This Pilates mantra echoes through studios worldwide, but forget the trendy reformer – when mastering the language of your own body, sustainable transformation doesn't mean being strapped down (unless that's your thing).

Sure, feet in straps feel amazing, and your core lights up as your glutes say hello. The six-classes-a-week mentality (because unlimited memberships mean more is better, right?) potentially gets results. But as both experienced student and now teacher, I began to suspect this shiny object, with its promises splashed everywhere in the Pilates world, was more marketing hype than reality and was leaving the full realization of practitioners' intended results behind.

Then, my lightbulb, game-changing, finding-the-missing-puzzle-piece moment.

After an intense private session of "easy" reformer footwork, I woke to find my legs were Jell-O, obviously, and my long-sought triceps were on fire. Confused but intrigued, I determined that shiny object taking center stage was merely a tool – not the practice itself. And the deeper aspects of Pilates I'd been missing: learning to breathe along with an introduction to all those smaller muscles, well, uncovering the magic of mat work became a crash course in body awareness. Not only that, now tuned in, my body beginning to realign, I was transformed. Actual results. In months. Clients, too.

But on the mat, where I'd roll myself off, drenched in sweat, questioning my sanity, yet eager for more, because of said transformation, I had to ask: why wasn't this version of Pilates more popular? Inspired, I delved deeper into movement, rediscovering Joseph Pilates' wisdom.

In our high-stress, tech-driven world, we desperately need mindful movement that integrates mind and body, builds functional strength, improves balance and posture, and enhances everyday mobility without taxing our nervous systems further. Pilates, when guided correctly, provides exactly that.

Whether classic "Contrology" or contemporary, sometimes right there in between, these fundamental movements on the mat – and translated onto that shiny object, too – with their subtle nuances, meticulous cues, and breath focus – build a solid foundation for incredible, life-changing results. Yet with very few exceptions, I wasn't finding them by watching various social platforms, following pre-recorded subscriptions, or attending a class.

As someone once known as "the girl who never worked out" (seriously, don't ask), I've experienced this practice's transformative power firsthand. Now, I'm bringing it to you.

Where you live doesn’t matter. Beginning September 23, join me for virtual group classes Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 9AM CST, or our Funday Friday edition at 10:30AM CST. Experience guided mat-based Pilates for yourself – anywhere you have a WiFi connection.

Ready to transform? From now until October 31, 2024 click here to sign up and use code TuneInToTransform for 10% off all group class drop ins and packages.

From the comfort of your home to the middle of nowhere, an essential companion for the well-traveled or never-traveled, I look forward to flowing with you soon!

Xoxo

PS: Group classes not your thing? Private and Semi-Private virtual sessions are also available and customized just for you.

*Cover image of Kathryn photographed by Jenna Peffley, in the Natural State. She’s wearing Cali Dreaming, Stella McCartney, High Heel Jungle by Kathryn Eisman, practicing on a rug by HD Buttercup.

**Photo of Rhonda Castleberry experiencing one of Kathryn’s torturous but fun private sessions, on the mat.

***During a personal private session in the middle of nowhere (with great WiFi), practicing what she tortures, Kathryn moves on an Oko Living 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton, herbal-dyed yoga mat, wearing Beyond Yoga.