I have now been practicing pilates for oof 20 years with varying levels of investment and motivation. I think it's saying a lot that these teachers have kept me engaged and consistently attending for around 5 years.
Firstly, I love the community of loyal followers they have amassed and I have best time seeing new faces in the studio as well. It's not like other studios where new people are made to feel like they are walking into a private sorority event. To this point, Cue the Core offers classes that vary in levels of difficult and experience. There are classes For beginners, advanced and everything in between. Importantly, I find I can jump into nearly any class as Karen and Wendy call out modifications for those who need/ want them ( mods that allow people to up the level of most moves). I find this flexibility opens up the availability of classes I can join. It's a welcoming place for people who are curious and want to try it out as well.
Admittedly, I'm picky now since I've tried many different styles, different studios, and different teachers. I know what I like. Also My body has changed as I've aged, so my goals around exercise have changed. Karen , Wendy and the teachers they have brought on (shot out to Deborah, Gen and Susan) offer more than 50 minutes of awkwardly messing around on equipment. They each have deep knowledge and extensive training.
A little of my journey with Karen and Wendy... When my goal was to work out without losing my pelvic floor, I felt safe with Wendy and Karen...they had my back. When I craved a more toned version of mom bod for summertime, despite back pain from spending 95% of my life picking crap up my kids left on the floor... guess who got me confident in a swimsuit? (Karen and Wendy in case you aren't following). Now, I am maybe the strongest I've been in years and feel good about how I look. My fitness focus is on continuing to grow lean muscle without risking injury. It's nearly full circle - I find myself prioritizing form and breath while maintaining strength and flexibility. Wendy is a master teacher with classical background knowledge and training. I trust her to push me without injuring me. Karen brings athleticism to my practice and even weights (which I would normally balk at). She is also a trained wellness coach who is clearly dedicated to bringing her deep knowledge base in that world to the studio.
The studio itself has come a long way and reflects the breadth and depth of Karen and Wendy's interests. I mean, come on... they've got a Cadillac (if you know you know) , can pull out a ladder barrel for privates and have outfitted each reformer with towers!! Don't see that everyday ... and for those who are familiar, these added apparatuses add such diversity of content and muscle/ tendon target to a class. I had never even heard of Fit Springs (think Pilates using springs suspended from ceiling- ish) before they installed a whole room of them. Did I mention their main reformer room set up includes CHAIRS for each reformer?!?? My favorite class is currently a classical class where we move between the reformer, mat and chair. It's advanced and challenging and feels soo good to see not only my own progress but the progress of the women who get the pilates shakes through these classes with me... I mean, bring on Jackknife... Big Twist Teaser?!?? Pshhh been nailing that one for months. Any thing Inversions? Child's play. Ok... I'm mostly joking about feeling like I've mastered these moves... each milestone we reach, master teacher Wendy reminds us there are always ways of advancing most moves and she encourages us from a place of safety and confidence to step out of complacency -as ugly as it looks the first couple times through (we laugh A LOT). It's kind of magical... we shall see if I can pull off the Boomerang with even a modicum of grace by the end of fall. lol.
Outside of classes, they've got a spectrum of offerings from speciality, pop up and themed class events ( Bubbles and Bounce- pilates with jump board and sparkling wine?... amazing combo!), to non- class but mind and community building offerings (Book club anyone?? So good!) and inspirational goodies ( the past few weeks have been fun with playful and healthful takes on a summertime favorite ... lemonade). I don't even like lemonade but on my way out of class yesterday, you can bet I happily sipped on the "bright and connected" combo I created from the menu and spread of add-ons (basil, rosemary, juicy strawberries, to name just 3 of about 10 offerings) Karen put out for people to try out. read more