Joie de Vivre Pilates Studio

Great instructors, equipment (reformer tower) and small class size. I love Elizabeth's classes! She brings a relaxed, calm presence to challenging classes.

I am so grateful to have found Ansley Watson’s Pilates studio. My body was wrecked from the ravages of 9 consecutive broken bones, a stressful job, and menopause. Because of my injuries and changing physiology, conventional workouts hurt me rather than helped me. I knew after the first session I found the exact kind of workout to help my body heal and regain my fitness. I took several private lessons then signed up for the 3x/week class package. I hate exercise, but now I look forward to every workout. After two weeks, I could feel the changes in my gait (more balanced and steady) and I felt taller. Several months later and I am starting to add interval running back into my routine. I’m sleeping better and my mood is improved, too. Ansley’s mantra is to practice gentleness and kindness toward yourself and your body; it’s such a nice departure from the more conventional amped up workouts that left me feeling stressed and which compounded my injuries. Pilates on the reformer/Cadillac machines facilitates dynamic movement, where you contract your muscles from a stretch, while getting both support and resistance from the gliding movements and tension of the springs. I can see and feel my body changing, toning, and strengthening. It is deeply relaxing. This class has also saved me money, as I no longer need to see my chiropractor, massage therapist, or acupuncturist. It’s accurate to say that Ansley’s classes have given me my life back. If you are thinking about trying Pilates, go to Joie de Vivre, it is a safe, supportive, and effective workout.

Working out at Joie de Vivre is a wonderful experience. After years of pain from working at a desk, a friend suggested Pilates and recommended Ansley Watson at Joie de Vivre. Ansley and her instructors have tailored my workouts to target my pain and improve my overall strength and flexibility. After the first month the pain in my hips and lower back was already getting better. Now, after six months, my overall fitness is greatly improved. I'm back to activities that had been off limits for years. As a 56 year old man, I didn't think I would fit in at a Pilates studio, but everyone at Joie de Vivre has gone out of their way to help me feel comfortable.

When I started with Ansley I was having severe back pain. I was not new to fitness but I was brand new to Pilates so I started out with private classes. It was not more than two or three classes and my back pain started to subside to where I could enjoy my normal routine. I have now started attending three days per week. My body needs this. As other reviewers have said, excellent atmosphere and small class sizes. When I first entered the studio, I felt right at home. I live very close so that is an added bonus. I highly recommend this studio and so thankful I found it!

I love this Pilates studio! Ansley Watson is an excellent and knowledgeable instructor. Her classes are fun, but also challenging for any level. I like the interval training approach she takes. After her classes, I always feel, not only like I got a great workout, but also stretched out and relaxed.