Blackbird Mat Pilates

Mat Pilates utilizes breathing patterns and specific exercises performed in a controlled, precise manner. Your body weight acts as the primary source of resistance to build core strength and spinal stability. Learn to activate your deep core muscles in each movement for optimal strength and improve your muscle tone, body balance, spinal support, low back health, sports performance, and body-mind awareness.

Blackbird Pilates is a style of contemporary mat Pilates that combines classical mat Pilates as taught by Joseph Pilates combined with exercises learned from and inspired by Adrea’s favorite contemporary Pilates mentors.

PROPS RECOMMENDED: A mat for your body and a blanket to pad your knees or tailbone if needed. Some classes use a 9” Fitness Ball (a ball with some squish) or a Pilates Ring (also known as Magic Circle).

Vinyasa 1/2

Vinyasa 1/2 is appropriate for those newer to Vinyasa and those looking to level up on their poses and challenge themselves. Vinyasa focuses on integrating breath and movement, awareness and alignment, and strength and flexibility. We start with a slow warm-up to connect to our bodies and breath. The middle portion is a more vigorous standing flow and then we take it down a notch with some seated postures before cooling the body down and enjoying Savasana. All are welcome but best suited for those who are already comfortably active.

SUGGESTED PROPS: a yoga mat or rug, yoga blocks (can substitute stacks of books or small firm pillows), a blanket of any type, strap (can substitute scarf or belt).

Blackbird Barre

Blackbird Barre is a style of Barre class created by Adrea Reed, the founder of Blackbird Pilates Etc. She has combined her ten years of ballet training with the modern variations of Barre classes to create her own style of movement. In Blackbird Barre you will do a series of exercises that focus on strengthening the muscles in your legs and core, and enhance the grace of your motion.

PROPS RECOMMENDED: A barre or chair, or railing of some kind to hold on to. Most of the class is done standing but some exercises are done on the ground so a mat or blanket to pad the knees is recommended. Non-slip socks are not required but are recommended if you feel you are slipping.

Hatha/Vinyasa 1.5

Hatha yoga is the fundamental system of yoga that focuses on the pairing of poses/asanas with breathing techniques/pranayama. It focuses on flowing the breath while holding static postures for a longer period of time. Traditionally a Hatha yoga practice is done to prepare the body and mind for a deep meditation.

In this class we combine the more vigorous Vinyasa flow sequences with the longer stable holds of traditional Hatha. Practice will finish with a long Savasana.

Level 1.5 is appropriate for beginners to yoga who are fairly active in their life already or for yoga practitioners who want to level up and deepen their practice.

Yoga Sculpt

Yoga Sculpt blends traditional yoga poses with small weight exercises. We utilize classic yoga warm-up's and cool-down's, as well as the occasional Sun Salutation, and finish with a restorative Savasana. Exercises include yoga, weights, core activation, and overall body strengthening movements. All are welcome. The movement is challenging so ideal for those already fairly active.

PROPS RECOMMENDED: Two small weights are ideal, 2-10lbs each. If you do not have weights, you can use yoga blocks, books, cans, or water bottles instead.