And it was super inspiring to be able to take Cynthia Lochard’s three-hour workshop at TPNY, even though she was just here at PSI teaching it six weeks ago.  She gave me such a profound cue for my archey back: “navel to tailbone, and a subtle lift up from mid-back.”   It’s not for everybody, it’s works for some bodies, and it sure is great for my body!  Genius!  Best thing I’ve hears since Romana said “Lauren, hip bones to the horizon!”

Here’s a picture of me and Cynthia with Tom at the New York Studio. For more photos from Cynthia’s class in NY, please visit the PSI FaceBook Page.

I was also reminded how important it is to work out with a variety of teachers and I’m proud that we have so many great teachers at PSI. Of our recent graduating students – Nicole Walsh, Anastacia Spear and Catherine Lloyd DeHaven, Anastacia and Cat will be joining the PSI staff as instructors.

$295 Early Bird through 9/8, After 9/8 $350.

Call 206-405-3560 to reserve spot with payment deposit. Payment plans available.

What an amazing experience! Last November I was fortunate enough to travel to Australia to visit with my dear friend and soul sister Cynthia Lochard and her beautiful daughter Tamika. When Cynthia and I met in 1995 we became fast friends – I am certain we knew each other in another life.

Soul sisters Cynthia Lochard & Lauren Stephen

Tamika & Lauren

Cynthia and Tamika recently came to the States to travel, teach and study at PSI and other studios. They visited with Romana and Sari, and Tamika completed her Pilates Teacher Certification. Some clients and teachers will remember Cynthia’s dynamic and super fun workshop last spring at PSI.

Some time ago Cynthia had invited me to come to Sydney to teach at her studio, Cynthia Lochard’s Pilates Method Studio, and so off I went, leaving Seattle’s short gray and rainy days for the Australian sunshine. While excited to see my dear friends and to teach at a new studio, I left Seattle with some trepidation – I had never traveled 16 hours straight on a plane before plus we had made the decision to more efficiently use our studio space which meant that lots of consolidating of equipment and reorganizing had to happen while I was gone. Even though I was leaving the studio in the capable hands of Cindy and Steve and all our incredible instructors, I was still a little anxious.

And then I had a truly amazing time. I felt a deep connection to the people I met and to the land. It was incredibly inspiring to teach at Cynthia’s studio. Everybody was sooo fit and super focused. My original intention was to teach one of the Principles for class but I ended up teaching both Concentration + Flow and Centering. Because to a person, every participant was fully present.  I had a blast and they did too.

Here are just a few of the hundreds of photos I took. For more, check out the Pilates Seattle Facebook page.

- Kathy Croonrad

I may not be the best advertisement for Pilates. Whenever I’m asked what it’s like, I say “A mix of ballet, yoga and the Spanish Inquisition.” The image of the Inquisition torture racks might account for some of the strange looks I get.

My body is a good advertisment, though. Twelve years ago — yes, twelve! — I hobbled into the studio for physical therapy, just a few days after my back had gone out yet again.

“What do you hope for from Pilates?” Lori asked me.

“Never to find myself paralyzed and in agony on the floor again,” I said.

That’s why I began Pilates. What made me stay was the fact that it keeps me interested. This, as several men in my life can attest, is not easy. Each time I think I’ve “got” Pilates, I seem to find yet another level. The simplest exercises may become the most challenging. The most complex can become suddenly easy. Ones that felt pointless snap into muscular place.

Now I’m finding I’m literally in better shape in my 60s than I was 20 years ago. And when the sweat’s pouring off me and I’m scooping like crazy, and muscles I could swear I never had allow me to do things I never imagined, I feel like a teenager just beginning to explore her body!

- Lesley Hazleton, author of the book After the Prophet:  the Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam

3 Private Tailored-to-You Pilates Sessions $170

Save $55!

One package per client

May be purchased until August 20th, 2009

Limit 1 of each special per customer

Stay fit and save.

Pilates workouts are based either on the Pilates mat work, which is done on the floor with a minimum of equipment, or on Pilates equipment (cadillac, reformer, wunda chair, electric chair, etc).

Mat classes are recommended for both beginners and accomplished practitioners. Mat exercises incorporate all of the fundamental movements and Pilates exercise principles. The mat exercises are adaptable to any fitness level. You can quickly gain a lot of strength and confidence in the Pilates method by taking regular classes.

PSI offers a variety of class times and the Mat Madness Package is a great value.

Sign up today at the front desk.
(206)405-3560