Pilates Reformer + Barre Small Group Classes
Pilates + Barre offers numerous benefits, including improved muscle strength, flexibility, and posture. It's low-impact, suitable for all fitness levels, and promotes mindfulness through controlled movements and breathing. Regular practice can reduce stress, increase energy, and enhance overall well-being.
Meet the Team
The Merit Pilates + Barre instructors are all certified to teach their respective classes, and come with vast experience in teaching styles and knowing what movement is best suited for each client.
-
FounderLaura Ingram was drawn to Pilates due to her passion for movement and exercise. As someone who values staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, she found the low-impact nature of Pilates appealing. Its emphasis on controlled movements and mindful breathing resonated with Laura, allowing her to engage in physical activity without putting excessive strain on her body. With Pilates, she discovered a versatile form of exercise that not only strengthened her muscles and improved her flexibility but also provided a sense of relaxation and well-being. Laura is a certified Pilates instructor after she completed 500 comprehensive hours with The Lab Pilates.
-
Certified Pilates InstructorBrittney was trained at Amplified Pilates in Chicago in a fully comprehensive program through Pilates Sports Center. She brings elements of traditional strength training into the studio with athletic reformer classes that are a mix of classical and contemporary Pilates methods. Brittney taught at a boutique studio in St. Charles, Illinois until moving back home to Valparaiso and will be teaching classes and private sessions at Merit Pilates!
-
Certified Barre Instructor
Becky Lilovich took interest in barre while looking for an effective low impact workout after a back injury that made High Impact workouts no longer sustainable. The focus on improving stability, muscle endurance, and strengthening core muscles felt like the perfect balance she’s always looked for in a workout. She completed the comprehensive training program at Pure Barre Chicago/Denver and taught in Chicago. Becky hopes to pair the benefits of Barre with the controlled movements of the reformer. She loves to teach classes that will be fun, challenging, and leave you feeling stronger each time!
-
Certified Pilates InstructorKristen Crane is a NETA trained Reformer Instructor. She is a Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist through the BioMechanics Method, which you will see in her focus on form. Kristen encourages you to use slow and controlled motions and to move with intent. One of her favorite benefits of Pilates Reformer is the mind/body connection. Her goal is to keep you moving happy and healthy so that you are able to do the things you love, whether that be playing tennis or playing on the floor with your grandchildren.
-
Certified Pilates InstructorAlia Hawkins is a former ballet dancer. She has professional training with the Kirov Academy (Washington, D.C.), Joffrey Ballet, Dance Theatre of Harlem (NewYork), Cairo Opera Ballet Company (Cairo, Egypt), Ballet L’Opera National de Paris (Paris, France), and the School of American Ballet just to name a few. She was invited to dance with the Joffrey Ballet, and the San Francisco Ballet. It was through her dance training, she was introduced to Pilates. She has actively been practicing Pilates for over 25 years. She has a comprehensive Classical Pilates certification from Romana’s Pilates International and a fitness Pilates Certification from Balanced Body Pilates. She is a member of International Association for Dance Medicine & Science, a group that supports the prevention of sports injuries, proper nutrition for dancers, and proper dance training for both teachers and dancers. She is also the founder of Beachfront Dance School in Miller Beach and is an attorney and registered mediator in both Indiana and Illinois.
-
Certified Yoga Instructor
Gina is a fitness enthusiast and certified yoga instructor with over 8 years of experience leading strength-focused classes like Hot Yoga with Weights, Boot Camp, Barre, and Spin. She took a break from teaching due to the pandemic and health reasons, which allowed her to learn the value of stillness, patience, and appreciating life’s peaks and valleys. Fast forward to now—she’s back in her fitness routine and ready to share with you the amazing things you can challenge yourself to achieve!
Open Level Reformer
50 minute OPEN LEVEL reformer class is an ALL levels class + is great for the beginning client + suggested for all new Merit clients + for those looking to strengthen their Pilates practice moving with intention.
Athletic Pilates Reformer
50 minute ATHLETIC PILATES reformer moves at a moderate pace. Instructors cue specific movements that facilitate the mind/body connection, challenging strength, balance, coordination + control.
Strength Pilates Reformer
50 minute STRENGTH reformer moves at a moderate pace. Pilates sequences utilizing heavier weights and spring resistance - definitely expect to feel the burn with this one! We suggest a few Open Level classes prior to booking into class.
Barre + Reformer
50 minute BARRE + Reformer class that mixes classical barre moves with classical reformer. This class will blend the two movements for a challenging class.
Barre + Bands
50 minute BARRE + Bands class blends Barre movements with resistance bands to tone and sculpt the body. It focuses on small, controlled movements to engage deep muscles, improve flexibility, balance, core stability, and posture, while building strength without heavy weights. Suitable for all fitness levels.
Merit Pilates Studio Information
Cancellation Policy
All classes are paid for at the time of booking. The cancellation booking window is 24 hours prior to class time. If you miss the cancellation window and need to cancel your class due to an unforeseen circumstance, please email laurayatesingram@gmail.com. A refund or future class option may be available to you.
Class Packages + Gift Cards
There are two class package options, a 10-pack and a 5-pack. There is a discount if you purchase a class pack versus a single class. Packages are valid for 90 days from the time of purchase. Packages can be used on any class offered. Gift cards are also available to purchase in $50, $100, and $200 increments. Gift Cards are valid for 180 days from the time of purchase.
Studio Location
The pilates studio is located at 23 Washington Street, 3rd Floor. Please enter the building from the front door and proceed up two flights of stairs to the 3rd floor. The studio is on the 3rd floor in the very back of the building.
Studio Rules
Please arrive promptly to class start time. If you are more than 5 minutes late, we ask that you kindly reschedule your class. Once class has started, it is difficult for the instructor to stop class to accommodate any tardiness. Please be respectful of other office space within the building and keep noise down while waiting for your class.
Dress Code
Please feel free to wear any comfortable workout attire. Grippy socks are optional, and no shoes allowed on the equipment. The studio can get warm in the summer months due to the windows in the building.