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Pilates for Life is the only Shoreline studio offering the Original Pilates method.

Owner and instructor Marlene Powers offers group mat and private/one-on-one equipment instruction. The Original Method emphasizes deep core/powerhouse strength to align the spine and correct posture while improving strength, flexibility and balance. The method was handed down from Joseph Pilates to Romana Kryzanowska to studio owner Marlene Powers. The studio equipment is manufactured by Gratz Industries who utilize the designs and exacting standards of Joseph Pilates.

All private workouts are custom designed taking into account the goals of the student, level of fitness and injury history. Group matwork classes are taught in a progressive manner with an emphasis on proper form.

Studio Philosophy/Mission: To teach Pilates in a safe, effective manner utilizing the principles of Joseph Pilates and keeping to the Original Method. Joseph Pilates considered his form of exercise to be corrective in nature. I approach my teaching in the same way, by making correlations between the exercises and how they create healthier habits. Pilates is a very mindful exercise method: your intelligence, intuition, imagination, will, memory all come into play. You will stand taller, feel stronger and more flexible, and breathe easier.

Teacher Bio: I have been a student of Pilates for 13 years. I came to Pilates after a debilitating back injury, having herniated 2 lumbar discs. I also deal with a chronic hip problem. I started Pilates as a matwork student and struggled as I had little strength and lots of bad habits. It took 6 months for things to turn around but once they did, I was hooked- taking 3 classes a week. After 1 ½ years of taking Pilates, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. I was accepted into a 600 hour apprenticeship program in NYC known as Romana’s Pilates. The apprenticeship lasted for 900 hours including 1 ½ years of study in NYC. In October 2005, I opened Pilates for Life in Old Saybrook and subsequently moved the studio to Essex in November of 2010. I am blessed to do what I love and to have gained the respect of my local community as being top in my field. I teach clients ranging in age from 8 to 82 years old. And I work with clients with a wide range of injuries and fitness levels. There is not a challenge that I am not up for!

Studio Accolades: Shoreline Newspapers Best of 2008 Annual Readers Poll Best Pilates Studio 2010 Readers Choice Best Pilates Studio the-e-list.com Price: $19-$25/per group lesson. $75 for a one on one lesson using equipment. Open Monday through Saturday. Call Marlene at 860-227-5790.