FitnessNook

09/18/2026

studio notes. tight muscles or strong muscles.

Early in my fitness journey, I thought that if a particular set of muscles felt tight, it was because the muscles were strong. Until I was encouraged to test that theory.

Before you jump to any conclusions, you could actually have strong muscles, and need to work on your flexibility/mobility.

Also, I am writing about your muscles, not your joints.. If you are not sure of the difference, your joints are where your bones meet.



However, you could have muscles that feel tight, or not flexible, because the muscles have actually shortened, and need to be strengthened and stretched.

And to add to that, the muscles on the opposing side of the body? Well there is a good chance that they are also weak and lengthened.

Thankfully, we do not have to stay this way. You are never too weak, or too old, to build strength and mobility. Thank you Lord for designing us so well.

Why does this matter? Well, to move well and pain-free, then working on your strength AND mobility must both happen. If someone comes in and says they are in pain, and mainly spend their time doing stretches… then I know what I’m looking for when I ask them to do something that requires additional strength. If someone mainly works on strength, then I know what I’m looking for when I watch them move.

We need both. Period.

A normal culprit that affects so many people of all ages is the strength around your shoulder girdle and thoracic spine. One of the benefits of Pilates is Joseph Pilates knew we needed a strong and flexible spine (all of the spine) for the health of the whole body. And even in the 1930 and 40’s, before smart phones, he did a lot of work to support the strength of the muscles in that area. He also was doing fascia work way before we understood what fascia does. I’ll save that one for later.

So… next time you notice it is hard to do some type of movement.. What have you been doing to support your body to allow you to move well? If you aren’t doing anything, maybe it’s time to begin.

*studio notes are created from my personal experience and education.

“studio notes” are not AI generated, but from my studio, my practice and my real life. ❤️

09/17/2026

Save the Date: Sept. 26th, 9:00 am! For expecting and new Moms!

09/15/2026

For new and expecting Momma's - Save the Date: Sept. 26th, at 9:00 am!

This workshop is FREE of charge! And after being at the first one, I recommend making time to be there!

09/15/2026

No other changes for the week, but there will be NO classes on Saturday, Sept. 19th.

09/11/2026

There will be NO classes or sessions on Saturday, September 19th

09/07/2026

Strength & Stretch has finally made to an evening time slot!
First evening class begins tomorrow evening, Sept. 8th, at 5:30 pm!

New to classes? Introductory rate of your 1st Two classes for $15!

Show up 5-10 minutes in comfortable clothes you can get up and down and move around in. The studio has mats and all the props you will need for class!

09/07/2026

Quick reminder: No classes tonight!

Enjoy the remainder of your Labor Day!

Send a message to learn more

09/06/2026

Studio notes from the fitness nook this week.

I’m less than a month from being full time at the studio for a year. A year. Full-time. What a gift and blessing. I didn’t know if it was possible in a small town in Kansas.

This month I really want to take in all I’ve learned/been reminded of, in the last 11 months.

1. I easily get wrapped up in the logistics—from the exercises to the behind the scenes work. I am pretty sure I’m a glass half-empty person who’s worked really hard to be a glass half-full kind of person. Still a work in progress.

2. I’m still a student myself. I have teachers still so I can keep improving as a student and a teacher. Plus to get me out of my head.

3. I have the huge privilege to help others do the same. I love classes. I love private sessions. I really love the quiet when I see the exercise happening without my words. 💛

4. Seeing and helping people move better brings me joy. When someone works until they can master a movement and improve where they are weak and/or want to grow. It’s pretty awesome. People are pretty awesome. So is how God created our bodies to move.

5. I hope (and pray) I will always appreciate a mountain climber and the beauty of focus while in motion.

*The image is of my spine corrector. It’s one of the apparatus’ that Joseph Pilates created to help people be able to do the mat series. It can make some exercises less intimating and more accessible. And then it can make your core feel like it is on fire. 🔥😊

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09/04/2026

I know schedules are full—but 45-60 minutes to move and recalibrate can make all the difference in how we show up for everything else.

Whether you show up tired or full of energy. You will leave feeling stronger, calmer, and ready to take on the rest of your day. 💕