of people are posing for a picture in a restaurant .
By Heidi 14 Nov, 2023
Hey Everyone!
a seamless pattern of sports icons on a blue background
By Heidi 06 Oct, 2023
Hello Fellow Athlete Parents,  I’m sure like me, your child is in the swing and thick of practice. It’s about this time that their lives have gotten a bit more hectic. Between school life, homework, practice and chores their life is feeling it. I find my child needs more hugs around this time..as well as ice packs, “help” with homework and just needs to know I am there. Even in their most joyous times in their sport they will start to feel pressure from all points. The best thing we can do as a parent is to recognize that and give them support when and how they need it. I find I do better by simply saying, “when you’re ready, I’m here.” They may need time to dissect what is hard. Remember coaches and teachers are there to push your child pass comfort, because, we as adults know, it’s only by pushing ourselves out of our comfort zone is when growth happens, the same is true for our children. So, by being their cheerleader and support system they know they are loved regardless of the outcome.
a pink cup with a green straw is sitting on a rock in the grass
21 Sep, 2023
Fall is just days away and so are some dates to remember The next Pilates with a Glass Event is THIS THURSDAY! At 6pm. Grab your spot by clicking the link , class is more than half full. Union Hill Cidery also has their kitchen open so you can grab something to eat to go with your Cider. The upcoming Pilates with a Glass Fall Schedule done: Here are the dates below, they are be on schedule so you can grab your spot. Because of popular demand and also request we are bringing the event to you TWICE A MONTH!!! Say what!!!???? Thank you so much for your love and support with this fun class. Here are the dates, hop on Vagaro and book your spot. October 14th and 28th, November 18th and December 2nd and the 16th. October 19- 23 the studio will be CLOSED . I’m heading over to Nashville , Tennessee for a Scoliosis Workshop. This is a two-day event that goes from 9-5 my brain will be given a ton of juicy information and I can’t wait to apply to my scoli. Clients. I actually haven’t been to an in person continuing education event for a looooonnngggg time. So, I’m excited to be with fellow Pilates nerds and nerd out about the spine, muscles and movements. Not to get too far ahead… and I will send out another Newsletter by then, but November 20-24 the studio will be CLOSED.
a woman is laying on a purple yoga mat in front of a house .
29 Aug, 2023
I know some of you are counting down the days till Fall but I’m hanging on to the last days of Summer. It’s been a great and busy summer! In July I launched the On-Line Pilates Video Library and TODAY! I am releasing new videos in each of the categories. In Level 1 It’s a fundamentals video that breaks down pelvis movements, articulation vs stability, shoulder movements and supporting these movements with breath. Level 2 there is a quick video of the Fab. 5 abdominal exercises. In Specialties there’s a authentic TLC video for when you’ve done a good solid walk! When making this video I was thinking about how great a frozen water bottle would feel under my feet but the tennis ball did just fine. Then lastly, the 10 min. Glute and Hips video.. OH WOW! Such a great video. After I wrote up this workout and did it myself, I had to get dinner made and I while I was standing, I felt so much support coming from those muscles. I put these videos at the front of the line ;-) I will be recording Level 3 in the coming weeks and at the end of September that category will be available.
a stack of yoga mats with a pilates ring and a pilates ball
By Heidi 30 Jun, 2023
The Summer schedule has started off fabulously! It seems that everyone has been able to get on the schedule…or at least I haven’t heard otherwise :-)
a woman is doing Pilates on a purple mat in a room .
By Heidi 30 Jun, 2023
As summer is in full swing, your child may be doing a lot more extra hours in their sport. This is so good for them on so many different levels. It teaches them: You have to work hard to achieve something How work through challenges and obstacles They meet fear in the face Failure is only a stepping stone to learning something new or about themselves And most importantly their bodies As a young athlete at one time myself and having two children who are athletic, I understand the importance of support. You as their parent you are their biggest fan, you are there to dry tears on the hard practice days, cheer the loudest at the meets and you want to help them succeed not just in their sport but life as well. One of the biggest takes aways I learned while training and into professionally dancing was taking care of my body. It is really challenging for a child to pin point what might be bothering them, or they know what bugs them, but don’t know where it’s coming from. Our bodies are complex yet within ligaments, muscles, and bones it all connects. This is why my daughter’s coach came to me, because the young athlete HAS TO TAKE EXTRA TIME TO CARE FOR THEIR BODIES. As I have trained elite golfers, professional football players, professional dancers, fitness instructors, gymnast and tennis players, one thing rings truer than true, THEY HAVE GOT TO STRETCH after the practice, before the meet or even on a slow evening. As one of my dance teachers said, move your body and move it well. That isn’t going happen with tight pecs, low back pain or tight calves, no it won’t. So, by way of brainstorming with my daughters coach and talking to other parents who have young athletes, I came up with Stretches For the Young Athlete. These videos are of the areas that need stretching out the most and they are the most common areas for an athlete. There are 5 different videos. Stretching for: Shoulders and Arms Low back tightness and pain Feet Legs Hips The reason for separate videos is so that your young athlete can go to a specific video when those specific areas are bugging them. The downloadable video is at low cost of $20.00. Click the link below to purchase today!
a group of people are standing on Pilates mats in a room .
By Heidi Garcia 25 Apr, 2023
Happy Spring! I’m so happy it’s becoming warm and sunny!!
a group of people posing for a picture on the beach
By Heidi Garcia 05 Dec, 2022
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!  My family and I had a wonderful, relaxing and much needed vacation out in Gulf Shores. My sister, Heather joined us so it made the trip even more fun! The rest gave us time to re-set ourselves for the upcoming season of bathroom and shower remodel, the Holiday Season and the upcoming Competition season.
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