With second generation teachers Peter Fiasca and Kerry De Vivo May 1–3, 2026 Excel Pilates Annapolis (EPA) is proud to support the continued development of Pilates professionals through high-quality, immersive continuing education. Join us for a dynamic weekend of Workshops & Workouts hosting…
by Kerry De Vivo In Return to Life Through Contrology, Joseph Pilates outlines his philosophy of body conditioning and places sole emphasis on thePilates Mat exercises. The Pilates Mat exercises are the true foundation of the Pilates Method. Classical apparatus was created to deepen and support the work…
This is the worst title ever, read on to understand why… by Kerry De Vivo OK, if you know me AT ALL, you know that using this title is one of the most cringy things of all time. But the…
by Kerry De Vivo She was always active and never felt the need to exercise. But at age 77, Leslie noticed that washing her hair in the shower became a challenge. “Lifting my arms was exhausting… so l knew I…
Milena has been a client of EPA since 2020. If I was asked to provide an adjective that describes Milena as a student, it would be hard to choose between, dedicated, committed, or steadfast. So let’s go with all three!…
Victoria started Pilates with us in September of this year. For her first session, Victoria came in with a big smile and an open mind. I could see the twinkle in her eye, that spark of “I think I just…
by Amanda Turner The rolling exercise is the first one in the Mat work. It’s a beginner level exercise with many variations to make it easier or harder. It’s between Single Leg Circles and the Stomach Massage series. This exercise…
by Kerry DeVivo Beth started Pilates with us in 2021. She quickly shared our passion for Pilates. Beth started with one session per week, then she became and EPA Mobile Member, and now you can find Beth at the studio…
by Amanda Turner As with every other piece of apparatus, there’s a prescribed way to descend to the Mat as well as ascend from the Mat. Both require the strength of the Powerhouse and balance, which is why it’s not introduced…
By Kerry De Vivo The first time Emily and I met was at the 2013 Classical Pilates Conference in Chicago. After an inspiring weekend of Pilates workouts, workshops, workouts, events, and workouts (a Pilates teacher’s dream weekend), it was at…
I’ve seen it all! Stepping inside the tiny space between the springs and the edge of the Mat, stepping on the edge of the Reformer and crouching to sit on the black pad, and the biggest offender of all – straddling…
by Kerry De Vivo In September 2013, I was at Drago’s Gym in NYC attending the reception following the funeral of the extraordinary Romana Krzyanowska (this is a good read). Romana was the protégé of Joseph Pilates and my mentor. …
IT MATTERS HOW YOU GET THERE By Kerry De Vivo February 2023 This issue’s focus: How to efficiently get on the Reformer for Footwork 3.) YUP, the absolutely forbidden straddling of the Reformer to then sit down. This is a definite…
Kneeling Knee Stretches by Amanda Turner Hello Hello Hello! Rounding out the last month of the year, let’s clean up and refine Kneeling Knee Stretches on the Reformer! This is a beginning level series that you’ll likely learned in…
Student Shoutout – Heather By Brittany Martino This month’s Student Shoutout is highlighting Heather who has been a client at EPA since 2016! Heather is a shining example of Joe Pilates’ quote “Time and progress are synonymous terms –…