Team Bios

Q: What should I wear?

Wear comfortable workout clothes; comfortable leggings, tank tops and sticky socks. Make sure they’re not too baggy so the instructor can make sure you are in proper alignment. We sell workout clothing in our lobby as well. Please do not wear heavy perfumes or oils.

Q: What kind of shape should I be in to try this?

Any shape! The work we do at The Pilates Barre is geared towards helping each and every client to find their healthiest self. Our staff and instructors are extremely experienced and on hand to help you with any modifications to make our classes and sessions the right challenge for you.

Q: When can I expect to see results?

While every body is different, you will undoubtedly see results faster if you come more often. Joseph Pilates is famous for a quote that reads, 'In 10 sessions, you will feel the difference. In 20 sessions, you will see the difference. And in 30 sessions, you will be different." Additionally, combining a variety of our workouts (e.g. taking a Pilates Tower class along with Barre or Bodhi) will maximize your results and have you seeing your shape transform sooner. Whatever commitment your schedule allows, your body will thank you.

Q: Are there classes for men?

Most classes are open to everyone but broken down by levels and some are specifically for men. Our male clients tend to love private, semi-private and group Reformer classes and Bodhi (or TRX) classes.

Q: What should I bring?

All equipment is available at the studio. Hydration is always important and water bottles are encouraged. We have water available in a cooler and in bottles available for purchase at the desk. Purses, phones, and personal belongings can be left in our lobby area where our front desk is on staff. Sticky socks are available for purchase at the front desk and highly encouraged to prevent slipping as shoes are not worn in class.

Q: What should I know before my first class?

Make sure to make the most of our New Client specials available for purchase online or at the studio. And check out our various classes and levels so as to find the right fit for you. If you have any questions our staff and instructors are here to help!

Q: How big are classes?

Our Barre classes have a maximum of 16 and our Pilates Tower and Bodhi max out at 14. It is very important to our instructors and studio that you receive an effective amount of instruction to get the most out of a fun and safe workout.

Q: Does The Pilates Barre have any promotions or deals?

Yes, we run monthly or seasonal promotions for different packages but always have standing new client specials. Make sure to join our newsletter so you can get the inside scoop on all upcoming discounts and sales. All clients are eligible for a complimentary class when they bring a new client in who buys a package!

Q: What if I want private or semi-private lessons?

Private and semi-private instruction is available, encouraged and arranged through the front desk by e-mail, phone or in person.

Q: How do I know what level I am for the Reformer?

For recommendations on appropriate classes or sessions, we suggest calling or emailing the studio. One of our Pilates teachers will reach out to you and help you determine the best placement for your skill level.

Question

Read more about Sharon
During her Pilates apprenticeship, she became certified in Yoga Therapy by it's creator, Michael Lee of Phoenix Rising and began to work for Manhattan Home Fitness. After thousands of hours of training and teaching, she launched Creative Conditioning, a personal training company that catered to the needs of many high profile clients in NYC and then in Los Angeles. As the West Coast representative for the Personal Fitness and Bodywork Professionals Association, Sharon was also instrumental in promoting one of the first companies dedicated to providing a professional organization devoted to the needs and education of trainers. While working in LA, Sharon taught group fitness for several well known studios and health clubs where she quickly became known for incorporating elements of Pilates into all of her classes, including Low Impact Jazz, Step Aerobics, Body Sculpting, Circuit Training, Slide, Prenatal Fitness and Sports Conditioning. She also created a Pilates based training program for a running club in Manhattan Beach, CA with whom she trained and completed the Los Angeles Marathon. She continued her work in Bergen County, NJ after returning to the East Coast and in 2002, received her certification in IMX Pilates, known for it's advancedprotocol and emphasis on athletic conditioning.
Over the years, she has had the privilege of learning from several of the Pilates elders including Lolita San Miguel and Mary Bowen. Sharon has most recently completed comprehensive coursework with Balanced Body for her third Pilates certification. She has also had intermediate and advanced training in the form of workshops with PEAK, Power Pilates, Physical Mind Institute, and STOTT.
Sharon moved back to Ridgefield in 2003 where she has maintained and grown her practice, teaching Mat, Reformer, and Barre Work to a wonderful and devoted clientele. She is the wife of Kevin (often seen around town, nursing an injury from playing or coaching hockey) and the mother of three terrific children, Maggie, KC and Braeden. In addition to Pilates, she is known in Ridgefield for having taught dance and musical theatre to children and directing the Children's Choir at St. Mary's Church. The Pilates Barre is the culmination of 25 years of teaching, training and connecting.
Owner/Director – Creative Conditioning, LLC 1989 – Present
Certifications/Workshops:
Pilates:
Full Mat and Reformer, Marie Jose Blom/PFBPA, 1987
Mat and Reformer, IMX Pilates, 2002
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Reformer, Balanced Body
Mat One and Movement Principles, Balanced Body
Trapeze Table and Cadillac, Balanced Body
Anatomy, Balanced Body
Pilates Chair, Joy Puleo
Yoga Therapy, Michael Lee, Phoenix Rising
Spinning, Madd Dogg Athletics
Studio Barre, Tower, Fundamentals, Technique, Artistic Flow – June Kahn
Foam Roller, Movements Afoot
Some recent professional Pilates workshops including Pilates on Tour:
Exo Chair Flow, Pilates Arc, Reformer for Athletes, Pilates for the Low Back, Assessment Techniques, Tactile Cueing, Standing Pilates, Jumboard Technique,Triad Ball, Bender Ball, Gliding, Magic Circle, Box & Pole, Bosu Skills & Drills.

Answer 1

During her Pilates apprenticeship, she became certified in Yoga Therapy by it's creator, Michael Lee of Phoenix Rising and began to work for Manhattan Home Fitness. After thousands of hours of training and teaching, she launched Creative Conditioning, a personal training company that catered to the needs of many high profile clients in NYC and then in Los Angeles. As the West Coast representative for the Personal Fitness and Bodywork Professionals Association, Sharon was also instrumental in promoting one of the first companies dedicated to providing a professional organization devoted to the needs and education of trainers. While working in LA, Sharon taught group fitness for several well known studios and health clubs where she quickly became known for incorporating elements of Pilates into all of her classes, including Low Impact Jazz, Step Aerobics, Body Sculpting, Circuit Training, Slide, Prenatal Fitness and Sports Conditioning. She also created a Pilates based training program for a running club in Manhattan Beach, CA with whom she trained and completed the Los Angeles Marathon. She continued her work in Bergen County, NJ after returning to the East Coast and in 2002, received her certification in IMX Pilates, known for it's advancedprotocol and emphasis on athletic conditioning.

Over the years, she has had the privilege of learning from several of the Pilates elders including Lolita San Miguel and Mary Bowen. Sharon has most recently completed comprehensive coursework with Balanced Body for her third Pilates certification. She has also had intermediate and advanced training in the form of workshops with PEAK, Power Pilates, Physical Mind Institute, and STOTT.

Sharon moved back to Ridgefield in 2003 where she has maintained and grown her practice, teaching Mat, Reformer, and Barre Work to a wonderful and devoted clientele. She is the wife of Kevin (often seen around town, nursing an injury from playing or coaching hockey) and the mother of three terrific children, Maggie, KC and Braeden. In addition to Pilates, she is known in Ridgefield for having taught dance and musical theatre to children and directing the Children's Choir at St. Mary's Church. The Pilates Barre is the culmination of 25 years of teaching, training and connecting.

Owner/Director – Creative Conditioning, LLC 1989 – Present

Certifications/Workshops:

Pilates:
Full Mat and Reformer, Marie Jose Blom/PFBPA, 1987
Mat and Reformer, IMX Pilates, 2002
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Reformer, Balanced Body
Mat One and Movement Principles, Balanced Body
Trapeze Table and Cadillac, Balanced Body
Anatomy, Balanced Body
Pilates Chair, Joy Puleo
Yoga Therapy, Michael Lee, Phoenix Rising
Spinning, Madd Dogg Athletics
Studio Barre, Tower, Fundamentals, Technique, Artistic Flow – June Kahn
Foam Roller, Movements Afoot

Some recent professional Pilates workshops including Pilates on Tour:
Exo Chair Flow, Pilates Arc, Reformer for Athletes, Pilates for the Low Back, Assessment Techniques, Tactile Cueing, Standing Pilates, Jumboard Technique,Triad Ball, Bender Ball, Gliding, Magic Circle, Box & Pole, Bosu Skills & Drills.

Team Bios

OUR EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS

Andrea Fossum Atkins

Rebecca Avallone

Lauren Messina

Elaine O'Brien

Sharon McSpedon