Laurie Johnson, Author at The Pilates Studio

All Posts by Laurie Johnson

What Everybody Ought To Know About Recovering From An Injury During A Pandemic

Kimberelee, a 47 year old teacher, was blissfully enjoying her active lifestyle and was able to move her body freely with no limitations. She enjoyed hiking long trails with her friends, and swimming laps in the pool with her family on a hot summer day. 

Then, tragically, in the winter of 2018, she slipped on a patch of ice in her driveway, and suffered a severe broken ankle.

 Post surgery with two metal plates now in her foot, she lived in constant pain, and she feared that the days of hiking and swimming would be a thing of the past, just a distant memory.


“One of the realities of life after a broken ankle”, says Kimberlee, “is that getting up and down off the floor, or in and out of a bathtub, or walking distances or even swimming- all things that I really treasure, are so cumbersome”. 

Kimberlee recounted many times when she was stuck and helpless, not able to get up out of the tub or off of the floor without the help of another person or a cane. Knowing that her body once was able to do these simple, everyday tasks without assistance was frustrating, and she exclaims “... I took those things for granted”.  After this time of settling for her constant pain, she decided that it needed to come to an end, and she took action. 

After researching Pilates and the benefits that it could potentially offer, she was excited to discover that classes were offered online since covid restricted in person ones. 

She wanted to move her body and needed the kind of structure a class provides. Additionally, she enjoyed how there wasn't an added stress of being visible on Zoom; with her video off, her concerns were eased and Kimberly felt more comfortable participating in online classes. 

Also, online classes revitalized her typical work-from-home routine, and that “it became a nice break in the morning work from home flow, not to mention the energy and strength it gives me”. 

Before online classes, everyday tasks such as getting out of bed in the morning to grab her steaming hot cup of coffee or letting the dog out, came with a price;

shooting, sharp pain up through her foot.  

Now, after many online classes under her belt, the simple things that used to be troublesome for Kimberlee, such as getting herself in and out of a bathtub, engaging her core in the pool, or sitting crossed-legged on the floor, are now attainable and done with ease.

In addition to recovering from her severe injury, Kimberlee has found strength within herself that she never knew she was capable of.....

She recounts a time when she was driving on the highway and her car broke down, and by herself, was able to safely push her car to the side of the road.

“ I will always be with the knowledge that my body was able to do that and the confidence that comes with that type of strength is incredible”. 

With her ankle injury no longer holding her back, Kimberly now moves as freely as she wishes with no limitations, and can re-focus on the things that she enjoys most in life.

Notification of Closure During Pandemic

To all our wonderful clients and friends,

With heavy hearts and so much compassion for the world right now we are announcing that The Pilates Studio will be closed until further notice.  

 Important Info:

  • All of your packages and memberships are on hold until we open again. No need to worry about expiration dates.  
  • Any updates will be posted on our website: ThePilatesStudioinHadley.com

 

The good news:

  • We will be offering Private Tele-Sessions with Katrina. 
  • Our online Tele-Class membership is up! 

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Our online Tele-class membership means you get access to:

  • Daily live mat classes
  • Community check ins with Katrina
  • Our growing library of on demand classes and more
  •  20% off Tele-Private sessions.

 This membership is a suggested price of $100/month however we know everyone is experiencing the financial stress and struggle as us so we’d love to give you access to this membership for any amount you can afford.  

More Info about  Tele-Class Membership

The Pilates Studio has been our sole livelihood, our passion and our dream come true  for the last 20 years. We have such full hearts for each and everyone one of you who have supported us in so many ways. 

 We are committed to getting our front door open as soon as possible!

 Click HERE to get your monthly tele-class membership

Spring Forward Reformer Series

Wednesdays 6:15pm with Suzanne

2/26- 4/1 with a make up class scheduled for 4/8

Sign Up Now

Join a fun group for a creative evening workout and interesting challenges.

You’ll start on February 26th, and each week your balance, core stability, and body mobility will improve with challenging and creative Reformer exercises. In no time, you will be anticipating Spring instead of loathing Winter.

And the best part? Week after week, as you leave class feeling fantastic, you’ll notice it’s lighter out than it was the week before.



Classical Mat Series

Join us for a very special series offered during

Classical Mat Series

All 5 Tuesdays in March at  2pm

with Kristy $99 |  5 week series

Sign up now!

A floor work version of the classical Pilates method. 

The focus is on executing precise movements that originate from the core of your body, activating and engaging the deepest layers of muscles to stabilize and support your spine and pelvis. Central tenants of each class will be centering, precision, flexibility, breath, flow, and a mind-body connection.

Download Our App

Our new App was released in January 2020.  The previous App will no longer work. 

  • View Real Time Class Schedule
  • Schedule &Sign Up for Classes
  • Book, Cancel & Reschedule Sessions
  • Make Purchases
  • -Manage Account

New Class Series for 2020

OUR WINTER CLASS SERIES BEGIN SOON ...

Next Series Series Starts: January 9, 2020

Still Standing

Pilates for balance and fall prevention.

Over this six week series  you will progressively challenge your balance & coordination, as well as strengthen & condition muscles that promote proper gait.

More Info
Our Winter Series start January 8th and February 26th

Pilates for Riders

Over the six week series you'll learn ways to improve posture in the saddle, strengthen legs & abdominals and increase hip mobility.

More Info
2 Series starting in January

Beginner Reformer

Your instructor will introduce you to all the parts and pieces of the Reformer and teach you exercises that will leave you completely confident to sign up for any of our regular weekly Reformer and/or Reformer/Tower classes.

more info
Our 4 week series starts 1/4/2020

Konnector Reformer

Bring your Reformer workout to the next level. 
The Konnector utilizes a 1 rope pulley system that facilitates full-body integration and stronger core activation in dynamic new ways.

more info
“

10 20 30 was such a great program for me and it came at a perfect time, when I thought I'd be way too busy to do it. I now realize that we always think we're way too busy and I now know how many classes are offered. I just love these incentive-based, game like programs you are coming up with! Keep on keepin' on!

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Marla L.
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This year I started going to the The Pilates Studio on a regular basis using the 10-20-30 package, focusing on the reformer and it has really been a fantastic experience on many levels. First - my body: after every session I feel more connected to my body, more control over my muscles, and overall just better. Second - the company: all of the teachers are fantastic. Not only are they super knowledgeable and dedicated to helping each individual, but they are fun to be around. I look forward to every session! Third - the people: I didn't come here to make friends, but I have found connection with several individuals that attend the classes with me, and that helps me stay motivated and gives me even more reason to look forward to coming. TPS is a great studio. I recommend it hands-down.

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Marla L.
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I have become so strong over the past two years! Confidence, strength, power and self image! I love the Pilates studio! Lot less expensive than my PT!

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Patricia D.

Important information about our software

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For months we have been working very hard with our software vendor, Wellness Living.  We have been letting them know of the problems that we have been having, and communicating all of our frustration on your behalf.  Despite our sincere belief that the issues we have raised should be fixed by the vendor, we could not get them to agree. 

Unfortunately, last week we came to the conclusion with the vendor that we cannot move forward together. While we hoped to work out a short-term agreement with them, the outcome is that we will be switching to a new system within a matter of weeks. 

We realize the timing of this change is unfortunate, especially since we’ve recently been making a push for you to buy packages online. We can assure you, however, that we are working diligently to make the transition as smooth as possible for you and our dedicated staff.  We will be sending out additional information with everything you need to know as we get closer to the transition.  

What Happens Next?

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We have determined that the Mindbody system has the right mix of features and ease of use for our client’ needs. Their strong industry reputation, their dedication to continuing to enhance their software over the past few years, and their experience working with larger studios like ours serves to reinforce that belief.  

Mindbody is working with us to transfer all key data in Wellness Living to their system. This will make the transition as seamless as possible, since schedules, purchases, and bookings will be migrated automatically.  For security reasons we cannot migrate credit card data. We will be closing our credit card processing account with Wellness Living and opening a new one with Mindbody. Your credit Card information will be reentered at your next transaction and we will work closely with you to make that process as simple as possible. 

How Does This Effect Me Today?

For now there is nothing for you to do.  For the next two weeks you will continue using Wellness Living as you have been.  We will send further emails and post details of action steps that need to be taken in the future.  We will also be available to show you everything you need to know about the new software when the time comes.  

If you have any immediate questions or concerns, please direct them to Katrina.  She will be will be handling all of your questions, which will allow Laurie and Mark to focus on the transition of our software system. 

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Plingo

You've just gotten into your fall routine.  After a hectic summer you're back to your regular Pilates routine and you feel GREAT! It's amazing how tall and strong you feel when you do Pilates 3-4x a week.  

But now the holidays. They come faster every year.  There's  4pm darkness, holiday travel, school events, work parties, snowy weather..it goes on.  Your Pilates routine slips. 

We get it. That's why we play PLINGO in November!

All you need to do to play is get your Plingo card at the studio.  Do what the card says (i.e take a mat class, do Pilates on a Monday, Try a new instructor, etc).  Not only will you stay on track but you'll have a blast doing it.  PLUS: You could win a $500 studio credit!

Click for more info.

Nate Olson Pilates Instructor

Nate Olson NCPT

Pilates Instructor

 Book a ClASS

Nate Olson credits the Pilates method with reversing the ill effects of a sedentary lifestyle and helping him return to healthy movement and physical fitness.  

As a Polestar certified Pilates instructor, he takes great satisfaction in guiding others along the same path towards health and wellbeing.


Nate calls himself an "all-around" runner who enjoys exploring different distances from sprints to the half marathon. Lower leg injuries in high school put him off running for many years,  but he started running again as part of a "life reboot" coinciding with his introduction to Pilates.

He realized that healthy movement was a big part of what he was missing, and that the forward motion of running helped him in all aspects of my life. Feeling firsthand the changes that the Runity method produced in his running mechanics was what interested him to become a Runity coach.

The emphasis on helping runners of all ages and abilities is what he appreciates most about the Runity program.  The relationship between Pilates and running has helped him better understand the biomechanics involved in running, and provided invaluable cross-training to improve flexibility, posture and body awareness.

Leave Nate a Review!

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“

I’d never tried Pilates before and signed up for a Beginner Series of individual sessions. I was hooked right away and added more individual sessions to keep progressing.
The instructor, Nate, has been incredibly helpful! He is specific in his instruction and always encouraging - exactly what I needed. And he tailors our sessions to address my particular issues and goals. I’m only a few weeks in and already feel better than I used to.
I also signed up for a beginner reformer class as soon as it was offered and am excited to be learning more and doing Pilates more often.
I’m very happy that I started coming here!

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Maura O.
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Melissa H.

Pilates has helped me stay injury free and has improved my running form so that I can be a more efficient and stronger runner. Nate has given me so many tools that I can take with me when I do independent sessions. His ability to analyze my running form and make small changes to my form has made a huge impact.

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Jennifer U.

Nate has great energy. He always incorporates participants requests and keeps class fresh by showing us new things and utilizing different props.

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Carmela P.

I am so grateful that my dr. referred me to Katrina and the Pilates Studio. I have had 2 back surgeries and Katrina has been amazing at helping me to work through some fear and apprehension to gain strength again. I totally respect her expertise as she works with so many of us who have our own story working on our individual programs. I take her small group class and have met some great people who are part of the group as well! I have also taken classes with Nate and Kathy - both super! And Kay, another staff person, has been so supportive in understanding both the physical and emotional part of this recovery journey. Everyone is behind you and I'm feeling stronger every day! Thanks, Katrina (and all!)

Kristy Powell Pilates Instructor

Kristy Powell

Pilates Instructor

 Book a ClASS

Kristy is classically trained and comes to The Pilates Studio with over fifteen years of Pilates-teaching experience.

She began her instructor training while in her first year at the College of Charleston after returning from Budapest, Hungary, where she trained with the Hungarian National Ballet.

Kristy completed a rigorous two-year classical Pilates certification, rich in anatomy and bio-mechanical mindfulness, with Karen Sanzo of Pilates Unlimited in Dallas, Texas. 

Kristy enjoys teaching a wide variety of bodies, abilities, and life stages, including persons with acute or chronic injury, various physical limitations, athletes, pre- and post-partum persons, those with specific physical goals in mind, and those with a simple desire to move mindfully and sweat.

Since becoming a certified Pilates instructor, Kristy has facilitated multiple full-apparatus and Mat instructor certification programs, educating classical Pilates instructors who now teach both regionally around the northeast and internationally. Additionally, Kristy created a Pilates curriculum for asthmatics in partnership with researchers from the Yale University School of Medicine. She developed the professional instructional video that was used as the primary intervention method in this study. Kristy has also pursued various opportunities for continuing education to deepen her specialization in pelvic-floor rehabilitation and the post-partum body.

Kristy approaches every Pilates session she teaches open and curious about how her clients will arrive, settle, and develop over the shared hour. She holds a profound reverence for both the space she shares with her clients and her clients’ dedication and commitment to their personal wellness. Kristy especially appreciates the therapeutic aspects of Pilates (she holds a Master of Counseling). She knows Pilates to be physically transformational through her own rehabilitation after an ankle injury ended her professional ballet career. Having been an instructor of Pilates ever since this injury (and a practitioner of Pilates since she was 13), Kristy intimately knows the ways in which Pilates meets a body where it is at, always providing room for growth, healing, and transformation. 

Leave Kristy a Review!

Click Here

Peter H.

I can attend 3 classes in a 24 hour period and each one will be different and great! Say, Monday evening with Tristan who has a background in yoga, Tuesday noon with Kristy and her Classical Pilates, and then end it with Katrina (one of the co-owners) who has a wide knowledge of the apparatus Pilates and regularly teaches series for beginners, among other things. And then I can still go for the 5 pm class with Nancy where one never knows what's gonna happen - she likes to take out the Oov, for instance!! OK, so that's actually 4 different Pilates classes in 24 hours in one studio...well I'm sure you get my point; 5 stars, the best.

Susan H.

I had a private session today with Kristy. It was just what I needed! She introduced me to some new exercises in order to challenge me. She gave clear, helpful cues and pushed me to reach my full potential. Working with Kristy will definitely help to improve my performance and inner-confidence that I am doing each exercise correctly in order to achieve maximum benefits from my pilates practice.

Denise Tourangeau

Pilates has changed my life. Training with Kristy for 7 months has been great. She is extremely dedicated and I love “classical” Pilates. My balance has improved so much when walking and my body feels much stronger. Everyone should sign up for a session with Kristy. Thank, Kristy

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