Good morning moon! Happy fall beauty in my home state. Here are this weeks chances to workout with me.
Tuesday 9am Sculpt - livestream, 4:30pm Pilates Mat - livestream Wednesday 7am Barre - livestream 12pm Pilates mat - creating space yoga - portland Maine 5pm Pilates reformer - Kaia Pilates
Thursday 8:15am advanced reformer, 9:15 reformer flow 10:15 intermediate reformer all at Form Fitness in Portsmouth, 4:30pm fuse ladder (think springboard on steroids), 5:30 intermediate reformer, 6:30pm reform and stretch all at POSITIVELY Pilates in seabrook nh.
Friday 12pm Pilates mat at creating space yoga in portland Maine #barsculpt #teachwhatyoulove #pilates #barre #pilatesmat #pilatesreformer #sculpt #livestreamfitness #
Join into livestream classes or on demand for one low price! #barsculpt #barre #pilates #sculpt #pilatesmat #matpilates #reformer #reformerpilates
I’ll be at positively Pilates in seabrook Sunday 10/5- I have a few spots left in my Pilates intermediate workshop at noon! Come Rick your and for 90 minutes with me!! You’ll be happy you did! #barsculpt #pilates #matpilates #pilatesmat #matwork #matworkpilates
Sculpt class can be done anywhere without a prop or mat! Each class is slightly different as I take what we have and move with it! Saturday mornings at 8am! Join me #barsculpt #barre #sculpt #workout #sunrise
New England in the fall is magical! The Pilates reformer always is! If you own a Pilates reformer and want private instruction reach out! #barsculpt #barre #newengland #pilatesreformer
Playing on a reformer in the fall sun outside is a must!! #barsculpt #reformer #pilates #pilatesreformer #outdoorworkouts
I love teaching Pilates mat. I have a livestream class at 4:30pm on Tuesday evenings and this week I’ll also be teaching a 90 minute intermediate workshop on Sunday in Seabrook NH!! Join in live or via zoom! #barsculpt #seabrook #pilates #pilatesmat #pilates
I’d love to see you in my livestream mat Pilates class tomorrow at 4:30pm EST #barsculpt #pilates #matpilates #barre #outdoorpilates
Reformer teacher training has begun! If you missed this one but are excited to get set up for next year message me! #barsculpt #pilates #reformer #barre
I’m happy to be back to the regular schedule! This is the last week to lock in at an extremely low monthly livestream rate that also includes on demand classes! Check it out! #barsculpt #pilates #barre
Saying goodbye to Mexico.
My reformer teacher training in person starts Friday evening in Scarborough Maine- OR - join in via zoom if you have access to your own reformer! #barsculpt #reformer #pilates #barre #teachertraining
Mexico no filter!
Classes resume Saturday 8am EST. It’s the last week for $26 unlimited virtual live and on demand! #barsculpt #pilates #barre
Springs are equal to goal! #barsculpt #pilates
Teaching the next generation is endlessly rewarding! It’s not too late to join in for the reformer section! #barsculpt messaged for details!
Virtual Pilates Mat means I get to teach from here.. 4:30PM EST all you need is a mat! Are you coming? $26 for a full month of classes and the on Demand website… yes only $26 monthly! #barsculpt #pilates #barre #sculpt #ondemand #virtualclasses #matpilates
Teacher training is the most fun with this crew! It’s not too late to sign up for reformer training that starts 9/20
Mat certification starts NOW! You may have missed the start… but if you are in and around Scarborough Maine and would like to join… with the online version as your guide.. you’ll be well equipped to jump in! #barsculpt #matpilatesteachertraining #pilatesteachers
Some stories in our teaching lives feel so layered that they circle back to where we began. This past week, I found myself in one of those full-circle moments.
I was training the parents of a friend I grew up with in the dance world. Her older brother and I did countless community theater productions together, memorizing lines in dark rehearsal halls and joking backstage between costume changes. We even share a birthday — though I’m younger, of course, and always make sure to remind him of that fact.
Their sister, the one closest to me, was my companion in hours of dance classes, rehearsals, and trips to New York City. Our moms tap danced together and were the ones corralling us on those bus rides to Broadway auditions. I have vivid memories of all of us bundled up in the cold, shuffling down city streets with excitement and nerves. Movement and performance connected us all back then, and in some ways it still does.
Fast forward to this week: I was invited to train their parents.
Meeting the Father
The mother was delightful to work with — attentive, cheerful, and open to trying new things. Then it was time to switch to the father.
He’s about 75, slim, and stands just around six feet tall. A former ER doctor, which means he spent decades standing, moving, and making decisions under pressure. No major injuries or ailments to speak of, but he did casually mention that ever since his cataract surgery, he’s been tripping more often. A small comment, but one that I tucked away in the back of my mind.
Because balance issues are so often at the root of falls — and because falls can be devastating for older adults — I started him with something simple: calf raises at the Cadillac.
The Cadillac has a solid upright bar, and with his hands lightly resting there, I asked him to lift both heels.
He did it beautifully. Smooth, controlled, no excessive sway in the spine. READ FULL BLOG at BarSculpt.com #barsculpt #balancetraining #pilates #friends #community
Taco Tuesday barre teaching story time! Every fitness instructor has that story. The one that makes you laugh even years later, when the memory sneaks back into your mind mid-class or when you’re chatting with a fellow teacher over coffee. Mine happened on a late summer Tuesday—yes, a Taco Tuesday—during a group barre class that should have been as routine as any other.
I’d been teaching for years by this point, and this particular group was filled with regulars. Familiar faces, people who knew each other’s quirks and mine, too. That’s one of the magical things about group classes—there’s movement, of course, but there’s also community. And before people can really drop into their bodies and find their flow, I’ve always believed they need to first find the room. That means laughter, connection, disarming any self-consciousness about who’s “better” or “stronger.” #barsculpt #barre
Taking private clients, teaching a reformer class 5pm Wednesday evenings and a Full Pilates certification training all happening @kaia.pilates sign up for my first class tomorrow (or I’ll be subbing for Kaia all weekend)!!
I’m back in portland. I got my big lady reformer/cadillac, a Pilates chair, barrels and barres! Reached out for a private session or join me at Kaia Pilates Wednesday evenings at 5pm for a reformer class or for teacher training which starts on Friday!! Message for more details! #home #portland #maine #portlandmaine #pilates #barsculpt
I love teaching. I love that I can stop in Rye and journal on the beach between classes.. the wind is no joke today though!!
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Virtual Reformer class from the lake did not suck this morning! I hope to see all my home reformer clients soon- 7am on Wednesdays! 🥰 #barsculpt #reformer #homereformer #virtualreformer
How Barre and Pilates Teachers Can Use Stacking and Layering to Empower Clients
In group fitness, one of the most common questions instructors ask themselves is: “How do I teach a room full of people with different bodies, strengths, and experience levels—all at the same time?”
It doesn’t matter whether you’re leading a Pilates mat class or guiding clients through a Barre workout—the challenge is the same. Some clients will be brand new, just trying to find their balance, while others might be former dancers or longtime practitioners who crave intensity.
The solution isn’t to aim for perfection, nor is it to race to the hardest version of every exercise. Instead, the key is progression: creating a pathway where each client can safely and confidently find their version of success.
One of the most powerful ways to deliver this in class is through stacking—a method where you begin with a foundational exercise and gradually layer in options that increase the challenge. Clients can stop at the level that feels right for their bodies that day. The beauty of this approach is that it gives everyone ownership of their workout, without pressure to keep up or compete.
Let’s explore why “progression, not perfection” matters, how stacking works, and why Barre and Pilates are the perfect homes for this teaching philosophy.
READ FULL BLOG AT BarSculpt.com #barsculpt #pilatesteacher #barreteacher #pilatesteachertraining #getcertified #groupclasses #groupexercise
This week only SAVE on mat & reformer training in Scarborough Maine! You’ll be all trained up before thanksgiving! 🥰 #barsculpt #pilates #reformer
Early bird pricing ends Friday. Check out BarSculpt.com for details! #barsculpt #pilates #seabrooknh #newhampshirepilates #matpilatesteachertraining #reformerpilatesteacher
Great after lunch reset!
It’s time to train to become a teacher!! Let’s do this! #barsculpt #maine #newhampshire #pilates #pilatesteachertraining #getcertified
I didn’t always know I wanted to teach. In fact, I spent years performing—literally on stage. As a dancer and actor, I was taught something that stopped me in my tracks:
“Love the art within yourself, not yourself within the art.”
That single line changed the course of my life. It revealed something I couldn’t unsee: I loved being on stage, yes—but it was the applause, the energy, the performing that I truly craved. I didn’t love the art within myself. I loved what the art gave me.
That quote ended my pursuit of theater. But it ignited something else entirely.
When I transitioned to fitness, it wasn’t about performance—it was about presence. I loved pushing my body, feeling it get stronger, testing my limits. And I was surprised to discover that the gains I experienced physically showed up off the mat too:
• I stood taller in conversations.
• I trusted myself more.
• I felt less reactive and more grounded.
And that is why I teach. Not because I mastered the choreography. But because I saw what this work could do—for any body.
READ FULL BLOG AT BARSCULPT.COM #barsculpt #pilatesteachertraining #pilatescertification #learntoteach #themoreyouknow🌈
Become certified this fall with Leslie from BarSculpt. Learn more than the moves learn how to teach between the cues and the clients needs! #barsculpt #scarboroughMaine #SeabrookNH #newenglandpilates
Unlock your potential as a Pilates teacher with our 100-hour Mat & Reformer training! Learn from experienced instructors and gain the skills and confidence to teach group classes and private sessions. #barsculpt #pilates #newhampshirepilates #learntoteach #pilatesteachertraining
What Makes a Great Pilates Teacher (Hint: It’s Not Your Teaser)
BarSculpt Teacher Training isn’t about being able to “nail” the hundred or roll up with no hands. It’s about being able to:
• Break down movement patterns for different bodies
• Explain the same cue three different ways for three different learners
• Spot faulty patterns and help redirect them without shame
• Offer corrections that land—verbally, visually, and kinesthetically
• Maintain class flow, presence, and safety across a range of abilities
This is why our training requires extensive observation and practice teaching hours. Because becoming a great teacher is a process, not a checklist.
It’s Time We Stop Expecting Teachers to Be Perfect Movers
In fact, I think being less perfect can be a gift.
If you’ve ever struggled with an exercise, you’re more likely to understand how to teach it to someone else. You remember where it caught you—your hip flexors, your balance, your breath. And if you’ve had to work around a limitation—ankle instability, back pain, herniation, hypermobility—you have even more tools in your toolbox. READ FULL BLOG at BarSculpt.com #pilates #teachertraining #eyeformovement #adhd
#barsculpt
Comprehensive Pilates Teacher Training is coming to Scarborough, Maine and Kaia Pilates — and early bird pricing is now live!
Priority enrollment is being given to those who want to complete the entire training, so if that’s you, now’s the time to sign up.
Interested in attending just one course? Stay tuned — if space allows, we’ll open up individual course registration soon.
✨ Ready to deepen your knowledge and elevate your teaching?
Let’s do this.
DM for details or email BarSculpt@gmail.com to set up a 15-minute call with Leslie.
#PilatesTeacherTraining #MainePilates #KaiaPilates #BarSculpt #PilatesCertification #pilatesprofessionals
I teach barre every Tuesday/Thursday at 7am. Thursdays you can find me at Goodwin Park in Portsmouth! Bring a mat or towel, the workout will do the rest! And sometimes.. dogs join us!
I love teaching online as I get to teach from where I am, finding you exactly where you are! Join me. #barsculpt #barre #pilates #sculpt #lakelife #maine
When I step in front of a group fitness class, whether it’s Barre, or Pilates, there’s one subtle but powerful tool that can elevate the experience instantly: music. It’s often invisible in the planning, unspoken during class, but undeniably present in every pulse, every stretch, and every emotional rise in the room.
The Unseen Conductor: How Music Guides Movement
In a group fitness setting, music is more than background noise—it’s a guide, a motivator, and at times, even a co-instructor. In Barre-based classes like BarSculpt, music has a direct relationship with how fast or slow we move. It sets the tempo of a plié, the drive of a glute kickback, and even the depth of a final stretch.
I often describe it this way: imagine teaching without music—it’s doable, yes, but without that rhythmic push, the collective energy of the room can feel less cohesive. Music creates a shared pace, a shared heartbeat. It influences whether a client challenges their limits or glides into rest.
Creating the Barre Playlist: A Simple Formula That Works
In BarSculpt and Barre-style classes, I keep my playlist formula fairly simple: two upbeat songs followed by a slower stretch or transition song. This rhythm—energize, push, recover—not only works physiologically but psychologically as well. Clients come to expect the shift, and their bodies respond accordingly.
A big tip I give to newer instructors: use your playlist as your class clock.
If you’re teaching a 45-minute class, set your playlist to match that length. If you’re only halfway through your sequence and the playlist is wrapping up, it’s a clear signal that you’re moving too slowly. If you’re done and you still have 15 minutes of music left, you’ve gone too fast. It’s a subtle but effective pacing tool, especially when you’re still learning how to structure a class in real time.
The music doesn’t need to be trendy or familiar; it just needs to be thoughtfully chosen. I avoid anything that makes the class feel like a club at 7 a.m., but I’m also not afraid to play something that makes clients smile or hum along. That flicker of recognition—of joy—can go a long way in motivation. READ FULL BLOG AT BARSCULPT.com #barsculpt #barre
You’ve clocked in 565 barre classes. You’ve seen your strength, stamina, and grit evolve—but still, every time the instructor cues “chair” or “waterskier,” something inside you wilts. Your legs tremble. Your back arches. Your brain screams. You’re not alone—and more importantly, there’s nothing wrong with you. In fact, these are signs that the workout is still doing what it’s supposed to do.
The short answer to your excellent question—“Why are chair and waterskier so hard after all this time?”—is because those exercises are brilliantly designed to reveal how you move. Let’s unpack this.
Barre, Like Pilates, Uses Your Body as the Equipment
Both Pilates (especially mat Pilates) and Barre are unique in that your body is the main piece of apparatus. You are the machine, the weight, the driver, and the limiter.
In each class, you’re not adding heavy external weights (though props like bands and balls can intensify things)—you’re working against yourself. Your own range of motion. Your own strength, flexibility, mobility, and habits. So progress isn’t always measured in heavier weights or faster reps. It’s measured in how deep you go into an exercise, how steadily you can hold it, how connected your movement becomes.
And that, right there, is part of the mystery: you cannot always tell how hard you’re working or how deep you’re moving. That’s because:
• Your body changes daily.
Sleep, hydration, stress, the shoes you wore, the desk you sat at, how long you drove, whether you stretched—it all affects your body’s feedback loop. That loop determines how an exercise feels.
• Form isn’t just what it looks like—it’s how it functions.
The shape might be the same every time, but how you fire the muscles, where you place your weight, and what range of motion your joints allow is in constant flux.
#barsculpt #barre #waterskier #chair #fitness #pilates
I love that Cleocatra is interactive with my workouts! Does anyone else’s pet like the reformer? #pilates #barsculpt #reformerpilates
This morning started out like any other. I woke early, dressed in layers, grabbed my coffee, and headed to Portsmouth’s waterfront for my 7am barre class. These classes have become a rhythm in my life—a way to ground my day, serve my community, and warm up my own body before teaching my 8:15am Reformer class. With the tight timing between my two classes and my commute, I’ve been teaching that early class in a public park. But today, the skies didn’t cooperate. It was raining, and I had to improvise.
So I sat in my car and taught virtually from the driver’s seat, cueing through a barre class without visual demonstration—something I can do pretty seamlessly after two and a half decades of teaching. I kept my tone upbeat, used precise language, and held the space like I always do. Teaching, even in a parked car, requires a presence—a performance of sorts. You don’t bring your stuff with you. You give your all, and your clients never really know if you’re having a hard day unless you choose to tell them.
And then my Apple Watch buzzed.
It was my mom.
READ THE FULL BLOG @BARSCULPT.com #barsculpt #fuck #lifeanddeath #frontandcenter
Private training on the reformer at Form! Start today #form
If you’ve ever taken a BarSculpt class, you’ve probably experienced a deceptively simple yet incredibly effective series near the end of class that focuses on small, rhythmic pelvic movements. For many clients—especially those newer to the method—it’s a moment of curiosity, confusion, or even discomfort. That section is often referred to as back dancing, and today we’re breaking down exactly what it is, where it came from, how it evolved, and most importantly—how to actually feel it working in your body.
Spoiler: it’s not just about your glutes. And it’s definitely not about “grinding.” Go to BarSculpt.com/blog to read more! #barsculpt #barre #backdancing #bridgedancing #kneedancing
Safety, Precision, and the Right Tools for Results That Stick
In BarSculpt, nothing is arbitrary.
From the way we cue alignment to the way we choose props, everything has a reason—and the yoga strap is no exception. In fact, it’s one of the most important tools in our practice, and it’s something we’ve put a lot of thought into.
BarSculpt does not use elastic resistance bands.
We also do not use yoga straps with metal D-rings.
Instead, we use a plain canvas strap, ideally one with two pre-sewn loops and zero hardware.
Why? Because your safety matters, and the equipment you use directly impacts your results, your risk of injury, and your ability to stay present in class.
Let’s dive into why we’ve chosen this very specific strap—and what makes it essential to BarSculpt classes. READ MORE at BarSculpt.com #barsculpt #barre #yogastrap #equipment #elasticband #themoreyouknow #itsadecisionnotachoice
There are a handful of phrases that get repeated in almost every group fitness setting—cues so common we stop questioning them. Among them:
“Don’t let your knees go over your toes!”
For many students, this cue gets embedded so deeply that it echoes in their minds long after class is over. So when someone finds themselves in a raised-heel parallel squat, and their knees do move past their toes, they instinctively wonder: Am I doing something wrong?
The short answer is no—you’re probably not. READ MORE at BarSculpt.com/blog #barsculpt #barre #knees #kneesovertoes #anatomy
Catch me here at @formfitnessnh and vote for them for best studio in the sea coast! #barsculpt #newhampshirelife #newhampshire
If you’ve ever stood in front of a barre and thought, “This just doesn’t feel right”, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher, a studio owner outfitting a new space, or an enthusiastic home practitioner, the height and installation of your ballet barre are far more important than many people realize.
While it may seem like a simple piece of equipment, the barre is the spine of a well-structured Barre class. Get the setup wrong, and you risk compromising the flow, safety, and effectiveness of your entire workout. Get it right, and the barre becomes a tool that supports challenge, alignment, and transformation.
Let’s break down exactly why barre height matters—and how to choose, install, and adjust a barre that works for you and your clients. To read more go to BarSculpt.com/blog #barre #barsculpt #barreheight
Yay!! I have a new schedule… check it out!! #barsculpt
Join me tomorrow night @positivelypilates.nh for my first night teaching in this new studio! Your first class is free and we are definitely going to have some fun! #barsculpt #pilates #barre #springboard
Congrats to one of the newest Mat Pilates teachers! Two certified this week! You could be next! All this week Mat Pilates and Barre teacher trainings online are on sale! #barsculpt #barre #matpilates #pilatesmat #teachertrainingcourse #certified
There are so many ways to keep motivated to move. Sometimes the hardest thing is finding what works for you! Check out my latest blogs! Also congratulations to two new Mat Pilates teachers certified through BarSculpt! Keep going, you got this! #barsculpt #matpilates #pilatescertification #matpilatescertification
Join me in conversation with a UK barre teacher who learned from Lotte! #barsculpt
Sculpt - BarreLess - will be tomorrow at 8am zooming from Ithaca New York! #barsculpt #ithacanewyork #sculpt #zoomclassesonline
Do I look like I’m ready for aerobics?
I only have three open spots foe discovery visits this coming week… as I’m traveling, turning 49, and celebrating my daughters college graduation! Please check the schedule for the latest news! Keep in mind I’ll be teaching barre at the regular 7am time at the Scarborough dance center the week of May19th! I’d love to see you!! #barsculpt #maine #scarborough #scarboroughmaine #barre #virtual
Walk into any movement class—Barre, Pilates, Yoga, Spin, Strength—and you’re likely to encounter a range of leadership styles. Some instructors shout out reps and count down transitions. Others quietly guide form, layer in anatomy, and somehow know exactly where your hip should be even before you do. These are two ends of a spectrum: instructing and teaching. And while both are valuable, the difference between them has a real impact on how students move, improve, and stick with movement long term.
I’ve spent over two decades in the fitness world, and I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve played both roles. There have been days I’ve walked out of class and thought, “Well, that could have been better.” And every single time I’ve felt that way, it’s because I shifted too far into instructing—calling out moves and switching it up—rather than actually teaching the why, the how, and the form behind it.
Let’s dig into the difference, not just by feel, but from its very roots—dictionary definitions and all.
Dictionary Definitions
• Instruct (verb): to direct or command someone to do something; to give detailed information on how something should be done.
• Teach (verb): to impart knowledge; to cause someone to learn by example, experience, or explanation.
Read the full blog at BarSculpt.com #barsculpt #barre #teachers #instructors
When it comes to barre workouts, seatwork plays a crucial role in building strength, balance, and control in the glutes and hamstrings. One of the most foundational—and simultaneously challenging—SeatWork positions is called Fold Over. This deceptively simple posture offers a powerhouse of benefits, from sculpting the backside to doing it without aggrivating sciatic nerve tension. Whether you’re a barre newbie or a seasoned pro, Fold Over can meet you where you are—while pushing you toward greater strength and alignment.
In this post, we’ll break down the Fold Over from all angles: how to get into the position safely, what to watch for in terms of form and common mistakes, how to modify based on injury or pregnancy, and why it’s considered one of the best exercises for managing sciatica. Fold Over is not just a “SeatWork move.” It’s an adaptable, therapeutic, and demanding staple of any barre repertoire. #BARRE #barsculpt #foldover #seatwork #sciatica
Early bird pricing for in person barre training in cape cod on May 30, 2025- ends Saturday! Sign up today!! #barsculpt #fitnessdirections #capecod #massachusetts #barre #teachertraining
Whether it’s been a decade since your last workout, or you’ve never intentionally exercised a day in your life, starting Pilates might feel intimidating. But here’s the truth: Pilates is one of the most inclusive, forgiving, and effective ways to (re)introduce movement into your life. No matter your age, experience level, or current physical ability, Pilates can meet you exactly where you are—and take you exactly where you need to go.
The beauty of Pilates lies in its foundation: control, precision, breath, and awareness. These principles make it the ideal movement method for anyone recovering from injury or surgery, those dealing with chronic conditions, and people who simply want to feel better in their bodies. And while its benefits are backed by decades of real-world success, one quote from its founder Joseph Pilates says it all:
“Change happens through movement and movement heals.”
#pilates #barsculpt #barre
Oh Puerto Rico… you are beautiful… even the tags! #puertorico #pilatesondemand #barreondemand #barsculpt
When most people think of ballet, they picture grace, poise, and powerful legs soaring into the air or gliding effortlessly into a plié. But the truth behind that beauty begins long before a dancer takes the stage — it starts at the barre, often with a stretch that looks deceptively simple. The “first stretch” at the barre is not just a ritual; it’s a foundational movement that opens up the body, targets multiple muscle groups, and sets the tone for how a dancer connects breath, posture, and muscular engagement.
Whether you’re a ballet dancer, barre class regular, or flexibility-focused fitness enthusiast, understanding how and why this initial stretch works can deepen your practice and protect your body.
READ MORE at BarSculpt.com/blog #barsculpt #barrestretch #balletbarre #balletbarreworkout
It might look simple, but this small step forward sets the tone for strength, safety, and success in every workout.
The Unsung Hero of the Warm-Up
You walk into barre class, maybe a little stiff, maybe a little distracted. The music starts, and your instructor cues the first move: marching in place.
It might seem minor, but this is no filler. Marching is a purposeful, layered movement that sets the tone for everything that follows — physically, neurologically, and even emotionally.
Let’s unpack why.
1. From Static to Dynamic: The Smarter Warm-Up
Marching is a dynamic, weight-bearing movement that helps you transition out of stillness without diving too fast into complex or deep work.
Unlike static stretching — which research shows can temporarily reduce muscle performance when done before exercise — marching activates muscle groups while encouraging better range of motion.
It’s gentle but purposeful. Safe for all bodies. Easy to scale up or down.
2. Elevating Heart Rate (Gently)
You might not call it cardio, but marching does elevate your heart rate just enough to:
increase blood flow
warm muscles
deliver oxygen to tissues
help you breathe more efficiently as class progresses
It’s like turning on the engine and letting it idle before you hit the gas.
READ FULL BLOG ON BARSCULPT.COM #barsculpt #barre #marching #warmup #teachertraining #workout
A free sculpt class- go to BarSculpt.com pre recorded and it’s beginner sculpt! New prices! Also trainings and webinar events!!
When the Pain Isn’t Just in Your Head—or Your Back: How to Tell If It’s Your SI Joint, Sciatica, or Something Else Entirely
If you’ve ever experienced lower back pain that radiates down your leg, you’re likely familiar with the term sciatica. But what if the pain isn’t coming from a herniated disc or nerve compression at all? What if it’s your sacroiliac joint—the often-overlooked yet essential connection point between your spine and pelvis?
In this post, we’ll break down the mystery of SI joint dysfunction, why it often gets confused with sciatica, how to start telling the difference, and what gentle, Pilates-based strategies and stretches might help you manage symptoms or support recovery.
The SI Joint: What (and Where) It Is
The sacroiliac (SI) joint is where your sacrum (the base of your spine) meets your ilium (the large bones of the pelvis). There’s one joint on each side of the body. These joints don’t move much, but they absorb and transfer load between the upper body and legs.
When the SI joint becomes dysfunctional—either too tight, too loose, or inflamed—it can cause localized pain, stiffness, and even radiating discomfort that mimics other conditions.
READ FULL BLOG AT BARSCULPT.com #barsculpt #barre #pilates #sciatica #sijointdysfunction
Blue skies, iced coffee and a terrace with an ocean view is the best way to tackle a long to do list… I ❤️puerto Rico! #barsculpt #barre #pilates #reformer
At first glance, Barre classes can seem deceptively simple.
Tiny movements. Small ranges. Little pulses.
But make no mistake: the work happening beneath the surface is anything but small.
Over time, those seemingly modest movements — performed with precision, consistency, and focus — build a body that is not only stronger and more capable but also a mind and spirit that are more resilient, clear, and empowered.
In my years of teaching Barre, I’ve seen transformations that go far beyond toned arms or a perkier seat (though yes, those are great perks!). I’ve watched people change their lives, all because of the strength they built inch by inch, pulse by pulse, in class.
Let’s talk about why these small movements matter so much — and why the biggest changes they create aren’t always physical. READ FULL BLOG AT BarSculpt.com #barre #barsculpt #pilates #small #gains
In a world that often glorifies “more” — more reps, more speed, more sweat — it can feel counterintuitive to slow down and focus on less. But in movement disciplines like Pilates and Barre, quality over quantity isn’t just a cute slogan. It’s the foundation of real, sustainable strength, flexibility, and injury prevention.
Whether you’re flowing through dynamic Pilates sequences or holding deep pulses at the Barre, the true measure of your success lies not in how many reps you complete, but in how well you execute each movement.
Let’s dive into why form is everything — and how embracing precision over volume will change your practice (and your results) for the better. Go to BarSculpt.com/blog to read more
#barsculpt #pilates #barre #teachertraining #slowandsteadywinstherace
From Star-Struck Barre Baby to Self-Paced Training Pioneer
In 1999, I was fresh out of college, living in New York, and chasing a lifelong dream of dancing on Broadway. Fitness was not the plan. Performing was. But like many performers in the city, I was juggling auditions and trying to pay rent. One day, flipping through The Village Voice, I saw an ad for a fitness instructor. I called. @fdevito1 DeVito called me back.
That phone call would end up shaping the rest of my life.
I showed up to the Lotte Berk Method studio for the first time a few days later. As I waited for class to start, Julia Roberts walked out of the studio, glowing. I’m just this girl from Maine, and now here I am—watching actual Julia Roberts stroll past me post-workout. Yes, she really is that gorgeous in person.
I hadn’t even taken the class yet, and I was already starstruck. But what happened inside that studio hit me even harder: it felt like something clicked.
Fred had me take class and then tested my flexibility. He told me I’d need to take class every day and start working at the front desk. I said yes. I showed up. Every single day.
Once I was ready to train, my schedule ramped up. I took two classes a day and observed one. There was no manual. No slides. No structured curriculum. Just a notebook. I scribbled down everything I saw and heard. I learned by watching, moving, mimicking. Years later, I’d learn there’s actually a term for that: see and steal. And honestly? It worked. Go to BarSculpt.com for the full blog post
#lotteberkmethod #barsculpt #barre #pilates #boutiquestudio #dadquotes
Fully comprehensive barre training! Everything from beginner - advanced! Start today and be certified at your own pace! #barsculpt #barre #pilates #barreteacher
Teaching at @well_house_pr is super fun. Good beats, fun vibe.. and yes both my classes this evening rocked a full teaser! ❤️ join me Monday and Wednesdays!
Join the next generation of Pilates Mat teachers by getting certified! Three tiers of learning: Core- all on your own, Enhanced- 30 minute group sessions with me each week! Elite- added personal sessions with me (limited amount available)! Sign up today to get started! #barsculpt BarSculpt.com #barre #pilates
Teacher training alert! Join me in person in cape cod on May 30th!! #barsculpt #pilates #barre #teachertrainer
No matter what you celebrate, I hope your day is lovely! Join me this week for online virtual live classes or in person if you happen to be in San Juan, PR! I’m so excited to be teaching in person at @well_house_pr
Why Fatigue Is the Fix
You know the feeling: that front-of-the-thigh burn that creeps in early and stays loud. In classes like Barre or Pilates, the quadriceps are often the first to fire and the last to quit—and that’s exactly the problem.
While strong quads are essential for daily function and athletic performance, they love to take over. And when they do, they crowd out deeper, more stabilizing muscle groups—like your glutes, hamstrings, and abdominals. This can lead to faulty movement patterns, decreased mobility, and even knee and hip pain.
So what’s the solution?
We fatigue them—on purpose. #barsculpt #barre read the full blog for more! #pilates #thighs #quaddominant
I hear this often.
“I love Barre… but it hurts my knees.”
Or:
“My doctor said Barre isn’t great for joints.”
And while I understand the concern, I also know this: it’s not the Barre that’s hurting knees—it’s how it’s being done.
Let’s clear something up right away: your knees are joints, not muscles. Their job is to connect and bend, not stabilize or initiate. When knee pain shows up in class, it’s rarely because of the movement itself—it’s almost always a red flag that the alignment is off, the muscles aren’t engaged the right way, or we’ve stopped listening to the body’s subtle cues.
Barre (and BarSculpt especially) is not meant to hurt you—it’s meant to help you. Let’s dig into what’s really happening.
Read the full blog at BarSculpt.com #barsculpt #barre #knees #mindbody #jointstability
I think Cleocatra joined me for happy cat during Pilates class… seriously… I mean I know I’m a good teacher to humans, but if she puts her back into this just a little more I think we could go on tour!!!
Well.. it’s time to be honest.. this plank is not great! My weight is not evenly distributed between forearms and feet (I’m slightly back on both), my feet are slightly wider than hips width apart, my hips are a bit to high and my shoulders are slightly rounded. I could make the excuse that it was my second plank of the day, that perimenopause is kicking my ass or that the stupid mat kept slipping… it doesn’t make ANY of the anatomical reasons why I’m in the wrong form, better. So no excuses.. just more connection next time… So join me for a plank, even if it’s not perfect. It’s way better than not working out! Join me for a FREE barre class 7/15 at 7am EST! #BarSculpt #barre #pilatesmat #matpilates #plank #plankfail #anatomy
“When my back hurts, it reminds me how weak my core is.”
In my last blog, I talked about something that’s been on my mind for years: how frustrating it is when I hear someone say “Pilates hurt my back.” It makes me wince—not because I don’t believe their pain, but because I know from both personal and professional experience that when done correctly, Pilates should help your back, not harm it. I shared my story of developing a herniated disc during the pandemic, how I worked through that setback, and how mindful movement played a key role in my recovery.
What that blog kicked off, though, was something bigger. I received a comment on social media that really stuck with me. It said:
“When my back hurts, it reminds me how weak my core is.”
YES. That’s it. That’s the kind of awareness I love hearing from clients, students, and anyone on their movement journey. That comment tells me someone is listening to their body—and that’s the very first step toward building strength, stability, and resilience.
Now let’s dig into the next step. Read my latest blog for more!
#barsculpt #mindbody #pilates #barre
I’ve heard it many times over the years—someone tries Pilates once or twice and comes away saying, “Pilates hurt my back.” And every time I hear it, I want to sit them down, look them in the eye, and say, “Tell me exactly what you did, and more importantly, how you did it.” Because after decades of teaching and a personal journey with injury and healing, I know that Pilates—when done well—is one of the most effective ways to help your back, not harm it.
In fact, when I herniated my L5-S1 during the pandemic, it was Pilates (and Barre) that brought me back to life—literally and figuratively. And I want to use this post to talk honestly about the disconnect between the intention of Pilates and the way it’s sometimes taught, how that gap leads to pain or misunderstanding, and how, done with care and awareness, Pilates can be one of the most powerful tools for restoring spinal health.
Check out my blog on BarSculpt.com to read more.
A little windy, but hopefully you can hear that you can start training to be a certified Pilates mat teacher today, and from anywhere!! Message with any questions! #barsculpt #matpilates #pilatesmat
I’ve been teaching movement for over 25 years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that your workout space can make or break your consistency. A dedicated home workout station doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be functional, inviting, and adaptable. Whether you’re rolling out a mat in your living room or setting up a full studio space, the goal is to create an environment that supports your fitness journey.
Read my blog for tips!! #barsculpt
Time for a fitness refresh! Check out our new classes and free sessions! #BarSculpt #PilatesProwess
https://conta.cc/3FTrzc8
The webinar is now up on the web for purchase. If you are a teacher wondering why, how and What the actual F. I think you’ll enjoy this! #barsculpt #barre #tuck #fuckthetuck #neutralpelvis #pelvicplacement
It is so enjoyable to do outdoor workouts! I will try not to rub it in, that in Puerto Rico it was 84 degrees, while some Maine zoomers were getting snow! Where do you like to workout? #barsculpt #puertorico #outdoorworkout #sidebend #sideplank
It’s here!! It’s live!! I’m so excited!!! 😆 #barsculpt #pilatesmat
Join me for class… you’ll be glad you did! #barsculpt #barre #virtualbarre #barresohard
Using a small ball adds intensity to these small movements! Keep your pelvis neutral and breathe! #barsculpt #pilates #barre #abdominals
When making a video and you get a guest. Some days it is just better to roll with it. #barsculpt #interference #cleocatra
Celebrate, be grateful and keep working harder!! #barsculpt #hamm #pilates #barre
This webinar is happening soon (postponed previously) join me! #barsculpt
I ❤️ teaching teachers. Deep diving into why and how and what!!! If you have ever wanted to become a teacher of barre or pilates… reach out. I am currently accepting new student trainees. #barsculpt
I Love questions like these… but they are hard to answer. Basically the love of Pilates is not held by one program or company. I had amazing mentors and still meet inspiring teachers all the time. What makes you fired up to move and excited to learn more— that’s when it’s right. ❤️
Did I just liken tucking to sugar… yup I did. It’s ridiculous and accurate! #barsculpt
It’s a serious conversation… how to exercise safely.. and how some postures (even our natural ones) and cause harm. Join me for this webinar- next week- you will learn a lot! Message me for details! #barsculpt #barre #tuck #fthetuck
I have been teaching barre for almost 26 years. I have a lot to say about all things Barre and Pilates… but the Tuck might be the most controversial. Join me for a 90 minute webinar where we will deep dive into why this common barre practice, not only isn’t true to the original work, it’s counter productive. #barsculpt #barre
Ditch the tuck and embrace better movement! Join us on Feb 27 for "F* the Tuck"! #CoreUpgrade #FtheTuck
https://conta.cc/3Ex6mDT
https://conta.cc/42Zn7BM
Candid? Passionate? Crass? Right? Possibly I am all of the above! Check out my next webinar and tell me what you think! #barsculpt #barre #pilates #neutralpelvis
I’m finally getting the barre to put up in San Juan! Oh have I missed under the barre!! If you ever need help figuring out home equipment… reach out! #barsculpt #barre #pilates
Fuck the tick with me! This webinar is a must attend for barre and Pilates teachers! #fuckthetuck #barsculpt #barre #pilates
If your neck gets in the way of a good an workout, this webinar is for you! Join me and you will not regret the tools you’ll be given to succeed! #barsculpt #barre #pilates #lotteberkmethod #crunch #curl #absominals
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