Get To Know Michelle

If you've worked out in Charleston for a while, you've probably run into Michelle at one studio or another. Before opening her own studio, Michelle taught yoga, cycling, barre, and did personal training at several gyms in the Charleston area. Now she's combining all of her training to bring creative, athletic reformer classes to downtown Charleston. Read along to learn a little more about Michelle Pilates journey and her life outside of fitness. 

When did you start taking and teaching Pilates?

I started taking Pilates unbeknownst to me when my jazz teacher was incorporating Pilates exercises into our dance warm ups every day. When I finally found myself in a traditional Pilates class, it just fit like a glove. I started teaching mat Pilates in college, but then I actually took a pretty long break from teaching Pilates-specific classes. It felt so similar to my dance classes, I wanted to take some time learning other formats and modalities.

Back in 2018, after years of teaching everything else, I dug back into my Pilates teaching and pursued my Comprehensive Pilates Instructor certification through Balanced Body. It was an amazing training and I really found a groove in combining Pilates with my other trainings to create a style of class that felt truly authentic to me.

What’s your favorite piece of Pilates equipment?

To practice on: The Chair
To teach on: The Reformer

Describe your classes in 3 words:

Intentional, Educational, Demanding

What’s on your playlist?

Ideally a combo of steady beats that fade into the background, mixed with a song or two you want to sing along with. I definitely lean into covers and remixes to try to keep it interesting.

3 items you’d bring to a desert island?

Chips and salsa, a book, SPF 70. And don’t try to find me.

What would you tell someone who’s afraid to try Pilates?

Be nervous and do it anyway! Find a knowledgable instructor and book a private session or a beginner’s class so you have the space to learn how to properly use the equipment for your body. (And get ready to be obsessed!)

What’s your favorite prop?

A heavy weight.

Best advice for starting a new routine?

Find a way to “sign up” ahead of time! Whether it’s booking the thing, buying the package, telling the friend… put your money/word on the line so you have to show up until it becomes natural to show up.

What’s your non-Pialtes hobby?

All aspects of food and drinks (dining in, dining out, dining with friends, learning new recipes), reading, and recently I’ve been trying to re-spark a love of art classes!

Why Pilates?

I’ve taught everything under the sun. Pilates, Yoga, Dance, HIIT, Cycling, Barre, Strength Training, Crossfit/MetCon style workouts, TRX, Cardio Dance classes, Kickboxing, Aerobics... contemporary Pilates is the most adaptable, most intelligent workout available. It can be soft and releasing, it can be powerful and strengthening , beginner through advanced, 1x per week, 5x per week, there is something for absolutely every body.

You can take class with Michelle Monday-Friday and book private sessions with her Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.