An interview with our Fitness Manager & Sculpt Pilates Instructor, Sandra

Describe a Sculpt Pilates class: 
This is a contemporary Pilates mat class that starts with a fun music driven warmup.  We then warm up the core muscles, then move into our Pilates ab series of 5.  We strengthen the back chain of muscles with back work, we have fun with seated work (a favorite of mine!), then move into side laying or plank work.  I like to put arms at the end, which is based on the Pilates Reformer moves, and we finish with some nice stretching.

The class format that is currently offered is a Hybrid style which is SO FUN, I teach the class live in the Sherborn Studio as well as teaching it virtually on my giant TV screen in class.  It really feels like we are all together in one room!

What's your favorite thing about teaching Sculpt Pilates & Why?
It’s amazing how strong and pulled together you feel after a Pilates class!  When your core is strong, everything just feels more strong and ready to take on your life.  From a teaching perspective, I love seeing clients start to gain strength and accomplish new layers of the exercise each week.  Celebrating little goals like this is the best!

How has Sculpt Pilates changed your life?
I originally got trained in Pilates because I knew that I loved the way it made me feel as a client, and I wanted to bring that strength and empowered feeling to our clients.  The part of it that surprised me was how restorative it is.  It really alters your body to be strong in such a positive way, and then that strength reaches over to your mind when you FEEL strong. 

Favorite Sculpt Pilates move/song right now?
I am currently really into the Teaser series we’ve been working on in class.  Love seeing everyone’s lightbulb moment when it just clicks in their mind and they can use their core to hold the move up, whatever layer they’re working on in that series!  

Can you modify Sculpt Pilates if it feels too hard, and how do you do that? 
YES, this is an amazing class for modifications!  Because the format is so layered from easiest to hardest within each section, you can always stick to the easier layers for a more gentle restorative class, or bring the fire when you’re ready to take it to the next level.  It is also a great class to work around injuries and soreness - the muscles worked are so specific, I love giving personalized modifications whenever needed.