Finding Center Pilates Studio

Let me start by saying I’m not a Unilocaler. This is my first ever review. I’m taking this extraordinary (for me) step because of the extraordinary gratitude I feel for Finding Center Pilates. Saved me. Yes, that sounds extreme. But I truly believe I would not be walking now (a complicated spinal cord injury in my thirties — forty years ago) if it were not from the help I have received over the last two decades from wonderful Kate Weglarz, one of the co-​owners and trainers (and also her wonderful colleague, Lisa Prewitt).
Yes, I now have better posture, better alignment — the benefits one can aways expect from Pilates training. I have muscles where there were none, strength where there was weakness, balance where there was only wobble. I even have a pretty solid core and a couple of abs. But what Finding Center gave me (along with the joyful and supportive atmosphere and the constant encouragement) is more than that. When every other form of exercise failed, and even injured, me, Pilates — as practiced by Kate and Lisa — succeeded in restoring my erratic muscular and neurological function and strength.
Over these many years, I have benefited from their sympathetic (yet not indulgent), informed (though not dogmatic), and creative (but never experimental) guidance in my progress towards a deeper awareness of how to help myself. I enjoy the bright space of Finding Center, the variety of machines and props, the warmth between the trainers and their clients — and indeed among the clients themselves, who have come to know one another over the years. What I also enjoy is a deeply thoughtful attention that sustains me again if I am depleted, fascinates me anew if I am distracted, and pushes me on if I am whiny.
With their sophisticated awareness and knowledge of the interwoven systems of the body, all the Finding Center trainers (I should mention Susan and Jessica and Linda as well, since I also watched them over those years) pay scrupulous attention to each person they work with. You’ll never see everyone just going through all the same exercises (unless it’s in one of the duet or quartet classes, set up so that people with similar issues can work together on, say, backs or shoulders or hips …).
There’s good reason why so many of Finding Center’s clients, old and young, whether they’re looking for rehab or for increased strength, flexibility, alignment, and balance, have been coming for so long. Each trainer focuses intently and intentionally on each individual — often taking workshops or doing research to amplify in new and unexpected ways the expertise that they already bring — so that the joy of success is felt by both. It’s a partnership. It’s truly the best.

I love Finding Center Pilates Studio! I have been working with Kate for over five years… three of them at Ellie Her-​mercenary on Grand… and I was delighted when Kate moved on to start Finding Center. I began Pilates after a major car accident sidelined me with a neck and back injury, and Kate’s knowledge of the human body, rehabilitation and Pilates helped to put me back together again. Five years and several annoying injuries later, I am stronger, have more stamina and energy, stand taller, and, best of all, my abs have more definition now than ever!
My workouts with Kate are always challenging, motivating and fun! She stays current with her knowledge of different Pilates moves to mix it up and keep it interesting. And she gives me routines that I can do easily at home to stay limber and fit between workouts with her. I have also worked with Susan, the co-​owner, and she is an excellent trainer. Anya is often there working with clients when I am there and she is also top-​notch!
Finding Center is located above the Claremont Diner at College/​Claremont. There is usually plenty of metered and neighborhood parking available, except for the 2 street-​cleaning Tuesdays a month, when it can be tricky for 3 hours during the day.
The studio space is bright and airy, the equipment is new and clean, and the rooms are broken up so that several trainers/​clients can work simultaneously without much difficulty or noise.
I recommend it highly!