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Pilates South Austin
Locally owned studio to add new equipment
By Kelli Weldon
A few upgrades are coming to Pilates South Austin, which opened on Brodie Lane in January 2013.
Co-owners Beth Dukleth and Kari Levassar met in 1992 while studying dance at Oklahoma City University.
Both pursued careers in dance before learning about Pilates, Dukleth said.
"For me, movement is therapy, and I feel like a new person when I move. I love empowering others to have that as well," Dukleth said. "[Pilates] actually stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the part of the nervous system that is the opposite of fight-or-flight. So you're strengthening the body in a calm way instead of a fight-or-flight way. A lot of people leave feeling really relaxed but also energized at the same time."
The Pilates system strengthens muscles with core exercises incorporating balance, concentration, control, centered awareness, fluid movements and breath, Levassar said. In Pilates mat classes, participants lay on mats equipped with bars and add-ons that increase resistance.
In July the studio is getting new equipment, including a Cadillac—a piece of equipment featuring a mat, leg springs, arm springs and loops that Pilates creator Joe Pilates developed to enable bedridden patients to exercise, Dukleth said.
This year the studio also plans to add a tower for Gyrotonics, a form of exercise that involves using special equipment to provide support and add resistance.
Dukleth, a Houston native, performed with the Rockettes for 12 years in New York City. She started using Pilates to enhance her dancing but said it evolved into a "survival job"—instructing Pilates.
Minnesota native and former ballet dancer Levassar said customers say Pilates has helped them overcome aches and pains that have plagued them for years.
"It's rewarding to help people feel better," she said.
Customers' ages range from about 12 to 85, Dukleth said.
"We have men that are golfers. We have Pilates instructors, dancers, moms, career women, everything," Dukleth said. "Our whole mission was to create a space where everyone was welcome. And we feel like we have created that."
Donation classes held once a month raise awareness and money for charities.
Pilates South Austin offers a $10 initial group class and $45 initial private session.
Pilates South Austin, 9901 Brodie Lane, Ste. 145, 512-280-6683
www.pilatesstudiosouthaustin.com, Mon.–Fri. 6:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., Sun. 8:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
