Pilates and Wellness for EVERYBody

Meet Our Newest Apprentice Instructors at The Pilates Center Fort Worth

11/7/2025

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news — our team is growing! Please help us give a warm welcome to our four newest Apprentice Pilates Instructors: Michele, Haley, Lainey, and Giselle. Our Apprentice Instructors have completed the BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training Course, a college-level comprehensive program led by a global leader in Pilates education. Each of these incredible women brings her own unique story, passion, and perspective to the studio. We can’t wait for you to meet them in class and experience their energy firsthand.

Michele: From First Class to Teacher Training
Two years ago, Michele took her very first Reformer class and immediately fell in love. So much so, that she bought her own Reformer for home use. But she quickly discovered there was so much more to learn about the depth and richness of the Pilates method.
That curiosity led her to enroll in the BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training Program in Fort Worth, where she has been diving deeper into the art and science of Pilates. As a Physical Therapist in the geriatric community, Michele loves that Pilates is functional, holistic, and — unlike so many workouts — never boring. She’s excited to share her love of movement and help others discover the same joy she’s found.

Haley: A Passion Turned Calling
Haley’s journey with Pilates began after years of exploring fitness, yoga, and holistic wellness. From her very first class, she was captivated by the way Pilates awakens overlooked muscles, teaches functional movement, and leaves the body feeling taller, stronger, and more centered.
What started as a personal practice quickly became a passion — and ultimately, a calling. That passion led her to enroll in the BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training Program so she could share the benefits of Pilates with others. Haley brings a whole-body approach and an uplifting energy that we know our Fort Worth Pilates community will love.

Lainey: From Client to Apprentice
Lainey began her Pilates journey four years ago, while exploring a variety of fitness classes in the Dallas area. She soon fell in love with Pilates and became a dedicated client. Over the years, her appreciation for the method grew, and she decided to take the leap into teacher training.
After moving to Fort Worth, Lainey discovered the BASI Pilates approach at The Pilates Center and felt immediately at home. Today, she’s enrolled in the BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training Program right here in Fort Worth. Lainey is passionate about guiding others to appreciate the art of Pilates the way she has.

Giselle: Strength, Mindfulness, and Movement for Every Body
Giselle graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Criminology, but her passion for health and movement inspired her to pursue a career in fitness and wellness. A dedicated mover who loves weightlifting, running, hot yoga, and Muay Thai, she developed a deep appreciation for the strength and mindfulness that Pilates brings to every body.
After completing her BASI Pilates Comprehensive Teacher Training Program, Giselle now shares that passion by guiding clients to build balance, control, and confidence through purposeful movement. Fluent in Spanish, she creates an encouraging and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome, seen, and inspired to grow.

Try a Class with Our Apprentices
Our apprentices are already making an impact in the studio, and we’re so excited for you to experience their teaching firsthand. You can sign up to book with them through Mindbody.

Please join us in welcoming Michele, Haley, Lainey, and Giselle — four women who represent the future of Pilates at our studio. We’re lucky to have them, and we can’t wait to see the positive influence they’ll have on our Pilates community in Fort Worth.

Why Proper Training Matters
At The Pilates Center Fort Worth, we believe that high-quality instruction is at the core of a safe, effective Pilates experience. That’s why we’re proud that each of our new instructors decided to enroll in the BASI Comprehensive Teacher Training Program — one of the most rigorous and respected Pilates instructor training programs worldwide. Interested in becoming a Pilates Instructor? Check out our next course beginning Feb 2026!

This training ensures that every instructor has a deep understanding of anatomy, movement principles, and the authentic Pilates repertoire. When you take class with one of our apprentices, you can trust that they are building their teaching on a strong foundation that prioritizes both safety and results. Book with them today!

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Prenatal Pilates: How Pilates Supports a Healthy Pregnancy (and Why It Matters)

11/4/2025

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Pregnancy is a transformative journey — physically, emotionally and mentally. For many women, it brings new demands on the body, new aches and pains, and a mounting list of questions: How can I move safely? How can I strengthen smartly? How can I prepare for labour and postpartum recovery?

At The Pilates Center Fort Worth, we believe that a well-designed Pilates program during pregnancy can help answer those questions. Below we explore the why and how of prenatal Pilates, grounded in research and tailored to your changing body.

Why Pilates During Pregnancy?

The Physical & Functional Benefits

Improved core, pelvic floor, trunk and hip stability — Pilates helps build strength and coordination in the deep stabilisers of the spine, pelvis and hips. A 2025 meta-analysis reported that clinical Pilates training in pregnant women “improved muscle control, flexibility, as well as enhanced pelvic and trunk stability” compared with standard care.
Reduced aches, pains and discomfort — Pregnancy often brings low back pain, pelvic girdle pain, and musculoskeletal shifts. A recent scoping review found Pilates to be “effective for improving sleep quality, pain, depression, and other maternal health outcomes during pregnancy.”
Better posture, alignment & movement quality — As your centre of gravity shifts and joints get more mobile (thanks to relaxin), Pilates’ focus on alignment, breath and control helps you move more safely and confidently. The Pilates Method Alliance notes benefits such as enhanced posture, pelvic floor support and mental relaxation for pregnant clients.

Labour, Birth & Delivery Advantages

A randomized trial found that women doing Pilates twice a week for eight weeks during pregnancy experienced significantly lower labour pain, shorter active phase and second stage of labour, and higher maternal satisfaction compared to controls.
A systematic review found that prenatal Pilates may be associated with a higher likelihood of vaginal delivery and lower rate of Caesarean section, as well as shorter delivery times.
Stress, fear of childbirth and anxiety can influence labour outcomes. A study found eight weeks of Pilates training reduced depression, anxiety and childbirth fear.

Why It’s Safe (When Properly Modified)

According to the official guidance from American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), moderate-intensity exercise during pregnancy is safe for most women with uncomplicated pregnancies — and that includes modified Pilates. The key message: tailored, trimester-aware, instructor-qualified Pilates is a safe and beneficial choice for many expecting mamas.

How We Support Prenatal Clients at The Pilates Center Fort Worth

Expert Instruction + Individualised FeedbackFrom your first prenatal session, our instructors will assess your posture, core and pelvic floor state, movement history and any symptoms (e.g., lowered back or pelvic pain). We tailor the Pilates method to your trimester and body.

Modifications for Each Trimester

First trimester: Focus on core connection, pelvic floor awareness, foundational alignment and minimizing nausea/fatigue.
Second trimester: Emphasize stability, control, addressing changes in centre of gravity, open-chest posture and managing hip/pelvic shifts.
Third trimester: Prioritize comfort, breathwork, pelvic floor support, labour preparation drills and safe movement for growing bump.

Equipment & Mat Hybrid Approach

We use the apparatus and mat work — modified for pregnancy — giving clients variety and safe challenge.

Small-Group or Private Setting?

Pregnancy might warrant extra supervision. Our small-group classes (max six students) allow instructors to give more hands-on corrections and adaptations. For clients needing extra attention (pelvic pain, gestational issues, etc.), private sessions are available.

Holistic Movement for Later Recovery

Beyond the pregnancy weeks, Pilates helps you build a strong foundation for postpartum recovery: core re-engagement, pelvic floor restoration, safe functional movement and return to life and sport.

Important Safety Notes & How to Get Started

Medical clearance: Always check with your OB/midwife before beginning any new exercise during pregnancy.
Qualified instructor: Choose a Pilates professional certified or experienced in prenatal/postnatal work.
Listen to your body: If you feel dizzy, experience pelvic pain, bleeding, or severe fatigue — stop and consult your healthcare provider.
Keep it consistent: Many beneficial studies cited sessions 2-3 times per week is ideal for best results.
Avoid risky positions: After the first trimester avoid lying flat on your back, excessive lengthening of abdominals without support, inversions or lying prone.

Your Next Step at The Pilates Center Fort Worth

If you’re expecting and ready to move, breathe, and prepare your body for this next chapter — we’re ready for you. Reach out to book a private session, or join one of our small-group classes. We’ll work together to create a safe, effective, personalized Pilates plan that honors your body, your baby, and your journey.

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Meet Our Newest Apprentice Instructors at The Pilates Center Fort Worth

Prenatal Pilates: How Pilates Supports a Healthy Pregnancy (and Why It Matters)

Heather Gradke

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