Moms at Work
Black Rock Pilates
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
In our continuing series "Moms at Work", we introduce Fairfield-based entrepreneurs who have started their own businesses. In the spirit of Suzy's yearly New Year's Resolution to get buff, this week's subjects: Laura Pennock, owner of Black Rock Pilates studio, and Tara Collins, owner of Black Rock Physical Therapy.
Here's Laura in her own words:
How did you get involved in Pilates?
As a professional dancer in NYC, I began studying Pilates in the '80s, long before it gained popularity. It was instrumental in my recovery from several dance-related injuries, which also taught me what it takes to recover from a physical set back.I've also enjoyed teaching movement for over 30 years and sharing my knowledge of how the body works. It was a natural progression to combine my interests and experience and become Pilates certified eight years ago. After working for other studios and helping Fitness Edge expand their program, I opened my own space emphasizing the amazing benefits of Pilates for exercise and rehabilitation.
When we moved to our larger space in July, we combined energies with Black Rock Physical Therapy. I think there's only one other studio with the same combination in the state. We feel this gives our clients an opportunity for questions, assessment and if needed, treatment. Black Rock Physical Therapy emphasizes one-on-one manual therapy, it's very holistic and you're only seen by a licensed physical therapist. We also have other bodyworkers sharing our space, including an acupuncturist and massage therapist. Combined with our in-house Yoga classes, these complementary services allow us to offer a well-rounded wellness resource.
What kinds of classes do you offer?
Black Rock Pilates is a fully certified and equipped studio offering group mat and physio ball classes, group equipment classes on both the reformer and towers and one on one equipment sessions. We just developed a class (Power Plus Pilates) that combines Pilates, standing resistance and balance exercises and other functional exercises to increase strength and conditioning. The schedule currently includes 21 group classes with varied times and levels so there's a class that fits everyone's schedule.
What's your most popular class?
There are a few that are very popular including the Tower classes and the Saturday morning Physio Ball/Mat Pilates class, which is always full and fun!
For those of us who don't know what Pilates is can you define?
There's many urban myths about Pilates – "It's too hard…it's expensive"…it's actually very intelligent exercise created by Joseph Pilates in the 1940's He believed the body should be mobile and stable from the inside out (what is now "core" work!) His Method is a progressive series of exercises to challenge the trunk muscles – including lower abs, paraspinals and glutes to maintain a stable pelvis while moving the extremities. So any activity that involves the arms and legs (sports, yardwork, housework, raising a child) can be made easier with Pilates. We teach women to feel strong which can help them in every aspect of their lives. Our bodies compress as we age, but we can counteract that by paying attention to how we move.
What are women looking for these days?
Ways to feel better about themselves! Most women are not satisfied with their bodies. Being healthy is not how thin you are, but how strong your body is, what your endurance level is and how well you rebound from illness and injury. We reinforce that having a strong, healthy body helps women deal with the daily grind. Our studio mantra is "Make your body a place you want to live!"
Do you have any specials in January when everyone has a fitness New Year's Resolution?
We always offer a special for anyone who first comes to our studio: 3 private sessions for $180. It is a great way to find out if Pilates is what you are looking for. Some use this package to prepare to come to group classes, or begin their Pilates studies. Our rates are very reasonable----we keep it that way so that we can offer the benefits of Pilates to as many as we can.
Are you raising a family in Fairfield?
I have lived in Black Rock for 9 years. We have an amazing happy daughter, Sophie Scott. Turning one on Jan 2-and known by all our clients! She will know how important it is for women to be strong physically and mentally from the inside out!
www.blackrockpilates.com Phone: 335-1987. 2889 Fairfield Avenue
Here's Laura in her own words:
How did you get involved in Pilates?
As a professional dancer in NYC, I began studying Pilates in the '80s, long before it gained popularity. It was instrumental in my recovery from several dance-related injuries, which also taught me what it takes to recover from a physical set back.I've also enjoyed teaching movement for over 30 years and sharing my knowledge of how the body works. It was a natural progression to combine my interests and experience and become Pilates certified eight years ago. After working for other studios and helping Fitness Edge expand their program, I opened my own space emphasizing the amazing benefits of Pilates for exercise and rehabilitation.
When we moved to our larger space in July, we combined energies with Black Rock Physical Therapy. I think there's only one other studio with the same combination in the state. We feel this gives our clients an opportunity for questions, assessment and if needed, treatment. Black Rock Physical Therapy emphasizes one-on-one manual therapy, it's very holistic and you're only seen by a licensed physical therapist. We also have other bodyworkers sharing our space, including an acupuncturist and massage therapist. Combined with our in-house Yoga classes, these complementary services allow us to offer a well-rounded wellness resource.
What kinds of classes do you offer?
Black Rock Pilates is a fully certified and equipped studio offering group mat and physio ball classes, group equipment classes on both the reformer and towers and one on one equipment sessions. We just developed a class (Power Plus Pilates) that combines Pilates, standing resistance and balance exercises and other functional exercises to increase strength and conditioning. The schedule currently includes 21 group classes with varied times and levels so there's a class that fits everyone's schedule.
What's your most popular class?
There are a few that are very popular including the Tower classes and the Saturday morning Physio Ball/Mat Pilates class, which is always full and fun!
For those of us who don't know what Pilates is can you define?
There's many urban myths about Pilates – "It's too hard…it's expensive"…it's actually very intelligent exercise created by Joseph Pilates in the 1940's He believed the body should be mobile and stable from the inside out (what is now "core" work!) His Method is a progressive series of exercises to challenge the trunk muscles – including lower abs, paraspinals and glutes to maintain a stable pelvis while moving the extremities. So any activity that involves the arms and legs (sports, yardwork, housework, raising a child) can be made easier with Pilates. We teach women to feel strong which can help them in every aspect of their lives. Our bodies compress as we age, but we can counteract that by paying attention to how we move.
What are women looking for these days?
Ways to feel better about themselves! Most women are not satisfied with their bodies. Being healthy is not how thin you are, but how strong your body is, what your endurance level is and how well you rebound from illness and injury. We reinforce that having a strong, healthy body helps women deal with the daily grind. Our studio mantra is "Make your body a place you want to live!"
Do you have any specials in January when everyone has a fitness New Year's Resolution?
We always offer a special for anyone who first comes to our studio: 3 private sessions for $180. It is a great way to find out if Pilates is what you are looking for. Some use this package to prepare to come to group classes, or begin their Pilates studies. Our rates are very reasonable----we keep it that way so that we can offer the benefits of Pilates to as many as we can.
Are you raising a family in Fairfield?
I have lived in Black Rock for 9 years. We have an amazing happy daughter, Sophie Scott. Turning one on Jan 2-and known by all our clients! She will know how important it is for women to be strong physically and mentally from the inside out!
www.blackrockpilates.com Phone: 335-1987. 2889 Fairfield Avenue
