Spinal stability, hip/shoulder mobility and rehabilitation based on therapeutic Pilates principles.
Caring for clients’ safety and well being with knowledge, experience and passion.
Pia has a degree in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia and is a Clinical Exercise Physiologist with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology.
She has over 15 years of experience in the health and fitness industry specializing in Active Rehabilitation, Personal Training, Therapeutic Pilates and various types of Group Fitness Classes.
She is continually updating her skills by taking practical and academic courses that will benefit active rehabilitation processes to help people recover from pain and injury. The most recent courses were at UBC in Vancouver on the McGill Method learning about Biomechanics of the spine and low back disorders (she attended all 3 levels and is planning to write the exam), and the Immaculate Dissection: Upper Extremity and Lower Extremity courses with Rehab Specialist Dr. Kathy Dooley. She also recently certified in Neurokinetic Therapy (level 1 and 2). These courses combined with Therapeutic Pilates is a great tool for active rehabilitation.
In her years of studying anatomy and physiology she was inspired by the principles of Pilates; Neutral Spinal Alignment, Spinal Stabilization, Fluidity, Balance, and Breathing.
These principles influence her teaching and she is continuously adapting her methods to reflect current research.
Julie Fox BSc PhD (Administrator and Pilates instructor in training)
Julie has been a student of pilates for 10 years and started instructor training April 2019. She is rapidly gaining experience and will take her certification through PilatesProcess TM.
Description of Services:
We specialize in Pilates and various types of fitness classes with an emphasis on deep core stabilization, proper body alignment during exercise, and postural integrity. Therapeutic Pilates lays the foundation for deep core strength and joint stability during movement and thus is beneficial for any sport, recreation, rehabilitation, or daily activity.
In sessions, our focus is on improving awareness of proper postural alignment during exercise, joint stability, movement efficiency, and recruitment of deep muscles for stabilization. The end goal is overall improved endurance, mobility and physical condition. The pace of progression to more advanced exercises will be based on individual adaptations to exercises.
Our studio offers various group fitness classes, specialized group classes, personal training and rehabilitation using pilates principles. We keep group classes small in order to maintain quality, safety, and the ability to give attention to each participant thus ensuring proper exercise technique.
Pilates Plus Fitness is a place for being active while having fun and feeling comfortable. We strive to provide an environment that is safe and non-intimidating. We believe that exercise should be a good experience and should be individualized for each participant’s abilities and postural alignment. We avoid the “no pain no gain” mentality, and instead focus on correct exercise form and technique.
We work with the medical community and based on our medical screening process we may require consultation with your Physiotherapist, Family Physician, or other medical professional.
Class Descriptions
Mat Pilates: A full body exercise system with a focus on deep core strength and spinal stability, improving postural awareness, muscle balance and joint mobilization. Classes are offered at the essential (Level 1) and intermediate (Level 2) levels.
Reformer Pilates: This class is a progression from Mat Pilates Level 1 and 2 using the Pilates Specialized Reformer Equipment. Knowledge of the principles of Pilates is required, mat Level 1 or private sessions are a prerequisite.
Circuit/Reformer Combo: A full body muscle conditioning class using bands, stability equipment, body balls, Pilates Reformer equipment, spin bikes etc. This class is for beginner to intermediate levels.
Bone and Joint Health Class: A muscle conditioning class tailored to participants who need their own individualized routines (e.g. to accommodate chronic conditions or injuries). The focus of the class is on improved postural awareness, joint stability and mobility, muscle strength, balance and agility.
Gentle Spinning: A non-impact cardiovascular conditioning class. It utilizes music, imagination and fun to give you an invigorating workout tailored to your own intensity level needs.
Contact us for current class schedules and for customized classes for groups
