Intructions at Pilates

By Dale Robin Lockman, Development Director

Portland Pilates
49 Dartmouth Street
(207) 772-8950

On the second floor at 49 Dartmouth Street, on the corner of Forest, there is a bright, welcoming room busy with quiet activity. When you arrive, a friendly sign urges you to remove your street shoes, and as you enter, you can see what private and group instruction in the practice of Pilates looks like.

Pilates is a system for strength and fitness that was developed by Joseph Pilates in the 1920s and 30s, and focuses on breath control and muscle control as basic skills for core strength and wellness.

Nancy Etnier is the owner of Portland Pilates, and is the brains and energy behind its programming. During a recent visit to the WMPG studios, Nancy sat down with us, and reflected on the history and philosophy of her Portland Pilates studio.

"I was a dance student at the State University of New York at Purchase," said Nancy, "and I was taking mat classes in Pilates as a tool for gaining balance and control for my dancing. I liked it so wellÉI got certified in New York City as an instructor!"

Portland Pilates was the first Pilates studio in Southern Maine, and has grown since its inception in 1997, offering Pilates training at all skill levels. Classes and lessons are taught by instructors certified in New York City in authentic Pilates methods.

Nancy explained that many people come to Pilates through an injury. Her business interest, on the other hand, grew out of her personal use of and the benefit she derived from Pilates as a part of her artistic endeavors.

"Pilates helps to develop all-over body strength and develops proper postural alignment," Nancy explains, "which are important in the development of core strength to support the spine for a healthy back."

"We offer mat classes at really reasonable prices Ð that makes Pilates affordable and accessible to the student community and to others who are stretching their scarce dollars in this challenging economy."

Portland Pilates also offers individual and small group instruction. And this fall (2008) classes in Zumba, an aerobic workout that is inspired by Latin dance, will be offered on Tuesdays at 5:30 with more classes to be added as demand increases.

You can find out more about Portland Pilates at their website, pilatesportland.com or by calling 772-8950.