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7 Reasons to Choose MOVE Livestream Classes

Why Try MOVE Livestream Classes

Whether you’re local to Ann Arbor or across the country, you can now join our high-quality, interactive livestream classes from the comfort of your home. Livestream classes offer new content each session with the energy of a live instructor to motivate and guide you in real time. You’ll have access to our expert team to answer your personal questions—something you won’t find with pre-recorded workouts. Choose from Pilates, GYROKINESIS®, Barre, Yoga, HIIT, and more. Our weekly class schedule includes over 30 classes. All you need is a device for streaming and space to move. Find frequently asked questions about livestream classes at MOVE here.

But really, we know there’s free content all over the internet. We also know you can subscribe to some really big brands for a lot less. So what sets our program apart and why are we worth a look? Why are 30 LIVE classes better than 3000 on demand classes? Here are 7 reasons to choose MOVE livestream. But don’t just take our word for it, give us a try and see for yourself with our 14-day free trial.

Pilates trainer starting a Move livestream class.
  1. Built-in accountability when you register for a live class
    Admit it. There’s just something special about scheduling something and putting it in your calendar that makes you more likely to follow through. It’s so easy to get caught up in our busy schedules and “forget” to make time for ourselves. But if you’ve signed up for a class with a live instructor, you’re much more likely to make the time and hold yourself accountable. The sense of commitment increases when we find a class we love and incorporate it into our weekly routine. 
A MOVE livestream class trainer doing an inspiring Pilates teaser.
  1. Motivating energy of live instruction to keep you moving
    We’ve done plenty of pre-recorded workouts. There’s lots of enthusiasm, but not much spontaneity. An instructor truly enjoying teaching clients in realtime and the ability to adapt the pace or content of a class based on the participants’ needs is irreplaceable. It feels like we’re all a part of one community moving together.
Laptop displaying a MOVE Livestream class in someone's living room.
  1. Convenience and comfort of working out in your own home
    Just rolling out of bed and feeling like taking a class in your pajamas? No problem. We’ve been there and done that, too. While our instructors love to see you moving, there’s no judgement on those days you turn your camera off and move with no one watching. Another perk of livestream classes is that there’s no commute to factor in. Join us on the fly when your 11:00 o’clock meeting gets cancelled. Don’t want to go out in the cold rain? Stay cozy in your very own living room.
Trainer explaining something in a MOVE Livestream class.
  1. Expert support you need to meet your personal goals
    We may be connecting on Zoom, but there’s a whole team of experts behind the screen ready to answer your questions and make sure we’re meeting your needs. We’re always happy to recommend classes, talk through your goals and set a schedule for you, or answer questions about any specific issues or modifications you may need.
Trainer teaching a MOVE Livestream Class in a recording studio.
  1. Variety of fresh class content each session to stave off boredom
    Did you love your class today? Awesome. Do you want to do that exact same class over and over again? Maybe not. (Ok, maybe once or twice.) With livestream classes, trainers are able to progress a group and move you through a repertoire week after week. We promise to keep you on your toes!
Man and woman taking a MOVE Livestream class together
  1. Connection to a wellness-focused community of peers and professionals
    We’ve all found our way to MOVE Wellness for a reason (or reasons). Our community is a group of people who seek to improve our well-being through movement, nutrition, education, and other holistic methods. We all find joy and comfort in traveling on this journey together. MOVE often hosts special community-focused events like our MOVE Book Club, unique-topic Member Workshops, MOVE Donation Classes for social justice, and more.
Trainer greeting her MOVE Livestream class
  1. Reliable access to our expert team to answer your questions
    Trainers are available for a quick chat before or after class as well. Something specific going on with your body? Hop into class early or jump into the chat so that your trainer can be sure to throw out custom suggestions and modifications in class. Our concierge team is always standing by to answer any bigger questions and make sure you’re on your best journey.

Your Interactive Livestream Program Starts Here

Let our expert instructors come to you—attend your choice of 30+ professional studio classes from the comfort of your home. Start your free 14-day trial of MOVE Livestream classes today.

Start a FREE 14 Day Trial
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MOVE Memberships: Individualize Your Experience

There’s something about fall that makes us all feel ready for a fresh start. Whether it’s getting back on track with year-end goals or starting something new, fall is a natural time to focus and reconnect. For our refined fall schedule, we’re bringing more options, more flexibility, and more customization to your fitness routine. 

Fall Leaves

Starting this fall, we are renewing our focus on memberships for consistency, commitment, and community. We have seen that when clients participate regularly in MOVE services that we are able to help them reach their goals most effectively. Clients can select from a movement menu of in-person or livestream options to create their own individualized experience. In addition to continuing private sessions and livestream classes, our small-group training will resume its presence on our schedule. We know that by committing to a regular movement program, we can help you stay accountable while providing the expert instruction you need to be successful.

Whether that’s in-person, online, or a mix of both, cultivating a community that wants to prioritize fitness and wellness is our goal. We know that many of you will feel most comfortable continuing with our virtual options for the time being. If you’re ready to join us for in-person training, we are ready to welcome you as safely as possible. Whatever decision you make will be the right one. Your workout—your choice.

Elaine Economou teaching an online Pilates class

Membership Options

Livestream Class Membership

Join our high-quality, interactive livestream classes from the comfort of your home. Livestream classes offer new content each session with the energy of a live instructor to motivate and guide you in real time. You’ll have access to our expert team to answer your personal questions—something you won’t find with those big brand recorded workouts. Choose from Pilates, GYROKINESIS®, Barre, Yoga, HIIT, and more. Our weekly class schedule includes over 12 classes. All you need is a device for streaming and space to move. 

Find frequently asked questions about livestream classes at MOVE here.

Pilates Trainer Livestream Class

Private Training Membership

Customized to your body and your needs. One-on-one private sessions are a great way to stay accountable and consistent while getting a workout tailored to your exact needs. Our Trainers and Concierge Team will work one-on-one with you to create your custom schedule and keep you moving confidently and comfortably through your fitness journey. Private Training Members receive special rates on our livestream class membership as an added benefit.

Pilates Private Training

Small-Group Training Membership

Want a more individualized class experience? Small Group Training is right for you. Classes are limited to four participants to allow for personalized instruction and group progression. All in-studio and livestream small-group classes are leveled to help start you in the right class and move through the full scope of the Pilates and GYROTONIC® or GYROKINESIS® repertoire. Small Group Training Members receive special rates on our livestream class membership as an added benefit.

You Can Start Now

Whether you choose in-studio or livestream instruction, you can continue to count on our high-quality studio experience. Fall is a great time to start anew with solidified programs and routines even as we continue to adapt to any challenges. We hope to see you moving with us soon!

Current MOVE Members

We’re ready to welcome our members back into the studio with the personal service you know you can count on from MOVE. If you haven’t heard from us yet to set your fall schedule, you can fill out this short interest form to get the process started. 

New to MOVE?

We can’t wait to meet you. Fill out this quick form and we’ll be in touch or email office@movewellness.com with any questions you might have.

Co-Founders Elaine and Robin Wearing Masks

Data-Driven Decisions: In-Person Safety Protocols

We’re here for you—however you want to move with us. We recognize that some of you are eager to join us in-studio while others would prefer to wait for now. We invite you to choose the mix of in-studio or livestream instruction that’s right for you. When you’re ready to visit MOVE in-person, we want you to feel safe. So we’re taking important steps to make sure you’re comfortable. 

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Pilates Basics: Try These Beginner Pilates Workouts

The ability to create a fit, vital body for a lifetime, safely and efficiently, is what makes Pilates unique among movement systems. It can be hard to find words to describe something as experiential as Pilates, so we’ve put together a series of short workshops to walk you through the essentials of this unique movement system. Join MOVE Co-Founder Elaine Economou as she explains the history of Pilates and takes you to the mat to feel what the movement entails. You’ll learn how to approach your own body in creating a movement routine or system for yourself. We’ll also share what to expect in a Pilates class so you can see what it will be like. Pilates will help you optimize your body for what you love to do in life. 

What is Pilates?

What is Pilates? Pilates is a unique, anatomy-based system designed by a forward-thinking visionary, Joseph Pilates. The goal of a Pilates session is to move through the repertoire of exercises at the level and pace that suits you, moving your spine in all planes of motion and challenging your body with different relationships to gravity. The original Pilates exercises focused simply on the body and breathwork. Over time, various props and specialized equipment became integrated into the movement system. Though challenging, the workout and exercises will energize and invigorate.

Pilates is not a staged Instagram photo of an actress or professional athlete training on some sort of mysterious equipment. Nor is it a painful group fitness class designed to tone your abs, but that instead leaves you with neck or low back pain. No, it’s not even “yoga for core strength.”

Let’s meet Joe: A brief history of Pilates

Before creating Pilates—or what he first called “Contrology”—Joseph Pilates was an avid student of movement. His work was developed 100 years ago from personal inquiry into his own health and physical fitness. He studied the movements of animals and statues of ancient humans with robust musculature. He was drawn to the Greek ideal of a human—a balance of mind, body, and spirit. This is the heart of Pilates: to let you build the best version of yourself. Pilates was infinitely curious about body and building strength. During World War I, he wound up in the UK in an internment camp. It is generally believed that was where he developed the movements that became his repertoire of Pilates mat exercises. Following the war, Pilates emigrated to the US where his work evolved into two things that form the foundation of the Pilates we know today. 

1. A Repertoire of Exercises.

The wisdom of the original 34 Pilates mat exercises continue to reveal themselves. As our knowledge of the body evolves we can see the deep wisdom in how Pilates organized these original exercises. The exercises were to be done in a particular order and a particular way with few props to optimize the body’s movement at any age and physical ability level. 

Pilates Equipment at MOVE Wellness

2. Equipment to Strengthen the Body.

While record-keeping from the war was spotty at best, it’s commonly believed that Pilates found the basis for his spring-based resistance equipment during the war when working with bedridden, injured soldiers by tying sheets onto the bed springs for resistance training. Regardless of his inspiration, today we benefit from his experiments by working on the Reformer, Cadillac, and Chair. This innovative equipment offers us a multitude of ways to personalize the exercises and meet individual needs.

Benefit of Pilates

We already know the benefits of Pilates are vast. There is mounting research that Pilates supports a number of pathologies, postural issues, and is an effective strengthening modality for bodies at any age and stage. Some of the physical benefits of a Pilates practice include:

  • Strength
  • Stability
  • Flexibility
  • Mobility 
  • Balance

The principles that Joseph Pilates developed have held true. There is deep truth in how we organize and use our bodies and Pilates is a system that is efficient, effective, and safe. The principles can be applied to every human body at every age and stage of life. 

Two Senior Women Doing Pilates With Trainer

Pilates can be done in its most basic form gently and simply. As ability, strength, and coordination increase, we can add complexity and more challenging exercises. Anyone who wants increased core and overall strength, fewer injuries, better coordination, and better muscle function can and should do Pilates. When you practice these exercises regularly, you can take them to other parts of your life, including your other fitness routines, hobbies you love, and the activities of life. Pilates will bring ease, strength, and balance into your body.

“If your spine is inflexibly stiff at 30 you are old. If it is completely flexible at 60 you are young.”

—Joseph Pilates
Elaine Economou Teaching Pilates

The Basics: A 4-Part Pilates Series to Get Started

As you prepare to build a Pilates movement system for yourself, it’s important to start at the beginning to build the vocabulary and understand the concepts. As you feel them in your own body you will start to connect to the organization of the movements. Advanced athletes may be able to jump into an advanced class and be able to do the movements, but without the basics their benefits will be limited by a lack of understanding. With a goal to build strength, ease, and mobility in our bodies, Elaine has laid out the foundation of the system in 4 parts: Breathing, Abdominals, Spinal Mobility, and Strength.

https://youtu.be/OIfFXox_Q-A

Pilates Basics Part 1: Breathing

Pilates is a mindful movement practice with guided breathing principles. Joseph Pilates is known for saying that “…above all, learn how to breathe correctly.” Connecting our breath with movement is foundational to organizing the musculoskeletal system and can help us improve circulation, reduce stress, improve concentration, and support a balanced nervous system. These help us move through the day with ease.

https://youtu.be/CaSigj_dMUg


Pilates Basics Part 2: Abdominals

In Part 1, we learned how breathing connects to our movement, particularly our abdominal connection. Now we will challenge and strengthen this connection to support the trunk against the movement of the legs for a healthy back. These layers of exercise will challenge your stability and mobility and can then be applied to anything you love to do, with the goal of feeling energized in our day. 

https://youtu.be/54hTvbXvicI

Pilates Basics Part 3: Spinal Mobility

Part 3 of our Pilates series will show us how we use the breath and the abdominal connection to support moving the spine in all directions. In Pilates, we connect our breathing to movement in class so out in the world our bodies feel strong and supported without a lot of formal effort. We’re practicing for the activities of daily life.

https://youtu.be/b9MH1GdxZpA

Pilates Basics Part 4: Strength

It’s time to layer the principles of Pilates as we create an embodied strength and understanding of our own unique structure and function. Pilates will build strength through the center of the body—commonly referred to as our core—and into the periphery, developing strong arms and legs. This moves your body in a way that can build real strength for you to do the work of life.

What to Expect in A Pilates Class

Now that you’ve experienced the foundation of Pilates, let’s get you ready to join us in a regular class! At MOVE, we level our classes as Gentle/Intro, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Advanced. Our movement experts and concierge service will connect you with the class that’s right for you. We generally suggest our clients start with a Gentle or Level 1 class until they feel secure in the basics and pace of movement. Even our elite athletes start with Level 1 to learn the basics! This foundation will help you feel the depth of this movement system and get the most out of our classes.

Angela Sutcliffe Teaching a Pilates Class

Some concepts you will generally explore in a Pilates class.

  • Breathing. It’s so important to connect to muscular activation of tissues. We inhale to fill the lungs completely and expand the diaphragm to help the transverse abdominis and pelvic floor muscles expand, and exhale completely for an efficient exchange of oxygen. We’re building the interoceptive sense and understanding the sensation of what’s happening in the body. Breathing optimally brings tone to the deep support structures of the trunk.
  • Breathing and moving. How we combine breathing and movement depends on the level of the class, age and stage of life, desired outcomes of the teacher, equipment used, and whether the class is based on the classic exercises or creative interpretation. All Pilates classes have a theme or goal that the teacher is supporting.
  • Mobilizing your spine in all planes of motion. Pilates will bring you through rotation or flexion, extension, and lateral flexion. We’ll bring ease and movement to all the joints of the spine in all planes of motion. Working on a mat, you’ll organize your abdominals to stabilize the pelvis against the movement of the legs. Bringing ease of movement to the pelvis will bring balance of movement into the spine. It’s all connected! 
  • Challenging your body with all relationships to gravity. You’ll move on your back, belly, all-fours, seated, plank, standing, and using increasingly longer levers to challenge yourself. Class will flow through all of those positions. As we stabilize the pelvis against movement of the legs, our core will support us. Think of the body as a system. We will target the whole system to move optimally, not just one muscle.
  • Work at the level right for you. All of this work will be done within the level that’s right for your body, and your age and stage of life. Pilates offers something for everyone and every body. We will optimize your body for what you love to do in life and bring ease and balance to support you. It’s about more than being defined by just musculature—it’s thinking about fitness as resilience.
Elaine Economou Teaching Pilates

Join the MOVE Wellness® Community!

You CAN start now. Here are 3 ways you can join the MOVE Wellness community today.

  1. Private Sessions: Virtual or in-studio instruction, customized to your body and your needs.
  2. Livestream Classes: Read our Livestream FAQs for more information. Drop-in or unlimited class memberships are available. Choose from Pilates, GYROKINESIS®, Barre, Yoga, and more. Additional options to enhance your movement routine are coming this fall, so stay tuned.
  3. MOVE YouTube Channel: Always open to explore at your convenience, these videos are available to anyone. Exciting new content is added regularly. Choose one video or mix and match your own workout.

“In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 sessions you’ll see the difference, and in 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body”. 

—Joseph PIlates

You CAN start now.

Still have questions? Give us a call at 734-224-2560 or email office@movewellness.com. Let us get you started on your personal Pilates journey today! 

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9 Exercises for People Who Sit All Day

Originally published on All About Ann Arbor (A4) February 2019, and updated July 2020.

Health experts are saying “sitting is the new smoking” for good reason. Try these exercises and stretches for people who sit all day.

There is mounting evidence​ that suggests the cumulative effects of sitting, either at a desk all day or because of a sedentary lifestyle, can have a negative impact on health. In addition to musculoskeletal issues, people who sit all day are more likely to suffer from obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular issues, metabolic disorders, cancer and early mortality. 

Exercising every day may not be enough

Say you ride your bike to and from work, but sit for most of the day at work and log a couple of hours on the couch in the evening. Some researchers call this the “Active Couch Potato” and stress that even though you might be reaching your daily exercise quota, it doesn’t outweigh the “deleterious health consequences of prolonged sitting time.” 

The call to MOVE more

Simply put, our bodies are not meant to be still for long periods. I know I am oversimplifying, but I think of it like this: The body is a comprehensive system which operates on the basis of circulation to stimulate the various systems and tissues to keep you healthy. Circulation is stimulated by movement. When our hearts beat faster, we increase circulation, and when we are still, circulation slows down (sort of like when your hand or foot “falls asleep”).

These are two extreme cases, but imagine your liver or kidneys slowing down from poor circulation. Now imagine that cumulative effect over months or years and it’s easier to see how our “system” for optimal health can be compromised by being sedentary.  
 
Taking frequent movement breaks is one part of the answer. Current recommendations vary from moving once every 20 minutes to once every hour ​at a minimum

Genetic vs. cultural posture (A.K.A. Ouch, my back hurts!)

As a Pilates and ​GYROTONIC® ​Exercise trainer, I see the impact of prolonged sitting on the human body all the time. At my studio, one of the first questions we ask clients when they meet us for the first session is how long they sit. If we know that they’re sitting the majority of the day (or standing with bad posture), we expect to hear and see some or all of the following effects of sitting too long: 

  • Low back pain from the compressive forces on the spine and the position of the pelvis while seated. 
  • Shoulder or rotator cuff issues from “computer posture” pulling your shoulders forward and changing the alignment of the shoulder joint. 
  • Neck strain from alignment issues in the spine and adjusting the eyes to see a screen or phone. 
  • Weak muscles in the upper back from “computer posture.”  
  • Tight and short hip flexors, which can play a role in low back pain. 

Each of us has a unique skeleton, which I call our “genetic posture.” Our genetic posture plays a role in the impact of sitting on our skeletal muscles and alignment. If you combine this genetic posture with our “cultural posture” or lifestyle (i.e. what we do all day and love to do for movement) you can see that creating a movement plan unique to you requires some intentional planning and understanding of yourself.  

A three-step solution to sitting too much

1. Reduce 

​Think honestly about how long you sit each day. Include car trips, commuting, desk time and end-of-day relaxation. See if there are natural ways to break up the time you spend sedentary, and then decide how often you will commit to getting up and moving around. Add reminders in your phone or computer.  

If you’re an evening sitter, perhaps you add one small movement activity then. Here in Ann Arbor, there’s no way an evening walk appeals to me in winter, but I commit to moving around my home more. If I can, I schedule a couple of extra evening exercise classes each week until the weather warms up.  

2. Strategize

Focusing on some key areas of your body with specific exercises can help you mitigate the effects of sitting on your spine, shoulders, hips and back. Below are simple stretches that are safe to repeat throughout your day to help keep your postural muscles active and your body balanced. Be sure to include a well-rounded workout routine that includes mobility, strength and cardio-training.  

3. Vary

Vary your position throughout the day. If you can, stand (with good posture!) for part of your work day and shift your weight gently to keep moving. You may love to do something like running, dance, yoga or walking, so bring more of it into your life. If movement is tough because of an ache or a pain, see your doctor to get some support. Quite often, adding a regular mindful movement program like Pilates—which builds mobility, flexibility, and strength—can help you unravel your issues and keep you safe and injury-free.  

Easy Activity Breaks After Sitting Too Long

We’re sharing a short video with 9 exercises perfect for maintaining movement throughout your spine. Once you are familiar with these exercises, you can effortlessly vary your routine. Use the exercises separately to insert feel-good breaks for your mind and body as needed throughout the day. Be sure that one or more of your daily breaks includes a brisk walk!

https://youtu.be/58QVNdiFfyI

Positive effects to last a lifetime

Taking time and care to move during the day will create positive effects over a lifetime and help you continue to be active in ways that you love. Ready for more? Visit our YouTube Channel for a variety of workout options or register for one of our livestream classes.

MOVE Wellness can help you improve mobility, flexibility and strength. You can start now with an in-studio introductory session or a free trial of our livestream class offerings.

Elaine Economou is co-founder, President & CEO of MOVE Wellness Studios Fitness & Wellness, located in Ann Arbor, MI. Elaine holds certification through the Pilates Method Alliance, STOTT PILATES and the GYROTONIC® and GYROKINESIS® Methods. She has received additional training as a Wellcoaches™ trained Wellness Coach and TRX Suspension Trainer and Total Barre Instructor.

 

 

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Pilates at Home: Online Fitness Classes

Join MOVE’s Online Fitness Classes for Pilates Workouts at Home

When we celebrated MOVE’s 6th anniversary in early March, it was hard to imagine what an incredible challenge our studio would shortly face. Now, over one month later, we are all still adjusting to our new normal. Even so, our staff remains a strong group of movement experts and what we continue to believe is this: it is so important to keep moving. At MOVE, we are committed to continuing to adapt and grow so that we can help our community to keep moving at home. 

We already know the benefits of Pilates are vast. There is mounting research that Pilates supports a number of pathologies, postural issues, and is an effective strengthening modality for bodies at any age and stage. Some of the physical benefits of a Pilates practice includes increased core strength, stability, flexibility, and mobility. In addition, Pilates is a mindful movement practice with guided breathing principles. Joseph Pilates is known for saying that “…above all, learn how to breathe correctly.” Connecting our breath with movement can help us improve circulation, reduce stress, improve concentration, and support a balanced nervous system. All of these benefits are important now more than ever to help us move through the day with ease.

Livestream Pilates Class

Over the last few weeks, we have seen our in-studio community successfully transition to an online community. We closed the physical doors to the studio on March 16 and started offering online fitness classes the very next day. MOVE trainers are now livestreaming over 50 classes every week. With our expanded schedule we hope that our MOVE community will spread the word about MOVE to friends and family across the country. Our lineup includes not only all levels of Pilates but also barre, yoga, GYROKINESIS®, the Franklin Method, and HIIT classes. We are fully committed to our online livestream classes and to keeping our community moving at home for the foreseeable future.

Can Pilates be done at home?

We all love the fancy machines we have in the studio, but you don’t need expensive equipment to practice Pilates at home. When Joseph Pilates created Pilates in the early 1920s he was focused simply on the body and breathwork. The Pilates equipment came years after the Pilates matwork. 

Pilates Online Teaser

Matwork provides the strength and foundation for all of the movements done on the Pilates Reformer, Cadillac, and Chair. Every March, the Pilates community goes back to Joseph’s roots and celebrates the original 34 mat exercises with March MATness. Although MOVE’s March MATness challenge was paused this year, many of us had really gotten into a groove of working on matwork in-studio. We’ve transitioned this practice to home and we know our clients are feeling it! 

“The livestream classes have been amazing, and a great way to feel productive and in control at a time where little else seems that way! As a member who has moved out of the area, I’ve also really enjoyed re-connecting with the MOVE instructors and community.” 

—Rena H.

Pilates workouts you can do at home

MOVE Co-Founder Elaine Economou suggests we think about movement with the mantra “take your vitamins”. A great place to start moving at home is with a movement vitamin in the form of gentle warm ups and simple exercises. Consistent practice is key to feeling changes in your body.

Watch Elaine’s Movement Vitamin video, and try out any combination of these essential exercises on your own:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfhLnqVTXtA
  • Spinal Rotation
  • Hip Release
  • Arm Circles
  • Cat Stretch
  • Opposite Arm-Leg Balance
  • Hip Rolls
  • Side Leg Lift
  • Toe Taps
  • Breast Stroke Prep
  • Standing Side Bend
  • Upper Ab Flexion

These essential exercises are a strong foundation to a home Pilates practice. With any form of exercise, it’s important to know your limits and practice within your personal abilities. When you’re ready to build on these basics, we offer several options for movement. 

  • Our YouTube Channel offers video workouts ranging from 10 to 30 minutes with a variety of Pilates, barre, cardio, and stretching options. Check them out and subscribe to our channel if you haven’t already. We’re constantly working on adding new content.
MOVE YouTube Channel
  • Virtual Private sessions are a great option where you can practice with one of our excellent trainers. MOVE trainers can help you deepen your Pilates practice by safely layering in harder or more complex exercises or helping guide you through modifications suitable for your specific body.
Shell Stretch Pilates Online
  • Livestream Group Fitness is a great way to bring variety and fun into your workouts. We have more than 10 weekly class options on the schedule with unlimited monthly memberships available. 

What do I need for Pilates at home?

The short answer? A tech device to stream your class on and a Zoom link. All livestream Pilates classes can be done with just a yoga or Pilates mat and a bath towel. For more information, including fun props to layer in or household prop-swaps, read our article Livestream at MOVE: What Do I Need for Class?

Pilates can be adapted to home practice with ease. Think about where in your home you can really connect to your body free of noise and distractions, if possible. Choose a space where you have room to place a mat and extend your body at different angles. When you’re in class, don’t forget to listen to your body. If an exercise doesn’t feel right for you, skip it. If you know a modification, try that instead. You can always skip the current exercise and do your favorite stretch, grab a drink, or simply tune into your breathing as you wait for the next exercise.

Online Fitness Class Scene

Who can take online fitness classes?

Anybody… and everybody! At any fitness level, Pilates is an effective and safe way to increase your flexibility, develop your core, and release tension. The exercises are designed to layer and build on each other as the student learns the foundational principles. In any session or class your trainer will aim to move you through all possible planes of movement of the spine. Trainers will include exercises that move the spine forward and back, sideways, and rotating into a spiral. You will also be taught to stabilize your spine and pelvis using your core. It’s all about building a well-rounded movement routine that supports strength and muscle balance. 

Man doing online Pilates class

At MOVE, we’ve organized classes into six levels: Gentle, Intro, Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Advanced. If you’re brand new to the studio, feel free to drop us an email so we can help you find your best fit. 

Register for an online fitness class today!

Ready to join us online? We have both monthly memberships and single class pricing. We’re committed to keeping our community connected and moving together and we hope you’ll join us.

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Zooming into Livestream Fitness: Getting Started

How do I download and join a Zoom class?

  1. Make sure that you have a device that can connect to the internet: smartphone (Android, iPhone), computer (Laptop, desktop), or other devices (tablet, iPad). 
  2. You will get an email or calendar invite from MOVE inviting you to a Zoom meeting.
  3. Click the link to join
  1. If you have not previously downloaded Zoom, you will see this screen. Click on download & run Zoom.
  1. Click on the downloaded zoom.pkg
  1. You do not need to allow Zoom to access Files in the download folder
  1. Follow the instructions to complete the installation
  1. Open Zoom when it’s download is complete and allow it to use the camera and microphone
  1. This is the screen when Zoom has been opened.
  1. If you already have Zoom you should be able to click the meeting link and open Zoom immediately. Enter in the name you wish to be viewed during the meeting. Please start the meeting with no video or audio. This will allow for a better connection to the video and audio being streamed from Move.
  1. You will see the screen below if you enter the meeting before the trainer starts the class. Once the trainer has entered the meeting, the audio and video will begin.
  1. If you think you are going to need help setting up Zoom or will have any questions, please call in and we can help you walk through the process.  You are also welcome to peruse Zoom’s FAQs page.
  2. Still have questions? Email office@movewellness.com for support. We can even set up a practice session if needed before your class.

All live stream content is property of MOVE Wellness and should not be recorded. Clients can subscribe to MOVE’s YouTube page to be alerted as we post free online content.

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Livestreaming at MOVE: FAQs

How do I sign up for a class?

  • Sign-up online.
  • Email the office (office@movewellness.com) or call or text us at (734) 224-2560.
  • Please give advance notice to sign up for a class.

Where is the schedule posted?

How do I download and join a Zoom class?

When should I join class?

  • Click the Zoom meeting link and join the class about 5 minutes before class to troubleshoot any technical difficulties.

What do I do if I get stuck in the “waiting room”?

  • Wait a few seconds to give time for being admitted into the meeting, and if not resolved then email the office (office@movewellness.com) or call us at (734) 224-2560.

What do I do if I get kicked out of a meeting?

  • Click on the Zoom link again and our tech support will let you back in.

What do I need for class?

  • All classes can be done with just a yoga or pilates mat and a bath towel. MOVE has prop kits containing a blue toning ball and theraband available upon request. 
  • Instructors will remind you of what props you might want at the beginning of class. Instructors can always provide modifications or suggest substitutions if you don’t have these props available.
  • Visit Livestream at MOVE: What Do I Need For Class? for more information on props and music playlists.

How can I listen to music for class?

Help! No one can hear me.

  • Clients are all muted upon entry of class.
    • This is for technical reasons because Zoom shows the person making the loudest noise on the main screen. This way the instructor will stay on the main screen and any client background noise (kids, animals, phone alerts) will not disturb other clients. 
  • You can request to be unmuted if you have a question and the trainer will get an alert. 
    • You can do this by hitting the chat icon or by “raising your hand” function.
  • For private training sessions, the trainer can leave you unmuted the whole time since there are only two of you.

How do I “raise my hand” to get the instructor’s attention?

  • Once you are in the meeting, click on the participants icon (either on the bottom or the top of the screen). Another panel will open displaying everyone. At the bottom, you can click “raise hand.” This will put up a blue hand icon. You can also lower your hand.

Do I have to turn the video on for class?

  • If you do not wish to have other clients able to see you via video during class that is totally fine. You can join a Zoom meeting with audio only. Just keep in mind the instructor will not be able to see you to offer modifications.

What else should I be mindful of?

  • If you are using your camera, consider if you stay in frame whether standing or lying down and if you prefer to be front or side-facing to the camera.
  • Be aware of surroundings: 
    • Carpet or rugs could become a tripping hazard (especially if wearing shoes); 
    • Props  should be nearby but not hindering movement
    • Chairs or tables may slide
      • If using a chair or table to get up from the ground, be careful not to use it to pull yourself up. Instead think of pressing down rather than away/toward you.
  • Listen to your body. If an exercise doesn’t feel right for you today, please skip it. If you know a modification, please do it instead. You can always skip the current exercise and do your favorite stretch, grab a drink, or simply catch your breath as you wait for the next exercise.
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Boutique fitness studio or gym?

Gyms have come a long way in the last couple decades. Big, beautiful facilities with pretty reasonable fees and equipped with all the bells and whistles: pool, steam room, hot tub, indoor tracks, child care, snack bars, and cardio equipment for miles, complete with a tiny personal tv for your viewing pleasure. So then, why do so many people seem to be turning to local boutique fitness studios for their personal health and wellness needs? It may come down to that one simple word: personal.

Creating a fitness studio built for you

It’s been nearly six years since my business partner Robin and I opened MOVE Wellness in Ann Arbor, Michigan. But before tackling this new venture, I spent 12 years teaching Pilates and GYROKINESIS® at a large fitness center in the small town where I live. 

It was a big, lovely facility serving somewhere around 2,500 members and had every amenity and piece of gym equipment you could possibly desire. The warm, cushy seating area with fireplace, coupled with the snack bar and daycare, gave me a place to safely park my young boys for an hour while I taught class. The gym staff and management were personable and caring toward all of the members and I loved how often I ran into friends and fellow community members there.

For many people, the affordability of the membership and convenience of the full-service facility were a perfect solution for exercise classes and personal fitness options. And yet, there were two primary things that kept nagging at me as I observed the hundreds of members moving through their daily routines there over the years: 1) They were all being handed a one-size-fits-all fitness solution and 2) None of them seemed meaningfully connected to their own bodies and wellness while there. 

Fitness studios built for you

Any physical movement should be enjoyable. Even if you’re challenging yourself and focusing on weight loss or strength training, you still need to enjoy what you’re doing and want to keep doing it in order to accomplish your goals.

Most days, when I would walk through the cardio and equipment areas at my gym, I’d see person after person looking somewhat pained and even unhappy as they went about their  treadmill routine or circuit training all in the name of personal well-being and health. I’d also see lots of little things that I could easily help them adjust or correct in order to keep them safe, help them maximize their workouts, and understand how their bodies were supposed to feel while doing that work correctly. But the rhythm and environment of those larger gym spaces aren’t really set up for that kind of one-on-one support and guidance. 

As someone who grew up dancing and learned to love moving my body at an early age, I decided that I could offer people something better. While we teach specific movement practices like Pilates, yoga, GYROKINESIS® and GYROTONIC® at our studio, the goal is to use those forms to empower people of any age and fitness level to be strong, healthy and capable of moving in ways that make them happy—walking, running, gardening, crafting, dancing, morel mushroom foraging, or whatever it may be. 

Further, I wanted to create a space for people who wanted to be empowered in that way. A smaller fitness studio is designed for people who want to know why certain things are hurting or affecting their lives in the ways that they are, and get expert help in unraveling those issues and developing a better understanding of what safe, strong, effective activity and exercise should feel like.

In that spirit, here are a few key things to consider when deciding if a large gym or boutique fitness studio is right for you:

Fitness memberships: Cost vs. value

The affordability of a traditional gym membership is of course one of the primary reasons that many people choose larger centers. However, the only reason those centers are able to offer those reasonable membership fees is because their business model relies on as many as 50% of their members never actually coming to the gym. Yes, you’re going to pay a little more for a membership at a smaller fitness studio. But, as is the case with so many other things that really matter in life (like your health), you get what you pay for. 

When you choose a boutique studio, you’re paying for personalized service and a depth of expertise that you simply won’t get at a big gym. Smaller studios typically hire stronger caliber instructors and trainers, many of whom have the advanced training and education to address the needs of people recovering from injuries and surgeries or with conditions like osteoporosis. Many small studios like ours also spend time cultivating close relationships with fellow healthcare providers and local experts to offer you a more comprehensive network of wellness support. 

Small group training vs. large fitness class size

Yes, when you just want to go move your body, have some fun and not really worry about what you’re doing and why, a room full of people with loud music can be a lot of fun. And those kind of fitness classes have their place. But when it comes to technique, proper form, personal goals and safe movement principles, smaller class sizes with six to eight people are where you want to be. 

Movement systems like Pilates and GYROKINESIS®, and even yoga, are only effective if instructors have the time and space to connect with you individually and clearly communicate the fundamentals of those exercises. Smaller class sizes are efficient. They help get you moving correctly and feeling stronger more quickly. In a nutshell: They help you move and work smarter, not harder.

A fitness plan with structure and accountability 

Despite good intentions and the best efforts, larger gyms are not equipped to offer personal accountability for their members. To really offer that personalized support and connection that most of us need, trainers need time to listen to you and to get to know your individual body, needs, and lifestyle. While a large gym may offer variety and convenience, including personal training, they are not designed to help you create a customized fitness routine and wellness plan and support you as you progress toward individual goals or adjust accordingly as your needs change.

Small wellness studios create meaningful community

For the last several years, countless scientific studies have confirmed that longevity and social interaction are connected. Loneliness and lack of community are now considered major risk factors for our long term health and wellness. And while larger fitness clubs and gyms can and do offer plenty of opportunities to see and be around other people, those interactions aren’t always as deep and meaningful as they could be. 

In some cases, a larger fitness center catering to hundreds of people of all ages and types can feel like more of a quantity versus quality type experience. Whereas smaller boutique studios often shape their business models and services around creating meaningful interaction between trainers and clients and rich community among those clients.

Doing what’s right for you and your body

You know yourself better than anybody. And you deserve fitness and wellness solutions that work for you. And the reality is that what may work for you today, may not be what worked for you five or 10 years ago, or what will work for you five or 10 years from now. 

Take the time to assess what you have going on, what your needs are, what your goals are, what your lifestyle is like right now. Take the time to research the options available to you. Swing by and visit the gyms and studios near you, talk to the people who work there, the people who are members there, and see which fit is right for you. 

Ready to get your own personal fitness plan rolling? 

Sign up for an introductory package today, call 734-224-2560, or email us to chat about your options, or stop by the studio to say hello in person.

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What is functional training?

Picture this: It’s a beautiful day and you are on a walk enjoying the fall foliage. You are walking with a companion, your dog, your (grand)children, or maybe enjoying some quiet alone time. Suddenly your companion slips and grabs onto your arm. Or maybe your dog pulls forcefully on the leash to chase after a squirrel. One of the children suddenly refuses to walk any farther and insists on being carried. Or, maybe you don’t see the uneven terrain ahead, misjudge your step, and lose your balance. We’ve all experienced situations where just the acts of daily life can lead to unexpected results in our body. Functional training can help prepare us for these moments.

Functional training is targeted movement that works the body and muscle groups in ways that support the activities of daily life to help you feel better as you move through your day and reduce risk of injury. Both Pilates and GYROTONIC® exercises can be used as functional training for a variety of lifestyles and functional fitness goals.

For most people, training the body to meet the activities of daily life means making sure that you move your spine in all of its planes of motion every day so that the small muscles that stabilize the spine stay active. Even gentle spinal motions like cat stretches and easy rotations like side lying spinal rotation and arm circles that bring you into a bit of spinal extension can help you maintain the mobility necessary for everyday movements. Exercises like squats, single leg lifts and side leg lifts will keep the lower body kinetic chain active and strong.

MOVE Trainer Davy Darnton doing a Pilates teaser

Pilates and GYROTONIC® exercise as functional training

When life throws you these curveballs, how does your body respond to these changes in demand? Does your companion pull you down with them and you both get banged up, or are you able to provide a steady arm to help them regain their footing? Does your dog pulling cause you to suddenly twist and strain a muscle in your back, or is your body able to adjust to the change of directions with healthy spinal rotation? Are you able to carry a child without causing your shoulders to go on strike the next day?

As a Pilates and GYROTONIC® trainer, I want to partner with my clients to help them to move pain-free through daily life and give their body strength and resources adapt to unexpected movement loads. Each of our movement loads and physical requirements is going to be unique.

For example, as a mom with small children, I need my body to be able to keep up with my busy four-year-old, but also be able to play on the floor with my infant. I also need to be able to hold babies in my arms for long periods of time and lift my children from varying surfaces or heights many times a day. My functional training goal is motherhood!

In this lifestyle scenario, Pilates helps me:

  • Train and strengthen my deep core muscles that are also recovering from childbirth
  • Ensure my glutes are firing to support my movements
  • Keep the muscles of my shoulder strong, but mobile
MOVE trainer Davy Darnton doing GYROTONIC® exercise

Alongside the above goals, GYROTONIC® training helps me:

  • Keep my spine mobile and articulating in all directions (kids wiggle unpredictably!)
  • Lengthen my chest muscles to counteract all the hours I spend focused downward on babies
  • Strengthen my erector spinae muscles that keep me upright and tall

What type of life are you training for? Is it a life that can react quickly and adapt to changes without causing injury? There are many stages of life that can be served by this approach to training. You may not have babies, but maybe you have a desk job that takes a toll on your body. Or you may spend a lot of time in a committed relationship with your laptop or cell phone.  Maybe you love to work in your garden, or have the vacation of a lifetime coming up. Every life has movement challenges. You don’t need to be training for a half marathon to have a goal for your Pilates or GYROTONIC® practice.

A MOVE client used functional training in Pilates to reach the top of Machu Picchu

Pilates and GYROTONIC® exercise are both effective functional training methods to support your life’s activities, whatever that may encompass. We hear messages often about how we are supposed to look, but if your body doesn’t allow you to live a joyous and active life, what’s the point? Training goes deeper than face value, and as a trainer I care more about helping you train your body to support YOU.  It’s not about how you look it’s about how you MOVE.

You Can Start Now

MOVE Wellness has experienced trainers who can help you workout safely and effectively and provide accommodation for any injuries or nagging pains. Talk to your trainer about your personal goals for the movement that matters in your life so we can support you in achieving those goals. MOVE offers private training in-person or online as well as MOVE Livestream with interactive livestream group classes you can take from the comfort and privacy of your own home. In addition, MOVE On Demand offers programs and classes you can access whenever and wherever you want.

Call us today at 734-224-2560 to learn more or start now online to schedule in-studio. We also have a 14 day free trial of MOVE Livestream classes you can take advantage of.

Schedule an Introductory Session

About the Author: Davy Darnton

Davy Darnton is a STOTT PILATES and GYROTONIC® trained instructor, who loves to challenge her clients and help them feel great in their bodies. She believes that we all have the power to heal our bodies through movement. Davy is Certified in STOTT Pilates Mat & Reformer work, Prenatal & Postnatal Pilates, Pilates for Diastasis Recti and is a  GYROTONIC® Apprentice Trainer. Davy’s love of movement began at a young age when she first discovered gymnastics. Through her school years she was a competitive gymnast and gymnastics coach. During college Davy studied International Affairs at Ohio University and post college pursued development work as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Zambia. She is passionate about health prevention and education, women’s health, and holding space for healing to occur. Davy is returning to MOVE from maternity leave after welcoming her second child and works with clients of all ages and populations, including: post-rehab pilates, prenatal and postnatal pilates, chronic illness, cancer survivors, elder adults, athletes, runners, joint replacement, and anyone who has ever sat at a desk.

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Pilates Levels: When am I ready for Level 2 classes?

At any fitness level, Pilates is an effective and safe way to increase your flexibility, develop your core, and release tension. The exercises are designed to layer and build on each other as the student learns the foundational principles. Pilates is suitable for all bodies at any stage of life. At MOVE, we have different levels of Pilates classes to help our clients move confidently and comfortably through their personal fitness journey. Read on to learn more about how we created our Pilates levels and how you know when you’re ready to level up!

What are Pilates levels?

Pilates levels are designed to lend structure to the repertoire of exercises to ensure that you are learning the essential principles before moving to more challenging exercises. 

The Pilates Method Alliance and STOTT Pilates organize the Pilates exercises into three categories:

  • Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • Advanced

At MOVE, we’ve organized our small-group training classes into six levels:

  • Gentle
  • Intro
  • Level 1
  • Level 2
  • Level 3
  • Advanced

We also have private sessions available for students to strengthen their muscles by getting a Pilates workout from an instructor teaching them movement, motion, and control and other Pilates exercises.

Is there different Pilates equipment for each level?

Pilates exercise is done mainly by bodyweight, so all you’ll really need is a yoga mat. Some Pilates classes add light weights or resistance bands to stretch, increasing range and improve control.

Am I ready to take it to the next level?

As you progress on your Pilates journey, you may come to a point where you are wondering if you are ready to move up to the next level. At MOVE, our Level 2 Pilates Classes are designed to be a comfortable transition between Level 1 (beginner) and Level 3 (intermediate). In Level 2, clients will continue to practice the full beginner repertoire of exercises while intermediate principles and exercises are layered into the workout. This includes more weight bearing on arms, more complex movements, and larger ranges of motion with stability and balance challenges.

What do Pilates trainers think?

From a trainer’s perspective, a client is ready to enroll in Level 2 classes when they have achieved competence with the beginner level exercises and can do most of them fairly easily, with good form, and without a lot of explanation. The trainer in a Level 2 class will divide class time between letting students move smoothly through the material while introducing new concepts and exercises from the intermediate repertoire. Intermediate exercises generally require more strength and coordination. Level 2 is a way to start learning the increasingly challenging material before it becomes the focus of the entire class in Level 3.

So how do I know for sure?

You know your body best. A Level 1 class provides a well-rounded workout. For some clients, continuing the essential work in Level 1 may be a great fit on an ongoing basis. Students interested in advancing should feel comfortable with a Level 1 class and might in fact start feeling like they want more of a challenge. Any doubts or questions? Ask you instructor. MOVE trainers are always happy to provide their feedback and suggestions.

We love to see our clients mastering new exercises, and at MOVE there is truly a level to suit all bodies and fitness goals.  We’re here to support your personal journey.

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