What is the personality/philosophy of Sanctuary Pilates?
Kate: Now more than ever, New Yorkers are seeking Pilates and yoga instruction in an environment that is individualized rather than routine. However, packed classes, indifferent instructors, and cookie cutter regimens have become commonplace - and as a result, studios and centers feel more like factories than places of refuge. I decided to shift the focus back to personalized services with Sanctuary Pilates.
Sanctuary Pilates is a boutique wellness center offering Pilates, yoga, massage and other healing modalities. Through Sanctuary Pilates, I strive to create a private oasis that provides my clients with personalized programs and the individualized attention to truly reap the benefits of their chosen practice. Whether they choose to explore Pilates, yoga (pre-natal yoga is offered as well), nutrition or massage therapy, the key to my client's success is the tailoring of a wellness regimen that addresses the specific goals and needs of each student.
Describe the atmosphere of your facility.
Kate: Located on the ground floor of a quaint townhouse in the Upper East Side, Sanctuary Pilates is an environment supportive of physical and spiritual transformation. Upon entering, one feels as though they have set foot into another realm as the Pilates and yoga equipment act as accents against the studio's serene, yet inviting décor. Within its walls, the hustle and bustle of the city melts away and the focus returns to the individual. Specializing in personalized sessions - no more than two clients receive instruction at a time - ensures that practitioners are allowed to flourish at their own pace.
What are your most popular services or programs?
Kate: Expert Pilates and Yoga instruction are always popular. I also recently launched "Get in Shape with Kate," an initiative to foster a sense of community through fitness. At 1:00 pm every Monday through Thursday, the program brings together those whose physical well-being might have taken a backseat to the stresses and demands of life. Through walking and jogging groups, participants, who are charged a modest fee, network with one another and literally get in shape with me as I also conceived the program as a way to help her tone up before my wedding.
Sanctuary Pilates also hopes to educate future generations on the benefits of wellness through Sanctuary in Schools, Inc., a program that brings Pilates and yoga to city schoolchildren. Sanctuary in Schools recognizes the stress that today's urban school children face both inside and outside of the classroom, and strives to ensure that they have access to stretching, breathing and body-awareness instruction in order to help combat that stress.
Sanctuary Pilates also offers instruction at two off-site locations by appointment only. Residents of 7 Gracie Square can experience in-house Pilates sessions through the Gracie Outpost (off of Carl Shurz Park), and exclusively during the summer Sanctuary comes to Southampton (480 Captain's Neck Lane) with afternoon sessions (12:00 pm to 7:00 pm) on Sundays and morning sessions (7:00 am to 12:00 pm) on Mondays.
How many trainers are on staff?
Kate: I have amassed a team of 7 expert instructors (five Pilates/yoga, one massage therapist and one nutritional counselor) who possess the skill and patience to take each client beyond the limits of their imagination. Each client's skill level is carefully assessed so that one feels challenged, not bullied, throughout each session. Working out becomes a pleasurable experience, which allows for sustained practice and fast results.
Experience Sanctuary Pilates
Kate: Sanctuary Pilates is an urban retreat that strives to exceed the expectations of each client. It's an intimate, yet integrative space to refresh and recharge mind, body and spirit.
