Small Biz Spotlight: Exhale Pilates
As a former owner of Om On Yoga, a Yoga & Pilates Studio in Richmond, VA, it can definitely be said that I am an absolute lover of Pilates, and seek it out wherever my travels take me. In fact, after discovering it first in college as a form of injury prevention and recovery (I was a college of athlete and thus needed this dearly), it has become an absolute mainstay in my life. My practice was in the beginning simply a form of injury of recovery, but later on it would become a mainstay in my fitness regimen. I’ve found over the years that there is nothing quite like the Pilates method when it comes to increasing core strength from a deep place that includes not just the superficial abs but also the deep abdominal muscles, low back and hips, developing greater balance, elongating the muscles and spine by improving posture and increasing flexibility, and injury prevention. In my experience, I also have seen firsthand how incorporating specifically a Pilates equipment practice has greatly enhanced my wellness routine.
This all being said, I am highly particular when deciding on a place to practice, and one can say it takes quite a bit for me to love a place enough to call them my Pilates home. Here in Charleston, I have absolutely loved the chance to continue my practice at Exhale Pilates in Mount Pleasant, and it truly has afforded me the opportunity to take part in a community that is top notch. It’s also very ironic because the owner, Katie Williams, who I’ve gotten the chance to know and love, is actually from Virginia, so maybe it’s true that you gravitate towards those things that remind you of home.
Read on for a bit more about Exhale, their method, and Katie. Exhale Pilates Studio is a “locally owned, power-based Pilates studio dedicated to client results and customer satisfaction.” They offer group, semi-private, and private classes with a “mission to provide an exceptional workout experience that leaves students feeling strong, motivated and inspired after each class.” If they aren’t helping students achieve their own individual goals, then they aren’t hitting the mark, and I can attest that they always go above and beyond. A few of the things that stand out in my experience has been the community and space that they have created. The community is one where teachers and students know one another, enjoy conversations to catch up, and grow together on the Pilates path. And the space which is located in Oyster Park along with other favorites such as The Works, The Works Cycle, Spread Baglery, Monkees, Love Bella, and Second State Coffee, is simply beautiful. I’m a huge fan of aesthetics (that’s no surprise as an Interior Designer), but the natural light, spacious interior, and soothing colors always provide the perfect ambiance for a workout. And it’s also a plus that parking is never an issue which I personally love when fitting in a class during my busy week.
Also, the team of instructors is top notch. It is clear that they are well-seasoned teachers who know how to customize the practice to fit different bodies, and who have an incredible working knowledge of movement and body alignment. I have also been incredibly impressed by their attitude which is always upbeat, light, and motivational. And after meeting Katie Williams, the owner, and leader of the pack, I can say I have come to believe that this is just one of her incredible influences. She is absolutely one of the most genuine and positive people I’ve had the pleasure to meet and you can see it in the team that she has created and the space that she inspires daily.
So, there you have it, your new Pilates home in Mt. P! Also, stay tuned for a special announcement between Cote Luxe x Exhale. We’re dropping something exciting on April 1st! Make sure to follow @coteluxeproperty and @exhalepilatescharleston on Instagram to be the first to know.