Lisa Gadsby, owner of Evolving Bodies Pilates Studio, 1331 South 2nd Street.
If you’ve taken your share of Pilates classes, you know the frustration of a less-than-stellar instructor. You also know that a good instructor is nearly worth their weight in gold, thanks to their uncanny ability to improve posture, minimize pain, and cue you toward a more firm, flexible body quickly. Which is why we chatted up local Pilates-lovers to find out the area instructors who have made a lasting impression on their minds and bodies.  — Research and write-ups by Grace Dickinson
Did we leave a great Pilates instructor off the list? Tell us in the comments below!
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Hello there,
There is an outstanding Pilates instructor in Germantown at The Well Loft. Her name is Ava Adames and she is my wife. Ava owns The Well Loft where she teaches equipment and mat Pilates for individuals as well as small group classes. Ava has a wealth of experience (over five years) as she has certifications from Polestar Pilates and Power Pilates. What her clients love about her is the passion she has for teaching, the scrutiny in which she teaches and her attention to their alignment for their safety. I am asking that you include Ava Adames as one of the top 10 Pilates Instructors or at least the top 12!
Sincerely,
Ismael
I am really surprised that Ava Adames, owner and Pilates instructor at The Well Loft was not included on this list. Ava who is highly accomplished Pilates trainer who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Pilates community (and the world of fitness in general) is amazing. Her studio which is in a prime location in Philadelphia (6143 Germantown Ave) has a wide variety of clients, I happened to be one of them. Ava’s classes are inspiring, compassionate, and bursting with enthusiasm. She guides you with clear and informative instructions and pushes you to be the best you possible. I really would like to see her listed as 1 of the “10 Pilates Instructors You Should Know”. I am quite happy that I know her, I am sure others would be too!!!
Hello, I have enjoyed the write up on the pilates instructor above. I would love to see Ava Adames owner and pilates instructor at the Well Loft (6143 Germantown Ave, Phila.) mentioned and added to the list. To taech her classes all the way thru pregnancy was amazing to me. I told everyone at work about this amazingly gifted and determined sista. She is the single most inspiring person I have ever met. She is not only inspiring but fun to be around and very personable. She pushes you to be the best you can be by showing you your best. You never feel small or stupid around her. She makes you want to try harder. I ‘ve introduced a number of family and friends to her and her world of fitness. I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her and I know all who meet her will feel the same.
There is an AMAZING and EXPERIENCED pilates instructor at the Well Loft located in Germantown. Ava Adames is her name and she is the owner of the Well Loft. She teaches equipment and mat pilates. She is the most passionate and attentive pilates teacher I know. Ava Adames is #1 in my book and she certaainly desrves to be on your top ten pilates instructors list.
I am surprised that you omitted Christine Taylor from your list. I have taken Pilates for many years and Christine is by far the best instructor I have ever had. She is in addition a principle dancer with Jeanne Ruddy Dance Company. Her studio is located on 13th and Locust Streets. She is absolutely worth checking out.
I would love to see the staff of Pilates for Movement on here! Full disclosure, I am one! I studied with one of the instructors on the list- Brie Neff. P4M is the ONLY classical Pilates studio on Philadelphia’s Main Line.
Sheila and Moss have developed a special Pilates program for individuals with Parkinson’s Disease that is promoted and funded by the Parkinson’s Council!
I have actually heard of some of these instructors and would very much like to add another name to the list. Lauren Mitchell, Director of Pilates at the Newtown Athletic Club, co -ounder of Pilates Couture, a Private Pilates Training Service, and Pilates in Residence Trainer at Liberty Me Dance Studio in Bryn Mawr is probably one of the most naturally gifted rehabilitative Pilates practitioners in the Philly area today. Her physical training began with 20 years of study in the dance field, followed by certification under Beth Downey, Body Precision and is now completing her Ron Fletcher certification. Her methods are creative, unique, collaborative and all inclusive of the many forms and styles she has studied and practiced over the years. She is one of those instructors with whom her clients completely connect. She can be reached at Pilates@newtownathletic.com or 267-229-1142.
That’s a nice list of instructors. I personally like the pilates class at The Sporting Club at the Bellevue. I’ve never seen so many pilates tables and other pilates equipment in one room before. I feel wonderful after a good workout and it’s only $20 for guests.
Here’s a link to one of their Facebook photos of the room.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=307236942629916&set=a.202093526477592.46594.115900275096918&type=3&theater