Winter Updates

January 2, 2024

there is a pilates machine in the middle of the room .

Wow everyone, here we are again at the end of December. I really cannot believe how fast this year went. So many great things happened for the Studio. 


  1. We are now fully equip! The Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Spine corrector, and Big Barrel . These are the juicy pieces that help you become better at body awareness, connection, and Mat. It has been so exciting to see how the method has reshaped and made all of your bodies stronger. 
  2. The Online Pilates Library became LIVE and to the public. It has been amazing to hear how they are helping the members grow and change physically as well as intellectually about the Pilates exercises. All of the members are giving some really positive feedback. Here is an amazing testimony from a member in Tennessee.  “You should subscribe to these videos. So much information and easy to follow instruction is what you will find. My shoulder had been slowly getting worse this past year, but thankfully  Heidi Garcia  helped me gain control to heal. We don't live in the same state, so these videos are keeping me going after our in person session. Her attention to my physical placement really made my body remember where it should be and how it should be doing it. Oh how I wish I could see her in person each week! At least I can watch a video each day. My goal is to get mobility back in my left shoulder. What's your physical goal? Sign up!!! You will gain knowledge and grow stronger!”
  3. This was my Third year teaching the SPORT gymnastic team ballet. Of course I sprinkle Pilates into the teaching. I love hearing how their Pilates Privates are helping your Young Athlete gain more confidence, understanding of their body and healing them to return to their sport. When we support and give them the tools to take care of themselves there is less likely of injury and burn out.
  4. Progression happened! This year as it passed I was able to see that we are beginning to have 3 distinct levels here at the studio!!! Oh gosh what a dream. 
  5. Pilates with a Glass at Union Hill has been a fabulous outreach to our community. THANK YOU to all for making this a fun event. Ever since I got my National Certification I believe even more how important it is for people to understand WHAT Pilates is… this is going to mainly come from the exercises, what is out there being called Pilates is questionable but Real Pilates WILL NEVER GO AWAY because it’s not a trend. Trendy things don’t last long in fitness or wellness. 


Of course, there are far more than 5 but I’d say these are the Top 5. Ready to go for another year?

a stack of yoga mats with a pilates ring and a pilates ball

Changes in the New Year

The first big change that will happen going into 2024 is that I am no longer teaching on Friday. After a lot of research, tallying and analyzing, Monday and Friday’s are days I see the least amount of clients. This will allow me stay on top of my other duties. 


There is now going to be a Mat III. As I’ve always said, you are welcome to try any level of the Mat Classes but starting at Mat II you do need to be confident in your modification if you need them. This class is a faster pace than Mat I so, the transitions from one exercise to next is faster and you need to know the set up (or your set up). You also need to know the vocabulary of the beginning exercises because we are learning the Intermediate exercises, their names and how to do them correctly. I call Mat II the Plank building level so wrist, shoulders and neck needs to be in good health. Here are Day and Times for the new Mat Class schedule. 


Mat Level 1: Wednesday at 11am

Mat Level 2: Thursday at 9am

Mat Level 3: Tuesday at 12 pm


Lastly, starting January 1st there will be rate changes. I’m working closely with a Business coach whose business is called Profitable Pilates and I want to make my studio just that. Starting in January the packages of Privates and Mat will be sold separately. 

a group of people are posing for a picture in a restaurant .

Pilates with a Glass Dates

Here are the upcoming Pilates with a Glass dates:

  • January 20th
  • February 10th,
  • March 16th.


Start time at 11am. We tried having two classes a month for the past few months but our numbers went down and I couldn’t fully devote time to marketing it. So, we are going back to 1 time a month. Click and get your January’s spot here.

a woman is laying on a pilates machine while a woman stands behind her .

 Being a Personal Trainer at Times

Being a Personal Trainer at times...or maybe all of the time, I am your cheerleader! Cheering you on telling you, “you can do it” and believing in you! Well, sometimes the Trainer needs a cheerleader too and I absolutely have one in Erika!!! Erika started with me in a Pilates Mat class and quickly realized she needed more understanding. 


Amazingly, Erika only started caring for her health and wellness in her adult years. I was truly shocked when she shared with me about the amount of weight, she had lost years prior. What I find with working with Erika is that she will not give up! She will do the dirty work and she will do it as slowly and concentrated as I ask her. She’s also is a true lover of Pilates. When she goes out of town, she will either do the On-Line Videos or she will go to a Pilates studio where she is at and do a class there. This is incredible! This allows her to be open to other instructors that only help her become better at Pilates. Erika was so timid at first and she had a lot of fear going into exercises but she trusted me. When I saw, something wasn’t going to happen, there, yet, I found her another piece of equipment to do the exercise and she would then have a click of connection being able to go back to the first spot and do those exercises there. The amount of growth that Erika has done with me has been so exciting to watch, more than just that, she is always cheering me on. I feel so much support by her. This not to say I don’t feel that from others, but Erika has been like that since day 1. FIVE STARS! 


I have learned so much about my own body mechanics since my first pilates class with Heidi! It has been almost a month and a half, and I feel stronger and so much more energetic and flexible. I used to feel stiff and have a lot of pain in my back. Heidi takes her instruction to the next level by offering so many different hints and exercises that I use throughout the day, using breath, different ways of movement in everyday tasks and stretching. I am starting to see differences in my overall physique as well -- more toning through the core and waist area. I exercise regularly, spin classes and weights, Heidi's pilates instruction has enhanced my workout regime. I look forward to getting stronger and learning more! This is an amazing program!


Heidi is an excellent instructor with a wealth of experience. She has great knowledge of body mechanics and has helped me transform my body from the inside out! We are so blessed to have her expertise in this valley!


My journey in pilates began four years ago and it keeps building and I keep growing in strength and ability! No more pain, just flexibility and strength, all due to Heidi!


Like wow! I feel so accomplished by her words. I am so proud of you Erika! You take the time to embody Pilates. You are humble when you receive correction, you are committed to yourself to keep pushing forward and because of that your spine is only getting younger and your muscles are getting stronger. Thanks for being my cheerleader!

Reflecting

a woman is holding a baby who is crawling on a table
a family is posing for a picture in front of a christmas tree .

Back in October a date passed and it marked my 20th year teaching Pilates. One of the main reasons I decided to become a Pilates Trainer was because I really wanted to work with people who really wanted to “be there”. They want to learn Pilates, they want to heal or get stronger and they had a good attitude about working out. Honestly, I can say 99% of the time I get that and I LOVE IT! I was also a single mom 20 years ago so, having a job that allowed me to support myself and our son was top priority. I have learned so many lessons throughout the years, teaching is my absolute passion. I remember the first time a client came to me with a real issue, I went straight to my Pilates guide, applied those exercises sprinkled in creative ways of doing them ..since I only had my reformer, chair and spine corrector. It was the most amazing thing for me watch her body become something totally strong, upright, confident and in no more pain. I’m so proud of my clients and the work we’v e put in together. Here are just a few.


  • Rehab of knees, neck, shoulders, low back pain, and feet. 
  • Regain core strength for balance, performance and confidence.
  • Help center out and keep pain at a minimum for scoliosis, osteoporosis and Arthritis. 
  • Improve athletic performance in dance, football, golf, tennis and gymnastics. 


Thank you to each one of you for entrusting me with your body. I know each one of your stories when it comes to pain or frustration about your body. I know how far you have come to heal and make yourself stronger. It takes time, dedication and patience to change your body and mind! I know Pilates feels like you are moving a snails peace at times, but that is how progress works believe me I know! 


Pilates has helped me get out of chronic low back pain, improve my dancing, rehabbed me after giving birth to my children, rehabbed me after hip surgery, after kidney donation, after an incision hernia surgery, keeps my hip strong and mobile, and just recently the back of my knee muscle stain. 


Thank you again!

Heidi 

Woman doing a Pilates reformer exercise on a machine, wearing blue leggings and a pink top.
By Heidi August 7, 2026
Shoulder issues, be it injury or pain, it’s important to know that this is such a complex joint. This joint essentially is just “hanging” there. The ball sits inside the joint but the socket is not as deep as the hip joint and it’s just muscles and ligaments that keeps this joint in place. When it comes to problems with the joint, it can literally affect a lot of places and a lot of things. It can affect the neck, upper back, the chest, the arm, the elbow, the wrist. It can also disrupt your sleep and everyday living, think reaching for something up high, putting on clothes, driving or carrying things. Pain in the shoulder joint can be from the actual joint like cartilage loss, ligaments that are torn, or muscles like rotator, deltoid, latissimus dorsi, teres major (and more). Pain can also come from come from a lack of shoulder blade stability. Instability can look like the inability to hold a plank, slouching, heading pulled forward and poor posture. When we are looking at the front of the body, there’s the front of the joint. Here we will see tightness in the pec that can cause issues as well. Bottom line is to be mindful of this fragile joint. Pay attention to heavy loading when not ready, keep it stretched for maximum rotation and fix issues right away so it doesn’t freeze up. Once the joint stops doing full rotation on its own, you’re in trouble. That’s usually when the neck problems happen, elbow issues come up and the wrist can become affected. In the end, be nice to your small shoulder joints.
By Heidi July 30, 2026
Hey Friend-  YOU made this celebration everything it was. The response was so overwhelming. Thank you, past and present clients, for your accolades. I know each one of your stories, they are knitted in me and how each of you have inspired me to continue teach the method we all love, Pilates. I loved how each person was sharing each other’s stories and in turn was inspiring each other. We all know that not all Pilates sessions need to end in a Teaser. Becoming a Pilates teacher wasn’t a dream of mine.. no, no, somebody else is living that- but it has become my purpose and that goes far beyond a dream. There are times I will think back to a time I had with a client and just start laughing- We may take Pilates seriously, but it’s also seriously fun, do you have a time in mind? Email me back and tell me, we can laugh together. Overall, I think the best compliment I received was: “so heartwarming hearing all of the positive comments from your clients. They truly love you for the help you provide. Keep up the good work putting a smile on their faces.” From after injury or surgery, improving performance in a sport and completely reshaping a body, I can’t wait to keep going! I’ll see you in the studio. Thank you again, for your trust, your commitment, and your belief in me Heidi
Patriotic striped and star-spangled cups with sparklers on a festive table
By Heidi July 3, 2026
Happy 4th of July! May you be around friends and loved ones to celebrate this amazing day that makes our Country incredibly special! Something happened in the month of June.. I have to admit; I was in the middle of life when all of sudden it hit me. When I realized I gasped! Then I had to stop, reflect, then realize that I kind of dropped the ball on this one… but don’t worry I’ll be making it up. Do you know what it was? Well, no need to wet the pallet and ponder I’ll tell you- You guys, we’ve been in the new studio for 6 MONTHS!!! Say what!? When I came into an awareness about it, these were the things that came to mind. Firstly, YOU! My heart is full of gratitude towards you. I am so honored that you trust me with your body to build it into a body that makes you feel strong, confident and keeps you doing what you love to do. Doesn’t it feel great to be able to move with such ease in life and our activities? Secondly, our new space is a dream. Some years ago, I was out on a walk along the river one very cold day, and I was thinking about what my business coach and I were talking about. She told me to go dream.. What would I want my studio to look like? I did just that, believing it in my heart that it could come true? I can’t say, but I can say I just threw it out there. I wanted my studio to be in a brick building near the river so I could see the water. Every day, when I walk up into the studio, it’s a dream.. A dream that came true. I am seriously filled with joy. I want to thank you for your understanding of all that I have had to personally go through. The floor may not be perfectly cleaned every week, I may have missed the date on making a new plan for you . Thanks for figuring out where the extra rolls of toilet paper are and referring people to me. I may have been a little elsewhere at times, but I promise I am giving you my best step forward. I feel loved and supported by you. Thank you. I love seeing all of you have a sense of pride walking into the studio. Thank you for showing up, being excited to come to your Pilates session, and creating a camaraderie among each other. Heidi Come join the fun to celebrate our 6-month Studio Anniversary! Tuesday July 14, 6pm, If you are planning on coming please sign up so I can plan accordingly. Thanks.
Woman performing suspended Pilates exercise on a reformer machine, wearing blue leggings in a studio.
By Heidi Garcia May 27, 2026
The countdown is on until the first day of summer and I am here for it. My California soul will be fed and my sun dresses are dusted off. But I digress… Something that is happening across the board at the studio is the curiosity of the Morris Hardware building across the way. Majority of you ask the same thing, “what’s in that building?” Finally, a client who knows the owner got our answer, it’s nice when a new person asks I have the answer. It seems majority of you have a strong opinion about the new painting that is happening across the way as well. This is equal to the curiosity of what is in the building. Both of the things got my thinking… could we have curiosity about certain things around our Pilates exercises … I do know for a fact that everyone has a strong opinion about their least favorite or favorite exercise so that is taken care of. But back to the curiosity, I would hope that at some point in your practice you start being curious about the movement itself or your body in relation to the exercise. What I’ve noticed with my 25 years of personal practice and for sure during my 23 years of teaching is that when I started becoming curious of body and movement, change happened and I see that with my clients. The clients who stop during their session and ask questions, notice something about their body are the ones whose movement becomes quality. It’s no longer just zipping through the exercises to just check it off. My teacher’s story of curiosity was when she couldn’t do Rolling Like a Ball, her teacher asked her, “do you want to explore why this exercise isn’t happening?” Mine was Curl and Reach; I had to get curious as to why I couldn’t keep my pelvis stable when doing this exercise. I know exactly where I was (in my Costa Mesa apartment) when I stopped and got curious for the reasons and teaching myself to find the control within the movement. It was at that point that I really understood how Pilates is at its finest, a corrective exercise system. In the book, “Contrology Handbook, A Guide to Joe Pilates’ Method” by Sandy Shimoda it states, “Contrology develops the body uniformly, corrects wrong postures, restores physical vitality, invigorates the mind, and elevates the spirit.” I challenge you to start becoming more curious within your own practice and ask questions, that is how growth and change happens. Heidi
By Heidi April 24, 2026
Hello Pilates Enthusiast! Spring is in the air so it’s only appropriate to say “God Bless you!” “Gesundheit!” “¡Salud!”, there covered them all. There are some great workshops coming in May check them out below, sign up and share with a friend! It has been noted that my schedule is filling up. The best course of action is to sign up ahead of time; the other best action is to put yourself on the waitlist. When I see that you are on the waitlist, if any time opens on that day, I will reach out to you to see if you want what has become available otherwise; if the time that you waitlisted for becomes available, it will be yours. Please remember the 12-hour cancelation policy. All the details are below. See you on the Mat! Heidi
By Heidi March 24, 2026
Spring reflections on the Pilates journey, upcoming workshop details, Welcome Springtime sound healing event, Mat Class updates, and online video library offerings.