Calendar
Current Schedule
APRIL 29, 2013 - JUNE 22, 2013
To book your class, click on the calendar and select your class from the drop down menu
Testimonials
After 6 ½ hours of abdominal surgery and a month in the hospital I thought it would take years to get back to normal activities. With the help of the highly skilled instructors at the Pilates Studio: Body and Mind Works I was back at work and playing golf in less than two months. The progressive personal training programs steadily and gently improved my flexibility, strength and most importantly enjoyment of life! The Pilates instructors became an important and happy part of my health care team
- Brian Leroy, Calgary, Alberta
I tore my ACL right out of the shin and two other ligaments in my right knee. Unable to do “basic” physiotherapy my physiotherapist, Kim Lee Knight, suggest I work with a Pilates instructor one-on-one to build control and strength. Since working with you twice a week I can walk without the use of a cane. I have complete mobility in my leg and I am able to ascend and descend stairs with grace and power. I've also gone down two sizes! You've helped me have confidence in my mobility and I feel amazing. Pilates is miraculous, gentle, restorative and amazing. I would recommend it to anyone with this type of injury. I am a fifty year old woman with the strength and control of someone half my age thanks to you.
- Judith DeHaan
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"A Person Is as Young as Their Spinal Column" - Joseph Pilates
About
Our bright, open studio is located in downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada in Kensington village - one of Calgary's most popular neighbourhoods and a hot spot for some of the City's best shopping, tea & coffee houses and award-winning restaurants. Spend the day in Kensington and enjoy a Pilates workout combined with shopping and a coffee or tea. Take care of your body, take care of your mind; you deserve it!
The Pilates Studio: Body & Mind Works is celebrating our 16th year in helping Calgarians gain a more profound understanding of their bodies through Pilates! Our knowledgeable, personable staff of 11 instructors allow us to customize schedules and programs dependent on individual clients' needs. Let us help you in discovering the most that you can get out of your body and your mind.
Facilities
Our studio includes all the Pilates trademark equipment. Learn to use the Cadillac, Reformer, and Chair for a more flexible and powerful body. Flex balls, bosus, mini balls, toning balls, fitness circles and resistant bands will also provide comfort and care for your exercises. Individual mats are provided for mat classes.
The studio features two separate spaces which allows a quieter and more intimate experience for our clients. Studio A is the original space where our mat classes and private clients work. This studio features Stott equipment, 2 change rooms, hardwood floors and a private massage room. Studio B is dedicated to our small group equipment classes and features four Peak Pilates 3-in-1 Deluxe machines. These machines can be converted from Mat to Cadillac to Reformer and allow us more flexibility in the classes we can offer.
For your comfort, we have washrooms and two change rooms.
We suggest that you wear comfortable clothing like t-shirts, tank-tops, and leggings. Snug, stretchy clothing are preferable while loose garments are not recommended. For your feet, we suggest wearing socks.
The Team
Laura DiStefano
Owner/Operator
Pilates certified since 1996, Laura is also disciplined in several forms of dance and is a registered massage therapist.
Avery Maxwell
Instructor
Avery has been with the studio as a fully-certified STOTT PILATES® & ISP (injuries and special populations) instructor since 2000.
Catherine Walker
Instructor
Mat, Reformer and ISP certified Catherine motivates her clients with her enthusiasm, love for movement and attention to detail.
Anna Dolan
Instructor
Anna is a challenging yet fun instructor who has invaluable knowledge on the spine and back pain prevention
Brooke Patterson
Instructor
Brooke uses her warm personality and passion for Pilates to help her clients feel better mentally and physically
Jolene Arsenault
Instructor
Her background in Kinesiology helps her understand injuries and how Pilates can help or even heal them.
Lee Nordstrom
Instructor
taught Jazz, Ballet, and Gymnastics before teaching Pilates
Stacey Mather
Instructor
Became an instructor after using Pilates to rehab an injury sustain from an accident .
Adriana Sartori
Instructor
Adriana is a Pilates instructor and Physiotherapist from Brazil, where she had her own clinic and studio for 5 years.
Adriano Rezende Silva
Instructor
Adriano is a Pilates Instructor and Physiotherapist from Brazil, where he owned a clinic with his wife Adriana.
Aline Duarte
Instructor
Fully certified through Physicalmind Institute, recently completing the course in Standing Pilates
"As close as you can get to a perfect workout."
-Elle Magazine
New class: Pilates for Men!
Create the muscle balance necessary to achieve the most you can in your sport or daily activities. Adriano Rezende Silva - former professional road racer, Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor - will help guide you in reaching your optimal performance. *See "Schedule" and "Specialty Classes" for info.
We offer both PRENATAL and POSTNATAL Pilates classes!
Our BABY & ME class is perfect for new Moms who need to regain their core connection and improve postural strength, while bonding with their new arrival! Meet other new moms and learn proper form in this Beginner/Intermediate class especially designed for post-natal Moms. No previous Pilates experience necessary. Babies 2 - 8 months (pre-crawling).
Also, check out our PRENATAL PILATES classes under "Specialty Classes" and in our Schedule.
Our team at The Pilates Studio: Body & Mind Works embraces the message of Pilates wholeheartedly. Pilates isn't merely a system of exercises, it's a path to healthier and happier living. Whether you are completely new to Pilates, an enthusiast, or a professional, we look forward to sharing our passion for Pilates with you.

Mat classes are conducted in groups of 4 to 10 people. Clients learn the principles of the technique and are then skillfully guided through a series of exercises in the method. As strength and flexibility increase, more challenging exercises are given. Registered classes are recommended as you are guaranteed a spot and the pace is specific to particular levels.
Mat classes also include Prenatal, Baby and Me, and Standing Pilates
Prices include GST
DROP-IN MATCLASS (ALLOWED IF ROOM IN REGISTERED CLASSES) $19.95
REGISTERED MAT CLASSES:8 CLASS SESSION $134.40
*SEE "SCHEDULE" FOR CLASS CALENDAR

A Private Session is the best way to address a client's special needs and is highly recommended for those with injuries, back problems and health conditions, as well as those with no previous Pilates experience. Sessions are booked like an appointment and are one hour long. Instructors can assess a client's strengths and weaknesses and provide modifications that will work best for each individual. A session typically begins with clients learning the fundamentals of the technique. These fundamentals can then be applied to the Mat vocabulary as well as to exercises on the Reformer, Cadillac and Chair. The instructor helps guide the client throughout the sessions, ensuring correct alignment and a balanced use of muscles.
Price will vary depending on needs of client (see Price List). Please contact us for a consultation.
PRENATAL
This class helps 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimester Moms-to-be discover the ideal postural alignment needed to carry them comfortably through pregnancy, delivery and beyond! Focus will be on strengthening and maintaining strength of the deep postural muscles and the stabilizing muscles of the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle. This class also incorporates gentle, targeted stretching and mobilization of areas prone to tension. Props such as Spine Supporters, BOSUs, Arc Barrels and Stability Balls are used throughout the classes to hold the body at a comfortable incline, keeping exercises safe for Moms-to-be at any stage of pregnancy. 8 CLASS SESSION - $128 + GST
BABY & ME
Workout with your little one! Using your newborn child as weight resistance, you will learn how to tone up your abdomen and pelvic floor once more. Also a wonderful chance to interact with baby. Babies must be able to hold up head and not be at a crawling stage.
8 CLASS SESSION - $128 + GST
*See "SCHEDULE" for Prenatal and Baby & Me class calendars.
INJURY MANAGEMENT
If you do not know if your injury or health condition will benefit from Pilates, call us and we will be able to help you decide and be able to direct you to which classes will work best for you! We do recommend that anyone with injuries or health conditions book a Private Session with an instructor to assess their strengths and weaknesses, as well as determine whether a group situation will work for you or not. You can also come visit us at our studio located in Kensington Village. We are open Monday through Saturday and are available by appointment.
*See Price List for details on Private Sessions.

MAT & REFORMER
This class is recommended for people who would like to try the equipment but have no Mat experience. By building body awareness and core strength through the Matwork, students are able to come to a better understanding of the equipment. Enrollment limited to 4 students.
GROUP REFORMER
This class is limited to 4 students per class - so get in soon to avoid being disappointed! The most commonly known piece of equipment, the Reformer offers a great workout for the entire body. Come find out why people love it. Mat experience highly recommended, no equipment experience necessary.
GROUP CADILLAC
The Cadillac is a great piece of equipment for helping people gain a better understand of the Matwork. A whole body workout with spring resistance to support and challenge you. Mat experience highly recommended, no equipment experience necessary. Enrollment limited to 4 students.
GROUP EQUIPMENT CLASSES:8 CLASS SESSION $218.40
DROP-IN EQUIPMENT CLASS (ALLOWED IF ROOM IN REGISTERED CLASSES) $31.50
*SEE SCHEDULE FOR CLASS CALENDAR
Laura is the owner and operator of The Pilates Studio: Body & Mind Works. She was first introduced to Pilates through her dance training at the University of Calgary and was struck by the long reaching benefits of Pilates. She pursued a dance career in the early 1990's which focused on contemporary dance and jazz dance. Her dancing ventures brought her to Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Massachusetts and Italy.She continues to pursue her love of dance through Ballet & Salsa classes.
During her time in Montreal she re-connected with Pilates and decided to pursue her full Pilates certification, which she received in 1996 through Katrin Schaake Atelier Santé: Body and Mind Control in Montreal. Wanting to further her knowledge of the body, she became a registered massage therapist in 1999. Laura has furthered her studies of Pilates through various workshops in the different styles of Pilates. She has done numerous Stott Workshops, attended an intensive offered by Master trainers Amy Alpers and Rachel Seigel at The Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado (January 2007), and recently took a workshop with Osteopath/Athletic Therapist & Pilates Instructor Colleen Jorgensen.
Laura enjoys working with beginners and seeing the joy of people connecting to their bodies. She also enjoys the challenge of working with people limited by injuries and other conditions. She has had tremendous success in helping these clients reclaim their lives.
Avery has been with the studio as a fully-certified STOTT PILATES® & ISP (injuries and special populations) instructor since 2000, and is also certified as a Healthy Foot Practitioner™ through the Restorative Exercise Institute. The training involves a thorough education of foot mechanics, how foot function affects whole-body health, and the role of footwear on foot health and foot pain. Avery also has an extensive background in ballet and modern dance, which first inspired her love of movement and the mind/body connection.
A sought out instructor for her sense of humour and compassionate nature, Avery enjoys helping pre & post-natal clients with strengthening and recovering, elite athletes in discovering their optimal performance, and all those seeking to discover the mental and physical strength, flexibility and balance that Pilates offers.
Catherine joins The Pilates Studio: Body & Mind Works from Halifax, Nova Scotia where she had lived since 1998. Catherine has an extensive dance background, having danced with well renowned companies such as Calgary City Ballet and Les Grands Ballets Canadians. She has also worked as a choreographer, Ballet instructor and Ballet mistress for several companies, and was the co-artistic director and principal of Halifax Dance.
It was this background that brought her to Pilates. In 1998 Catherine came under the tutelage of Kim Kraushar (STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer & Spa Director) at the Interlude Spa in Halifax. She has her Mat, Reformer and ISP certification. Catherine is a teacher who motivates her students through her enthusiasm and love of movement. With her keen eye and attention to details she is able to help clients understand the essence of Pilates and helps them get the most out of their bodies.
Anna, a native of England, first discovered Pilates about 5 years ago. She found that Pilates gave her an invaluable understanding of how to take care of the spine, and particularly how to prevent back pain. She enjoys sharing this knowledge with her clients.
She pursued her Pilates certification in Mat, Reformer and Chair through STOTT PILATES® and is continually feeding her thirst of knowledge with workshops in many different areas. She is known as a very thorough, challenging yet fun instructor. She has also been practicing Massage Therapy in Calgary for the past five years. In her spare time she enjoys being in the outdoors as much as possible.
While recovering from knee surgery, Brooke discovered Pilates as an outlet for fitness and was drawn to its mind-body approach. When asked by her instructor to take her Pilates to the next level and become a certified STOTT PILATES® instructor, Brooke jumped at the chance. In October 2006 Brooke completed her training and began practicing Advanced Mat and Reformer at two studios in Regina.
Her warm personality and passion for the Pilates method helped Brooke build and maintain her clientele. She is committed to whole health and understands that Pilates can help her clients, as well as herself, feel better both physically and mentally.
Being active and in good form is one way to improve health. Having been
active my entire life, I have discovered the benefits and want to help
others reap them for themselves. I am very passionate towards the
health and wellness field and believe that true health is the key to
freedom and happiness. I hold a Kinesiology degree from University de
Moncton. I did my Pilates Mat and Reformer certification through STOTT
PILATES® and I am also a personal trainer.
My background in Kinesiology and Pilates has also helped me understand
common injuries and how certain exercises can help and even heal
injuries. Whether my sessions are one on one, pairs, or a group, I
enjoy the variety and I especially like to see people who enjoy being
active. During a Pilates session, I try to include a variety of
exercises while keeping the client’s goal in mind. I believe that
challenging the client and seeing them progress is what keeps the
sessions interesting and fun! Pilates can be very rewarding so let me
assist you in working towards your goals and well-being!
Lee spent her youth training in jazz, ballet, gymnastics and rhythmic gymnastics. She went on to teach gymnastics in her teens and dance in her early twenties. It wasn't until after the arrival of her daughter Isabelle in December 2009 that she finally had the opportunity to return to teaching and to pursue her passion for Pilates.
Her journey began with taking recreational classes at The Pilates Studio: Body & Mind Works 5 years ago. She completed her STOTT training in beginner and intermediate mat and reformer earlier this year and took her advance mat course in September. Lee appreciates the sense of body awareness and technical focus required in the practice of Pilates.
Stacey was introduced to Pilates here at our studio and has used the technique to aid her in recovering from injuries sustained from an accident. After each surgery she returned to Pilates to help connect with her body, build strength and rebalance her muscles. Stacey is a caring, encouraging teacher with a keen eye for movement and attention to detail which helps clients improve their body awareness and alignment.
It is Stacey's goal to complete her full certification and achieve a lifetime relationship of bettering herself and others through Pilates. She is trained in Stott Pilates Essential, Intermediate and Advanced Mat, Reformer, Stability Chair, Cadillac, Barrels and ISP.
Adriana is a Pilates instructor and Physiotherapist from Brazil. After a 7 month Mat and Apparatus training course she began teaching Pilates in Rio de Janeiro in 2004, where she had her own clinic and studio for 5 years. She has certificates in Global Postural Reeducation, PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), Postural Assessment,Bernard Bricot Method (France), and Standing Mat Pilates from Physical Mind Institute (Vancouver). She loves what she does and has had a great experience with Rehab Pilates .
Adriano is a Pilates Instructor and Physiotherapist from Brazil, where he owned a clinic with his wife Adriana, which serviced a diverse population of individuals of all age groups with neurological, orthopedic,surgical and other health issues. He has also been a avid bike racer for the last 20 years. He can offer beginner, intermediate and advanced classes using Joseph Pilates Fundamentals with a combination of Functional Training, Physical Therapy, Global Postural and Footstep Reeducation. He loves sports and loves to help people using his knowledge .
Being an active person since my childhood I practiced different sports, exercises and physical activities, but only discovered Pilates when I decided to try it as a form of rehabilitation for a shoulder injury elapsed from practicing tennis. I fell in love!
I am fully certified through Physicalmind Institute, recently completing the course in Standing Pilates because I believe in the concept of functionality, health and longevity that the method brings to our lives, affecting the quality of movement of the human body.

Mat classes are conducted in groups of 4 to 10 people. Clients learn the principles of the technique and are then skillfully guided through a series of exercises in the method. As strength and flexibility increase, more challenging exercises are given. Registered classes are recommended as you are guaranteed a spot and the pace is specific to particular levels.
Mat classes also include Prenatal, Baby and Me, and Standing Pilates
Prices include GST
DROP-IN MATCLASS (ALLOWED IF ROOM IN REGISTERED CLASSES) $19.95
REGISTERED MAT CLASSES:8 CLASS SESSION $134.40
*SEE "SCHEDULE" FOR CLASS CALENDAR

A Private Session is the best way to address a client's special needs and is highly recommended for those with injuries, back problems and health conditions, as well as those with no previous Pilates experience. Sessions are booked like an appointment and are one hour long. Instructors can assess a client's strengths and weaknesses and provide modifications that will work best for each individual. A session typically begins with clients learning the fundamentals of the technique. These fundamentals can then be applied to the Mat vocabulary as well as to exercises on the Reformer, Cadillac and Chair. The instructor helps guide the client throughout the sessions, ensuring correct alignment and a balanced use of muscles.
Price will vary depending on needs of client (see Price List). Please contact us for a consultation.
PRENATAL
This class helps 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trimester Moms-to-be discover the ideal postural alignment needed to carry them comfortably through pregnancy, delivery and beyond! Focus will be on strengthening and maintaining strength of the deep postural muscles and the stabilizing muscles of the trunk, pelvis and shoulder girdle. This class also incorporates gentle, targeted stretching and mobilization of areas prone to tension. Props such as Spine Supporters, BOSUs, Arc Barrels and Stability Balls are used throughout the classes to hold the body at a comfortable incline, keeping exercises safe for Moms-to-be at any stage of pregnancy. 8 CLASS SESSION - $128 + GST
BABY & ME
Workout with your little one! Using your newborn child as weight resistance, you will learn how to tone up your abdomen and pelvic floor once more. Also a wonderful chance to interact with baby. Babies must be able to hold up head and not be at a crawling stage.
8 CLASS SESSION - $128 + GST
*See "SCHEDULE" for Prenatal and Baby & Me class calendars.
INJURY MANAGEMENT
If you do not know if your injury or health condition will benefit from Pilates, call us and we will be able to help you decide and be able to direct you to which classes will work best for you! We do recommend that anyone with injuries or health conditions book a Private Session with an instructor to assess their strengths and weaknesses, as well as determine whether a group situation will work for you or not. You can also come visit us at our studio located in Kensington Village. We are open Monday through Saturday and are available by appointment.
*See Price List for details on Private Sessions.

MAT & REFORMER
This class is recommended for people who would like to try the equipment but have no Mat experience. By building body awareness and core strength through the Matwork, students are able to come to a better understanding of the equipment. Enrollment limited to 4 students.
GROUP REFORMER
This class is limited to 4 students per class - so get in soon to avoid being disappointed! The most commonly known piece of equipment, the Reformer offers a great workout for the entire body. Come find out why people love it. Mat experience highly recommended, no equipment experience necessary.
GROUP CADILLAC
The Cadillac is a great piece of equipment for helping people gain a better understand of the Matwork. A whole body workout with spring resistance to support and challenge you. Mat experience highly recommended, no equipment experience necessary. Enrollment limited to 4 students.
GROUP EQUIPMENT CLASSES:8 CLASS SESSION $218.40
DROP-IN EQUIPMENT CLASS (ALLOWED IF ROOM IN REGISTERED CLASSES) $31.50
*SEE SCHEDULE FOR CLASS CALENDAR
New class: Pilates for Men!
Create the muscle balance necessary to achieve the most you can in your sport or daily activities. Adriano Rezende Silva - former professional road racer, Physiotherapist and Pilates Instructor - will help guide you in reaching your optimal performance. *See "Schedule" and "Specialty Classes" for info.
We offer both PRENATAL and POSTNATAL Pilates classes!
Our BABY & ME class is perfect for new Moms who need to regain their core connection and improve postural strength, while bonding with their new arrival! Meet other new moms and learn proper form in this Beginner/Intermediate class especially designed for post-natal Moms. No previous Pilates experience necessary. Babies 2 - 8 months (pre-crawling).
Also, check out our PRENATAL PILATES classes under "Specialty Classes" and in our Schedule.
Our team at The Pilates Studio: Body & Mind Works embraces the message of Pilates wholeheartedly. Pilates isn't merely a system of exercises, it's a path to healthier and happier living. Whether you are completely new to Pilates, an enthusiast, or a professional, we look forward to sharing our passion for Pilates with you.