Bria Pilates and Physical Therapy

I first found Bria a couple of years ago through a pilates trainer I'd been working with at another studio. I loved her, and when that studio got flooded right out of business, I followed her to Bria. My goal heading into pilates focused on realigning my hips and spine, and just gaining overall balance. What I received was a much great awareness of the layers of muscle and the way my body works. As someone who had previously enjoyed yoga, I was really happy to have something that worked on a subtler level.

Bria always has a skilled band of trainers, and a good selection of group class times. I definitely recommend starting with at least a few private sessions though. Pilates often works in pretty subtle ways, and it helps to have the special attention so you learn how to focus and recognize what's going on and where it's happening, and also to really understand the exercises themselves.

I've had privates from Laura, Natalie and Carrie, and taken group classes from all the trainers, past and present. It's great to get a variety of teachers, because although they share certain "pilates" standards, each one has particular ways of being and teaching, and working with students. The trainers also have experience in a wide variety of complimentary modalities, including Alexander Technique.

I'm presently a huge fan of Carrie Goodnight as she was able to privately work with me after a calf injury, and help me make some adjustments so that I could still participate in group classes. Carrie, like several of the instructors, got into Pilates due to injuries from her dance career. So she really knows what it takes to fully heal.

They have a great unlimited monthly package for small group classes (4-person), and a lot of drop-in classes available. I haven't seen anything comparable elsewhere.

Posted 12/08/09 | Report Abuse

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I started taking pilates at Bria as physical therapy for a bulging disk in my lower back. Although I live near the Arboretum, I chose to go to all the way to Magnolia to Bria because their teachers are very experienced and several of them are Massage Therapists or Physical Therapists, and I felt confident that they would be able understand my physical issues and provide appropriate training. I had my initial private sessions with Natalie where she showed me how to do the exercises properly and modify them for my particular issues. I graduated to reformer classes where the teachers understood my challenges and helped me get the most out of my classes while keeping my safety first priority. No matter how much I ached walking into the studio, I always felt better after class, and I rapidly saw improvements in the form of increased abdominal strength and definition and reduced back pain.

I am currently 6 months pregnant and since they don't offer pre-natal classes, I have shifted from reformer classes (too much lying on one's back) to circuit classes. Once again, the Bria staff has not disappointed. My teachers, Laura and Susan, are helping me modify the exercises and offering me alternatives to those which are just not appropriate for me right now. I plan to continue doing pilates at Bria as long as I can up until the birth and then expect it to be a key part of my post-partum recovery.

If all that praise wasn't enough, I really like the staff at Bria. Everyone is very friendly and makes an effort to get to know your name. I never feel like I'm just an anonymous body. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, regardless of your shape, size, or current fitness level.

Pilates isn't cheap, but their unlimited monthly membership is a terrific deal (especially the first month!) and I consider classes at Bria to be an investment in my health and well-being.

Posted 11/02/09 | Report Abuse

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've never been a fan of yoga nor exercise that seemed passive so I had my reservations when I embarked on a weeks worth of mat classes at Bria. The first class was was awkward and I felt uncoordinated but the teachers were brilliant, supportive and motivating. I graduated from the mat class to the reformer quickly and can honestly say I am in love with pilates. Laura and Natalie have quite different styles and are both outstanding in their approach and encouragement. I now do a combination of mat and reformer classes. My body feels longer and stronger it is an awesome place to workout. I highly recommend taking a class or two. Parking is problem free and you will simply love the people.

Posted 11/10/08 | Report Abuse

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Bria is an awesome Pilates studio. I found it by word of mouth and instantly loved the space when I walked in. It has so much natural light, such a welcoming environment, and is just such a calm, inspiring atmosphere to be in. The staff are all super friendly, which I think can be rare, and not stuffy at all. I am a newcomer to the facility, but bought a class card after only one lesson I loved it so much. Have been going for a few weeks now and already can feel myself getting stronger. I highly recommend it.

Posted 08/25/08 | Report Abuse

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I started Pilates here a couple of months ago and I didn't know anything about it. I had a couple of privates so that they could determine my goals and learn about some of my problems (weak knee, sore back). Once I learned the correct techniques, I moved onto mat and group classes (on the reformer). I love it. All the instructors are trained to the T. Nat is great to work with while an injury is still really bothering you - she's great at gentle Pilates. Laura is such a sweet girl and she will give you a challenge if you want one, but she will never sacrifice technique (she won't let you get hurt and will make you work the right muscles). Misty is the owner and I've never worked with her, but I hear that she will work you hard! All said, I've had great experiences with Pilates here. I love the environment. I love that the classes have only four people in them so that we still get individual attention, and even though mat has up to ten people, the instructors still give us the attention we need! I'd recommend this to anyone I loved who wanted to get stronger or heal from an injury. The skincare smells great, too.

Posted 07/30/08 | Report Abuse

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