Pilates for Health and Healing: A Unique Fitness Experience

Discover the Benefits of Pilates at the Pilates Center for Fitness and Therapeutic Conditioning

The Pilates Center for Fitness and Therapeutic Conditioning is a peaceful oasis on Strawberry Plains Road that offers much more than just a workout. Founded by Mary-Jane Bell Amrein, a fitness instructor since 1981, this studio combines fitness with therapeutic conditioning to enhance overall well-being.

From Aerobics to Pilates: A Journey of Discovery

Mary-Jane Bell Amrein began her fitness journey with Aerobics Plus, a gym she owned for 20 years. She introduced Pilates into her gym, initially thinking it was just another exercise form. However, she soon realized its unique benefits.

“The last three years I had the business, I thought it was just another form of exercise like water aerobics, step aerobics, circuit training, and aerobics classes,” Amrein said. “Then I discovered it was very different. People who were having problems with their backs weren’t having pain anymore. When I introduced the reformer Pilates workout into the gym, nobody had heard of it, including the staff and members.”

The Birth of the Pilates Center

In 2002, Amrein decided to focus solely on Pilates and opened the Pilates Center for Fitness and Therapeutic Conditioning. “We were actually the third place in Virginia to offer Pilates, and as you can see, it has really grown exponentially countrywide because of the benefits and how good it feels for people,” she explained.

The studio aims to improve health and fitness through education and personalized training. Many instructors have traveled across the country for specialized training to provide top-notch instruction.

Unique Services: Muscle Activation Techniques

A standout service at the studio is Muscle Activation Technique (MAT), a non-invasive approach to activating underperforming muscles that can cause pain or dysfunction. Through muscle testing and activation, Amrein can determine the optimal number of exercise repetitions to strengthen muscles without weakening them.

MAT “turns on the muscle,” but strengthening is achieved through Pilates exercises. This two-part system helps clients improve their fitness and health efficiently. “With the MAT process, the cause of the problem can typically be determined in as few as three sessions,” Amrein noted.

Serving a Diverse Community

The Pilates Center caters to a wide range of clients, from high school athletes to individuals in their 90s. “Pilates is so versatile that it can meet the needs of those recovering from surgery or trying to avoid surgery, to those who are very fit and competitive athletes,” Amrein said. “We help those with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, recovering from stroke, golfers, gardeners, Pickleball players. In other words, meeting the needs of a huge variety of people and fitness levels.”

Personalized Training

Most clients work one-on-one with instructors for tailored training sessions. This personalized approach ensures that each individual’s unique needs are met.

The Pilates Center for Fitness and Therapeutic Conditioning operates by appointment only. For more information, visit their website.

References:

“The Pilates Center for Fitness and Therapeutic Conditioning,” Community Business Article.
Mary-Jane Bell Amrein, Founder and Instructor, Pilates Center for Fitness and Therapeutic Conditioning.