Ideal location, certified instructors combine for first-rate Pilates experience

When Pilates instructor Kelly Milton moved to The Woodlands from Atlanta five years ago and her husband suggested she open a Pilates studio, she immediately recognized the opportunity the community presented.

"I felt there just wasn't a legitimate studio offering services in The Woodlands," Milton said.

Milton found a suitable studio space in the Grogan's Park Shopping Center off Sawdust Road and hired nine Body Arts Science International-certified (or BASI) instructors to bring traditional Pilates practice to the fitness-minded residents of The Woodlands. After five years at its original location, Milton relocated her studio in November just around the corner, to a bigger space in the same center with a loft, wood floors and a sunlit space to build her business even more.

"There's never been any issues or obstacles," Milton said. "We've been lucky, and we know it."

Milton said she quickly became enamored with the Grogan's Mill area and the seclusion of her studio within the Grogan's Park shopping center.

"We've been very blessed," Milton said. "In an area where there were no real Pilates studios and with the support of Lululemon, we've consistently grown."

Milton has engaged in a partnership with athletic fitness gear and clothing line Lululemon Athletica since opening her studio. She teaches weekly Pilates mat classes at the store's Market Street location.

Besides offering an array of private and group machine-assisted workout classes, Milton also provides mat instruction and classes. Milton estimated between her group classes and private clients, she probably sees 100 clients per month, an amount she said allows her to provide a more personalized Pilates experience.

"Everyone is trained on every piece of equipment and we keep classes small so we have the ability to really focus on people," she said. "There's just so many different body types out there."

Milton said Pilates provides the ability to work one's entire body and to create and strengthen lean muscles.

"It's different from yoga in that we really work on lengthening the muscles, and you can do it every day since there's no tearing and breaking down of the muscle," Milton said. "It also builds more lean muscle, and you often get more toned. We get lots of [injury] rehab clients."

Milton often conducts workouts with her trainers and enjoys keeping up with them on the most up-to-date Pilates techniques and practices, as well as on a personal level.

"It doesn't feel like I'm coming to work," Milton said. "It just feels like I'm with my family."

Breathe Services

• Private lessons are offered by individual sessions ($70), or in packages for six sessions ($390) or 12 sessions ($720)
• Small class semi-private sessions are offered at $50 per individual session, $270 for six sessions or $480 for 12.
• Group classes that use Breathe's equipment are $35 for individual classes, $180 for six classes and $220 for 12.

Breathe Pilates Studio, 25236 Grogan's Park Drive, The Woodlands, 281-298-5277, www.breathepilatesstudio.net