Jen McWalters Studio Pilates • Yoga 1005 Main Street, Suite 111 Pawtucket, RI 02860 (401) 475-0084 PilatesJen@inbox.com

You can now schedule all classes and sessions online! There are lots of new classes - check the schedule for one that fits for you! Please click here to use our online scheduling system. If nothing happens when you click the previous link, your browser may need a different type of link. In that case, please click here: Click here for schedule page.

Our studio was voted as Best Place For Pilates in RI in 2008 and 2009 by the readers of the Providence Phoenix! Thanks! See our quick YouTube video showing our large, airy studio Click to watch video. We also have two videos of our instructors doing a Pilates demo on equipment. To see on Youtube, Click to watch demo1 or Click to watch demo2.

Please click on one of the links below

Tshirts for sale! We have a new line of Tshirts for sale. The women's racer-back in black and white are made with super-soft bamboo fabric that wicks away moisture! Let your friends know where you get that core strength from by wearing a Jen McWalters Studio T-shirt!

New teacher! Maria Andresino will be teaching the Pilates Playground Mondays at 7PM and Pilates Mat class Wednesdays at 4PM. Pilates Playground will use some added toys to UP the challenge of your Pilates workout! All levels are invited to play! Whether you are new to pilates or already addicted, this class will take your fitness experience to the next level and shake up your Pilates experience!

Katie McNamara is back from her maternity leave and is now teaching Mat at 4 PM on Mondays. Come take class from this awesome dancer/ teacher/ mother/ all-around woman of grace!

We have just added a new class! Advanced Mat Pilates with Jen will now be offered on Tuesday nights from 6-7 PM. Class starts Tuesday March 9th. We'd love to see you there!

We have great deals on our one-month unlimited group class card (only $99) and our Beginner Special which offers new students 5 private lessons for $200.

We have classes on a new piece of equipment, the Exo Chair. Please click here to see them in action!

A note for Groupon.com members: You must bring your Groupon to the studio with you to redeem it. You DON'T need to pre-register for your first class online. Once your coupon has been redeemed you will be in our system and you will be able to register online for the remainder of your classes.

The Jen McWalters Pilates Studio

The Jen McWalters Studio is located at 1005 Main Street, Suite 111, in the Hope Artiste Village, a beautiful historical mill in Pawtucket Rhode Island, just north of the Providence/Pawtucket line. It is the largest Pilates studio in the area, at over 3000 square feet. The Jen McWalters Studio offers Mat classes, Combination Mat and Ball classes, and Bosu classes throughout the week. These group classes are offered on a drop-in basis, with no pre-registration necessary. In addition, JMS also offers Pilates sessions on the apparatus in a private, duet, or trio format. The studio is home to five Reformers, two Wunda chairs, one Cadillac, and one Ladder Barrel, with plans for more machines coming in over the next few years (all machines are made by Peak Pilates, www.peakpilates.com). All of our teachers are fully certified, creative, intuitive, caring, and encouraging. We welcome all levels from raw beginner to seasoned pro! After your Pilates experience, feel free to explore the Hope Artiste Village, which as also home to the newly re-opened Blackstone Restaurant.

Parking and finding the studio

We are located in the Hope Webbing Mill at 1005 Main Street in Pawtucket. The number 1005 is not visible on the mill, so look for the Blackstone Restaurant at 999 Main Street. Go under the archway to the left of the Blackstone, and drive to the back of the parking lot. On the right, just behind a large loading dock, there is a door labeled "1C". This is the easiest entrance to use to find the JMS, and it is the door that will be open during evening and weekend hours. From this entrance, follow the signs for the Jen McWalters Studio. The door at the front of the building (next to the Blackstone) can only be used during regular business hours.

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Special events at the studio

Chi Running with Michael Krushinsky

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NEW! Exo Chair Group Classes (up to 5 people) The Exo Chair takes Joseph Pilates's original "Wunda" Chair one step further by adding elastic bands to the Chair, creating a multi-purpose exercise tool. This is a great class for skiers, runners, tennis players, golfers, and anyone interested in increasing power in the upper body for throwing, lifting, and racquet sports. You will get a full-body workout that's tons of fun! Enrollment in this class is only allowed if you have previous Pilates experience, or have completed our 5 class Beginner's Special. No injuries please.

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Fees

All group classes are available on a drop in basis. No pre-registration is required. Please arrive ten minutes early if it is your first class with us.

$200/5 Beginner, first time only
$70/1
$325/5
$600/10

$40/1
$375/10

$35/1
$285/10

$30/1
$250/10

$13/1
$120/10
$99/month unlimited classes (Pilates Mat, Yoga, and Bosu)
$199/month unlimited Exo Chair classes and Pilates Mat, Yoga, and Bosu classes)

1 hour lesson: $70/1
half hour lesson: $40/1
10 1 hour lessons: $600/10
10 half hour lessons: $375/10

5 Pilates Duets/5 Pilates Privates: $500
5 Pilates Duets/5 Pilates Trios: $330
5 Pilates Privates/5 Personal Training lessons: $600
5 Personal Training/5 Duets/5 Trios: $640

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Forrest Yoga

Forrest Yoga, developed by Ana Forrest, encourages honesty, integrity, and fascination with the healing process of life and yoga. It is such an exciting style of yoga to experience, and I am thrilled to bring this element to the studio. If you have never experienced a Forrest Yoga class, come and feel the joy of living fully in your body! As part of the Forrest style, injuries are addressed and many options are given for modification. The room will be heated to 80 degrees. Please bring water and a towel.

Pre-Natal Pilates

Fundamentals of Pilates - 5 Private Sessions for $200 ($125 off the regular price!)

New to Pilates? Has it been a while since you have been at the studio? Do you want to, but don't feel quite ready to join one of the new group equipment classes? Do you want to hone your skills on a specific piece of equipment? Maybe you are just getting started in Pilates, and you need some individual, focused attention before moving into a duet or trio. We recommend taking the special at the same time as a friend. That way, you have a partner(s) ready to go when you are.

Even if you are a devoted mat class aficionado, fundamental Pilates skills will help you get the most out of your movements in the mat classes-what really is that upper ab curl with feet in Pilates first with your spine in neutral? (answer: the 100!)

JMS is offering a 5 private session card for $200. To help you get started. To introduce you to the equipment: reformer, caddy or chair; to revitalize and freshen your old skills; or to help strengthen your understanding of moving on the mat (this will involve using equipment to reinforce skills ultimately practiced on the mat).

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The rates for Jay are $60 for an hour, $40 for a half hour, $550 for 10 hour-long lessons. Duets (training two students at once) are $40 each person for an hour lesson.

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The BOSU adds FUNctionality to any workout!

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Want to join our email list? We'll let you know about schedule changes, special events, etc. We promise not to give out your information, to hide your email address when we send, and to remove you right away if you change your mind. Just drop us a line by clicking here. It will bring up your email program with a message to us telling us you want to join our list. Then, just send the message.

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Some of our instructors teach regularly scheduled classes. All of our instructors teach private, duet, and trio classes on the Pilates apparatus, and most of them are available throughout the week. If you want to book a session with one of the instructors, please either email or call the studio!

	Jen McWalters It was while studying at San Francisco State University that Jen McWalters began doing Pilates, when a back injury from dance led her to study new methods of strengthening and centering. Surprised and impressed with the results of her practice, Jen pursued teaching Pilates and became certified in the Pilates Method at the Ellie Herman Studios (author, Pilates for Dummies, Get on the Ball with Pilates). Jen holds a BA from SFSU in Dance Education, with a minor in Holistic Health. Before teaching Pilates, Jen performed modern dance at various venues in the Bay Area, and also taught dance to high school and elementary school students in Oakland and San Mateo. Jen has taught Pilates in the Bay Area, Annapolis, MD, and Washington, DC. She has also attended yoga teacher training workshops with Baron Baptiste and Ana Forrest. Jen is an avid yogini, swimmer, snowboarder, and hiker, and believes in using Pilates skills in all movement pursuits. Jen is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance. The Pilates Method Alliance has created a national accreditation test. Those who pass it in the first three months are recognized as Gold Certified teachers. Jen McWalters has received this special certification!
	Katie McNamara Katie McNamara received her BA in Dance and Anthropology from Connecticut College in 1997. That year she got her first job as a professional dancer and also took her first Pilates class. While studying Plates with Katherine Livingston she began teaching in fitness clubs, homes, and businesses. Katie's dance career developed with a company she codirected and she also performed internationally. Since returning to Providence she has studied with Catherine Cuzzone and Elizabeth Giles and attended continuing ed workshops by Ellie Herman and Power Pilates. She is currently studying to become a PMA certified instructor.
	Laura Murphy Laura's Pilates practice began in 2000, while living in Berkeley CA. Shortly after taking a position as studio/office manager she purchased the thriving Pilates and Physical Therapy business. Upon her return to Rhode Island in the summer of 2002, Laura continued her practice of Pilates. She began studying with Jen McWalters early in 2003 and in the spring of 2005 completed the Peak Pilates teacher training course through level II, studying under master trainer Claire Dunphy and senior trainers Pamela Garcia and Cameron MacDonald. In February of 2007 Laura earned a comprehensive Pilates teaching certificate from the Jen McWalters Studio. Both Peak Pilates and The Jen McWalters teacher training programs are recognized by the Pilates Method Alliance. Laura continues to study under Jen McWalters, and has been teaching at the studio since the spring of 2004. Laura welcomes new clients of all abilities.
	Susan St. Cyr Susan St. Cyr has been working in the Pilates industry since 1990. She is certified in Pilates from Body Moves in Australia, as well as Stott trained. She particularly enjoys working with post-rehab and prenatal/postpartum clients. Susan is one of two Stott trained prenatal instructors in RI. With her second baby on the way, Susan understands the needs of the prenatal client. She will tailor a program that will grow with you through your first, second, and third trimester. If you are interested in Pre-Natal Pilates classes at the Jen McWalters Studio, please call Susan St. Cyr at the studio at (401) 475-0084.
	Clary Healy Clary Healy began studying Pilates with Jen McWalters in 2005. By 2007, she had completed Jen's teacher training program, and began to teach at the Jen McWalters Pilates Studio. Clary graduated from RISD with a BFA in photography in 1985. She works in her off Pilates hours as a fine art printmaker.
	Jay Moran Jay Moran is a Certified Personal Trainer, BOSU Professional, Pilates instructor, and Spinning instructor.Using training methods that strengthen functional movement patterns, you will increase both strength and efficiency.Whatever your goals may be, from feeling stronger in everyday life to training for a competitive event, Jay's personable style and gentle, effective approach will have you hooked!
	Maggie Semrau Maggie bio coming soon. Maggie is back teaching here again!
	Katie Jasmin On Wednesday, September 30, 2009, Katie got her PMA instructor certification. Congratulations to Katie on achieving this recognition from the Pilates Method Alliance.
	Anna Anna bio coming soon. Anna can give Pilates instruction in Russian.
Picture coming soon	Maria Andresino Maria Andresino has recently joined the Jen McWalters Studio from New York City. She's been training for over 10 years in NY and San Francisco; working with athletes, dancers, singers, celebrities, and kids. She has been teaching groups and individuals in a range of fitness settings for the past 10 years. Maria is certified by the Pilates Method Alliance, and is an ACE Personal Trainer. She additional certifications in Spinning, Kickboxing, NYC Ballet Workout, BOSU, Aqua, TRX, Jumprope, and Kettlebells, to name a few! She is also a certified Thai Bodyworker. Her unique mix of all these techniques helps her clients see results and stay healthy. Clients and teachers remark on her ability to apply Pilates principles to all types of movement, from high-performance sports to everyday activities.

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What is Pilates?

Pilates is a system of exercises for the body designed to improve strength, flexibility, coordination, breath control, and flowing movement. At the heart of the method is the concept of strengthening the "powerhouse" or "core" of the body. This includes the abdominals, the gluteals, the deep muscles of the hips, the back muscles and the pelvic floor muscles. In addition, the vast repertoire of exercises also stretches the spine and legs, allowing for greater freedom of movement. Joseph Pilates (see History) is the man behind the method. He developed the Mat exercises, which are usually taught in a group class, as well as an action-packed repertoire on his own machines. With names like the Universal Reformer, Trapeze Table, Wunda Chair, and Ladder Barrel, these amazing machines give the student feedback as to how her body is performing the exercises and ultimately helps one to perform the Mat exercises better. While it is not necessary to do Pilates on the machines, it is a great way to start your practice. With over 500 exercises in the original repertoire, in addition to many more that Pilates teachers have developed over the past half a century, the Pilates method offers a chance to get fit through and efficient and time-tested method. Joe himself predicted that his techniques were 50 years ahead of their time.

History of Joseph Pilates (1880-1967)

Out of a childhood plagued by rickets and asthma grew a man obsessed with exercise, who by the time he had reached his late teens was an accomplished diver, gymnast, swimmer, and model for anatomy posters. Joseph Hubertus Pilates (1880-1967) was born in Germany and lived there until he went to England to train as a boxer. During World War I, he was detained in England. Although in prison, he continued to develop his exercises, which were based on his studies of exercise throughout history. Pilates' unique method incorporates elements of the yoga asanas and pranayama, and the training programs of the Greek and Roman armies. He taught his exercises to fellow inmates, and is credited for helping many of them to avoid falling victim to the influenza epidemic of 1918. Upon return to England, Joe was sent to the Isle of Man to work with injured soldiers. Many of the patients had missing limbs or simply weren't yet well enough to get out of bed or stand. So Joe began adding springs to the their beds and having them work against the resistance of the springs. These contraptions were the earliest models of what became the Universal Reformer and the Trapeze Table (also called the Cadillac).

When the German army approached Joe about training soldiers, he knew that he wanted to help heal people, not train them to harm others, so he declined and soon moved to the United States. Arriving in New York City with his wife Clara, the couple opened Joe's first studio in Manhattan, and began teaching dancers and athletes. Joe quickly became known in the dance community and worked with many of the dancers in George Balanchine's New York City Ballet, and also with Martha Graham and her dancers. He continued to work in the studio until his death in 1967. His method lives on today and is practiced by athletes, dancers, moms and dads, students, and tired computer technicians. It was Joe's prediction that as the world became increasingly dependent on technology, people would be getting outside and exercising less and there would be a greater need for his method.

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What will Pilates do for me?

Pilates increases strength, improves posture, and brings pain-free movement into your life. Both the Mat and apparatus exercises are designed to strengthen the core of the body, and within a few classes you will be able to feel your everyday movements being initiated increasingly from your center. Pilates teaches you to use breath to facilitate movement. It is amazing how very little most of think about breathing. Once you have become a Pilates student, you will immediately notice the benefits of using your breath to help engage your muscles efficiently. Pilates also teaches coordination, lubricates the joints, and increases flexibility. The workout is comprised of a small number of reps of a variety of exercises, each with a specific breathing pattern. Your Pilates skills eventually seep into your everyday life, allowing you the freedom to move with "spontaneous zest and pleasure," as Joseph Pilates said. After doing Pilates for less than a year, many clients will actually measure an inch taller due to their improved posture. Pilates especially works the inner thighs, tush, and belly. Pilates, especially when performed on the machines, helps women to keep their bone density high even into menopause. Pilates decreases the likelihood of accidents by building better balance.

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If you have never done Pilates before and would like to begin, there are two ways to start. You can either drop in to a Mat class or take advantage of our special introductory package (5 private lessons on the equipment for $200.

Mat classes
Attending mat classes is one way to practice your Pilates. Many teachers believe that the matwork is truly the core of the Pilates method, and that the machines were invented to help clients learn the mat. Whether true or not, this theory does illuminate the fact that the mat is not easy! If you are able to lie on your back and lift your head and shoulders off the floor by engaging your neck and upper abdominals, you are probably strong enough to do the Pilates mat. If you do decide to start your Pilates by taking mat classes, always tell your instructor that you are new to Pilates and listen closely to the modifications for each exercise. If you find that you are struggling with the exercises and feel frustrated, it might be best to invest in one or two private or semi-private sessions on the apparatus.

Private and Semi-private Sessions on the Apparatus
Universal Reformer, Trapeze Table, Wunda chair, and Ladder Barrel
If you have not worked out in more than a year, are recovering from an injury, or would simply prefer working one-on-one, you should begin with a private session. When you sign up to do a private or semi-private session with an instructor, you will spend at least half of your hour session on one or more of Joe's unique machines. The Universal Reformer is the most widely used machine, and it lives up to its name! With springs attached underneath a moving carriage, the Reformer encourages you to move in a way that lengthens your muscles while building strength. The primary exercises on the Reformer can be performed by most healthy adults. As you progress with your apparatus sessions, you will notice that you will be learning more new exercises while maintaining your basics. In this manner Pilates becomes a comprehensive system in which each workout builds strength and stamina for the next workout. There are over 500 exercises on the apparatus, and many more that creative Pilates teachers have designed for their clients over the years.

A Word about the Classical Method
The classical method usually refers to the exercises as they were taught by Joe and Clara Pilates, and by Romana Kryzanowska, Joe's proclaimed protégé who continues to teach in her NYC studio to this day. At the Jen McWalters Studio, while we acknowledge the advances that have been made in the Pilates world in the past few decades, we remain committed to the basic order and exercises developed by Pilates, and try to give our clients the spirit of Pilates as Joe taught it. We use modifications whenever appropriate in order to help our clients to practice Pilates in the safest and most effective way possible.

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Map and directions

We are located in the Hope Webbing Mill at 1005 Main Street in Pawtucket. The number 1005 is not visible on the mill, so look for the Blackstone Restaurant at 999 Main Street. Go under the archway to the left of the Blackstone, and drive to the back of the parking lot. On the right, just behind a large loading dock, there is a door labeled "1C". This is the easiest entrance to use to find the JMS, and it is the door that will be open during evening and weekend hours. From this entrance, follow the signs for the Jen McWalters Studio. The door at the front of the building (next to the Blackstone) can only be used during regular business hours.

Our studio is on the Providence / Pawtucket line, where North Main Street forks. It is easily accessible by bus on the 99 Providece / Pawtucket Line, which runs along North Main Street. To see a map to our studio, please click here. To see a satellite photo showing our studio and surrounding area, please click here. The "P" shows parking.

Directions:

From I-95 North
-Take exit 26 toward RI-122 / Lonsdale Ave
-Merge onto Thurston Street
-Take a right at you first light on to Main Street / RI-122
-1005 Main St is 0.4 miles ahead on the right.

From I-95 South
-Take exit 27 toward Route 1 / RI-15
-Continue straight onto Cedar St.
-Turn left at Main St.
-Turn left at the intersection of Main St. and Lonsdale Ave.
-1005 Main St is 0.4 miles ahead on the right.

From Blackstone Blvd and Hope St (aka East St)
Travelling North on East St, take left onto Ridge St. Take right onto Trenton St ( your fourth right. Follow Trenton to end, crossing Pawtucket Avenue and West Street. Take Right onto Main St. 2 blocks up on left is 1005 Main.

Parking:
Parking will be available in the courtyard and along Main Street, Warren Avenue and Dudley Street. Also, across Main Street (corner of Main and Warren) is a visitor parking lot.

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Photos of the studio

You really have to see the pictures to appreciate how big and airy our studio is. We don't want to slow down your web experience, so we put them on a separate page.
If you have a slow phone connection for your computer, you'll want the smaller version, so click here (total size 140K, about 30 seconds via phone).
If you have a DSL or cable connection for your computer, take a look at the full size version: click here (total size 630K).

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Want to become a Pilates instructor?

The Comprehensive program covers the Matwork and all of the apparatus, including the Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Ladder Barrel, Small Barrels, Sandbag, and Foot Corrector.

The Mat program covers teaching the classical Matwork as well as the use of small balls, large balls, yoga bricks, therabands, and other small props.

During this section of the training, you will fulfill most of your practice hours, get your body into great shape, and deepen your understanding of Pilates. This package includes 35 private sessions, 35 Mat classes, and a discounted rate for all workshops offered at the JMS during 2010. Upon completion of this portion of your training, you will be fully familiar with all aspects of Pilates training, and ready to continue with comprehensive training on all of the apparatus. All hours accumulated in Part I will be applied towards your 450 hour, Pilates Method Alliance-approved Pilates Teacher Training!

To be excused from Part I of the training, you will need to provide a letter from your Pilates teacher(s) as evidence that you have been studying Pilates for at least 3 years on the machines as well as the mat, and that you are at an intermediate level on all apparatus.

During this section of your training, you will learn how to teach Pilates to beginners, intermediate, and advanced level clients. You will gain knowledge on all of the apparatus, including the Reformer, Cadillac, High Chair, Low Chair, Mat, Ladder Barrel, and Arc Barrels. Anatomy, contraindications, introduction to special needs clients, and the PMA code of ethics are covered in this portion of the teacher training. During this portion of the training, you will become an active apprentice at the JMS, giving you ample opportunity to work with volunteers on the Pilates apparatus while you hone your craft.

During this section of your training, which will occur over two weekends, you will learn how to teach the Mat class to beginners, intermediate, and advanced students. We will also review the use of the small balls, large balls, weights, therabands, poles, and other small apparatus. You will also learn contraindications for various conditions, teaching for pregnancy, and how the matwork relates to the work on the other apparatus.

Costs reflect all materials and books. Payment is due at the time of application.

If you would like to apply for teacher training, please fill out our application and follow the instructions on it. The application form is available as a Word document, or as a PDF. Either format can be printed out and filled in by hand. The Word format can be filled out on your computer and emailed to us.
Please click on one of the following links to get the form. At this point, the forms say 2009 and the dates are TBD, but you can still use them to give us your general information.

Teacher training form in Word format
Teacher training form in PDF (Acrobat) format

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How to contact us

The Jen McWalters Pilates Studio is located at 1005 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860. Our phone number is (401) 475-0084, and you can email us at PilatesJen@inbox.com. NOTE: Our email uses a challenge-response junk mail blocker. The first time you email us, you may get an email back asking you to click a link to prove you're a real person. You'll only have to do this once. We will not give out your email address or any personal information to anyone.

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