and 
ALY JAFFE
Books and Music
What book are you currently reading? Currently reading Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
Top 5 Pilates books are... Pilates' Return to Life through Contrology by Joseph Pilates, Pilates: Body in Motion by Alycea Ungaro, The Concise Book of Muscles by Chris Jarmey, Pilates by Rael Isaacowitz, Injuries and Special Populations; Stott Pilates Manual
Songs on my current playlist include... "Can I Walk with You" by India Arie, "Empire State of Mind" by Alicia Keys, "Hard Sun" by Eddie Veder and "If I Had Eyes" by Jack Johnson
I only use music on occasion... but some artists that I find inspiring and have used are Bruce Springsteen, Jack Johnson, Coldplay, India Arie and when I don't want to have lyrics I use songs by Bond.
For Pilates...I generally don't use music in my classes. In Pilates we typically don't hold our movements but rather do several repetitions of a particular exercise or series. I like to be able to cue the breath and alignment throughout the movement since they are usually fluid. I occasionally will use music to create a sense of "choreography" to the method as many movements feel dance based.
Personal Pilates Journey
What did you do professionally before becoming a Pilates instructor? I have a Masters Degree in Social Work and practiced in the area of adoption as well as foster care. I took a break from the field when I had my first child. It was during this period of time that I began taking Pilates and fell in love with both mat and apparatus classes.
When did you start doing Pilates? 7 years ago...I was a student for 3 years before entering an instructor training program which took a year.
I found Pilates really profound... in helping me connect to my core and regain strength after two pregnancies. I had been teaching group fitness for many years and realized Pilates was a way for my to combine my two passions and professions. I could help people as I had during my Social Work practice, but I could inspire people to lead healthier lives through teaching them the Pilates method. I had an incredible instructor who helped guide me into recognizing that I was meant to be teaching as well.
...I am inspired by Pilates legend Romana Kryzanowski. She is 80+ years old and still teaching. She worked with Joseph Pilates and carries on his classical method. I also find inspiration from some incredible instructor trainers that I have been privileged to work with including Amy Pronovost, Gayle Eubanks and Eva Powers.
I take my Pilates practice off of the mat... by the body awareness I have gained in my practice. When I am standing in line at the grocery, or carrying my child, I am constantly engaging my powerhouse in order to protect my spine and alignment. I can practice some of the principle movements of Pilates just about anywhere.
My favorite Pilates movement is... the Hundred. It uses breath, movement and rhythm to engage the core and invigorate the body. It is a wonderful way to set the tone for a Pilates workout.
Advice to Students
New Pilates students need to focus on... the main principals of the movement and the form for all of the essential work before moving into any intermediate or advanced movement. It is much better to stick with exercise "preps" then move on to advanced work with poor form. Also, new students need to avoid getting frustrated if it takes a few sessions to really feel the connection with the deep abdominal muscles. Part of the beauty of the method is that it empowers you with body awareness. It is this awareness that allows you to successfully work into those muscles and for some people that happens in one session and for some it can take several.
...take a class with a teacher you have NEVER tried before for $9 (It's our 9th anniversary!). Take 3 classes for $9 and earn free classes: buy a 24 pass this month and get 9 bonus classes or a 12 pass and get 3 bonus classes...
Check out what's happening around the studio.
Join us to begin or refine your practice. Register early, this event always fills up.
