Improve your posture and muscle tone from head to toe, especially your core, with Pilates, aka Contrology!
Whether you are not ready for in-person sessions, or perhaps online is simply more convenient for you, please contact me for more details on how we can set up a virtual private Pilates session. Learn more about and book your private sessions on the Pilates apparatus!
For more information about Virtual Pilates group classes, click here.
What is Pilates?
Pilates is an exercise method that employs resistance training. Spring resistance from the Pilates apparatuses and your own body weight help you develop strength, muscle tone, and flexibility. Joseph Pilates created this system, what he named ‘Contrology’, to strengthen your entire body from top to bottom. With the Pilates method, every exercise works everything, which means you develop your muscles in a balanced way.
A little bit about Rachel Santos’ two certification programs:
Real Pilates, a classical Pilates teacher training program, was created by 2nd generation teacher, Alycea Ungaro, and it is one of the most rigorous and respected programs in the industry. Real Pilates employs the primary technique and methods created by Joseph Pilates himself. Mr. Pilates handed down his body of work to Romana Kryzanowska, whom he had made director of his studio; she then passed on the work to Alycea Ungaro. The Real Pilates program is based on Romana’s syllabus from the early 1990’s when she was at the peak of her teaching. This foundational training coupled with modern technology and founder Alycea Ungaro’s background as a physical therapist, makes the program unique.
STOTT PILATES® is a contemporary approach to the original exercise method pioneered by the late Joseph Pilates. Co‑founders Moira and Lindsay G. Merrithew, along with a team of physical therapists, sports medicine and fitness professionals, have spent more than two decades refining the STOTT PILATES® method of exercise and equipment. This resulted in the inclusion of modern principles of exercise science and spinal rehabilitation. This clear and detailed approach forms the basis for STOTT PILATES® training and certification programs, used by rehab and prenatal clients, athletes, celebrities and everyone in between.
Read more here about Joseph Pilates, the man behind the method (originally called Contrology), and the history of Pilates.
Wanting to get an extra Pilates workout at home between classes? Subscribe to our Enhanced Replays to get in a Pilates or barre workout any time you want! Private clients can log in for free.
Matwork group Class levels
The Pilates classes are an open level for the general, injury-free participant. Classes may include the use of small props to make the workouts more fun and dynamic.
Before joining the Pilates group classes, I strongly recommend that you do an entrance assessment and/or some privates. As a result, I will ensure you understand the basic principles and help you follow the group workout much more easily. If you have injuries or limitations, I would strongly suggest private sessions. I can address your specific needs in a private session, therefore avoiding skipping too many exercises during the group class.
Each time I instruct a class, I always teach to the group in front of me, taking into account the participants’ experience and fitness. The most important thing to me is that I safely take you through a challenging, full-body workout designed to strengthen core stability, improve posture, and increase flexibility.
I have been teaching Pilates since 2010 and have experience teaching to mixed-level groups. I will offer more challenging variations to more advanced Pilates students and modifications to those who have less experience. I hold two certifications: my most recent is with The Real Pilates Classical Teacher Training Program; my first is with STOTT® Pilates (contemporary method). The Pilates, fitness, and other movement method workshops I have taken throughout the years may also inform my style and exercise choices.
Private Pilates sessions
Private sessions are tailored to what your body needs! In the studio you’ll get to work out with the Gratz Reformer and Half Cadillac (tower), Ladder Barrel, Baby Arm Chair, Spine Corrector, and Foot Corrector. There are also a STOTT® Arc Barrel, and Spine Supporter; a Wunda Chair, Pedipull, Toe Corrector, Tensatoner, and many other small apparatus and props to round out your workout.

With virtual sessions, I adapt to what you have at your disposal and astutely craft a Pilates class that will have all of your muscles working.
With private sessions, whether in person* or virtually, I am able to program the workout you need to improve your strength, balance, and body awareness. Plus, you’ll get access to our Enhanced Replays to continue your practice any time you want in between our sessions. Once you try it, you’ll fall in love with Pilates!



*My availability for private Pilates sessions is Monday and Wednesday mornings. There are a few, limited openings for Tuesday and Thursday mid- to late-afternoons.
You’ll be able to schedule your sessions about three months out. Here is a short video I made to help you through the booking process.
book your private pilates session: //
réservez votre séance privée de Pilates :
Insurance (naturotherapy) receipts for private Pilates issued upon request.