By LUCIAN McCARTY lmccarty@saratogian.com Twitter.com/SaratogianCDesk

SARATOGA SPRINGS It seems self-evident that the rigorous exercise of pilates would help dancers with their form, but simply saying Pilates is good wasnt enough for Meghan Del Prete.

I wanted proof, said the pilates instructor and owner of Reform, a True Pilates Studio on Division Street. Now, after a 10-week study with three dancers of different ages, she says she has it.

Del Prete, who is also a member of Skidmore Colleges dance department, will be presenting the findings of her study and discussing the results at 10 a.m. Monday at the National Museum of Dance for Dancers Health Day, which will feature a number of lecturers and presentations.

The dancers in Del Pretes study submitted to measurements by two physical therapists of their balance, coordination, flexibility, core strength and other factors important to their craft throughout the 10-week study.

The participants attended about three classes weekly and Del Prete said the results were clear.

You can see how the increased core strength helps balance and the quality of their movements, Del Prete said. Theyre less wobbly.

One of the physical therapists practiced dance-specialized therapy and measured hip rotation, balance and movement-based tests.

Del Prete said she got the idea for the dance-focused study because she was a dancer through college and in the years following. It improved my dancing significantly, so Ive always wanted to work with dancers, she said. I felt strongly it made a big difference.

Before the dance study, she had conducted a similar study on men who golf and practiced pilates.

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Reform. a True Pilates Studio owner to present study findings on pilates for dancers

Singer actress Miley Cyrus arrives at the Muhammad Ali Celebrity Fight Night at the Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix, Arizona, March 24, 2012. UPI/Art Foxall

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STUDIO CITY, Calif., July 7 (UPI) -- U.S. singer Miley Cyrus' pilates instructor said critics shouldn't worry about the star's shrinking waistline because "she's healthy and she feels good."

Mari Winsor said she's been working with the 19-year-old for the past four months on an almost daily basis at her Studio City, Calif., gym, People magazine reported Friday.

"What we focus on with Miley is posture. That was my main concern when she first came to me," Winsor said. "I wanted to get her shoulders down and get her to relax her upper body. If you notice, her posture is a lot better.

"She works hard," she added. "When this girl comes in, she is on fire. She's focused."

Winsor said she thinks people who are worried the actress is losing too much weight "need to chill out."

"She's healthy and she feels good, that's the main thing. She's smart about her body. She wanted to sculpt her body, that's all."

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Pilates instructor defends Cyrus' weight

Miley Cyrus' personal trainer thinks people need to ''chill out'' about her figure.

The singer has been sporting a particularly slim and toned body recently and her Pilates instructor, Mari Winsor, says it is because she has been training hard with her for the last four months, rather than dieting.

She told People.com: ''I think people need to chill out. She's healthy and she feels good, that's the main thing. She's smart about her body. She wanted to sculpt her body, that's all.''

Mari added Miley's toned physique is the result of a gluten-free diet and daily Pilates classes.

She added: ''What we focus on with Miley is posture. That was my main concern when she first came to me. I wanted to get her shoulders down and get her to relax her upper body. If you notice, her posture is a lot better.

''She works hard. When this girl comes in, she is on fire. She's focused.''

Miley got engaged to actor Liam Hemsworth on May 31 and is already planning her nuptials, although it is thought they will not be wed until next year.

A source told HollywoodLife.com: ''Nothing has been definite yet. She's just pretty much brainstorming everything about her wedding. I know she wants to have a summer wedding, something on the water maybe.''

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Miley Cyrus - Miley Cyrus' Intense Pilates Sessions

People News

Jul 6, 2012, 19:01 GMT

Miley Cyrus

Miley Cyrus' personal trainer thinks people need to 'chill out' about her figure.

The singer has been sporting a particularly slim and toned body recently and her Pilates instructor, Mari Winsor, says it is because she has been training hard with her for the last four months, rather than dieting.

She told People.com: 'I think people need to chill out. She's healthy and she feels good, that's the main thing. She's smart about her body. She wanted to sculpt her body, that's all.'

Mari added Miley's toned physique is the result of a gluten-free diet and daily Pilates classes.

She added: 'What we focus on with Miley is posture. That was my main concern when she first came to me. I wanted to get her shoulders down and get her to relax her upper body. If you notice, her posture is a lot better.

'She works hard. When this girl comes in, she is on fire. She's focused.'

Miley got engaged to actor Liam Hemsworth on May 31 and is already planning her nuptials, although it is thought they will not be wed until next year.

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Miley Cyrus' intense Pilates sessions

MileyCyrusFeature3Miley has been heavily criticized for her recent dramatic weight loss! Now, her pilates instructor is defending Mileys thinner look and assures that the actress is healthy! Read on for more details!

Miley Cyrus health has been under debate after quickly shedding weight, but her pilates instructor, Mari Winsor, insists that Miley is completely healthy and there is no reason to be concerned!

I think people need to chill out, Mari said in an interview with People. Shes healthy and she feels good, thats the main thing. Shes smart about her body. She wanted to sculpt her body, thats all.

Mari sets the record straight, claiming that Mileys leaner frame is due to a strict gluten-free diet and daily one-hour Circuit pilates sessions not an eating disorder.

What we focus on with Miley is posture. That was my main concern when she first came to me, Mari explained. I wanted to get her shoulders down and get her to relax her upper body. If you notice, her posture is a lot better.

Mari credits Mileyshard work ethic and extreme focus for why shes shed pounds in such a short amount of time!

Whats Mileys favorite part of her new body?She loves her abs, of course! Mari reveals. Shes young and shes got a beautiful body.

And with an upcoming wedding, who wouldnt want to look their best?

HollywoodLifers, do YOU think Miley looks healthy?

Check Us Out On Pinterest!

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Miley Cyrus’ Pilates Instructor Defends Her Thin Frame

Dance/Movement Steven Sofia Leaps From Broadway to Pilates

By Lauren Kay

June 29, 2012

Steven Sofia

A New York City native, Sofia has danced on the Broadway stage, on tour, and with the renowned American Dance Machine. Equally impressive, in the span of just a decade he garnered a steadfast following as a teacher at NYU's former CAP21 program and at professional studios, including Steps on Broadway. In his classes Sofia strives to "turn on the light bulb that starts an inner dialogue," he says. "That allows students to find individual voices that, as dancers, we don't always realize we have." But now, at 42, he is transitioning to a career teaching Pilates and moving to San Francisco.

While filled with bittersweet emotions, Sofia is ready to move forward. "Dancers go through a hard mental transition. We defy gravity and have the science to go past our prime, but eventually it's not healthy," he says. "At some point we do have to transition. I wanted to know, 'How can I still contribute as a dancer but in a different way?' Pilates made sense to me. It's my new dance!"

As a teen, Sofia studied with jazz greats including Phil Black before working with the American Dance Machine. There he met mentors Tony Stevens and Chris Chadman, placing him firmly in an essential musical theater lineage. Soon he had a slew of Broadway gigs under his belt, including "Guys and Dolls," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Chicago."

Around 37, noticing "the upsetting corporatization of the industry," he considered transitioning. Businesses such as a tanning salon or a clothing store were possibilities. But "I realized I had to do something I was passionate about," he says. "Nothing I loved manifested."

A "Chicago" tour and a scheduled audition for Kathleen Marshall's production of "Anything Goes" encouraged him to stall the shift. But on his way to the tryout, his life changed. "A car hit me. I was 40. Instead of worrying about getting older, I had to deal with wondering, Was I going to walk again?" Sofia says. Both his ACL and MCL were torn, his hand was broken, and he had dislocated fingers.

Sofia chose not to have surgery, opting for intense work with a physical therapist. Enter Pilates. "Pilates -- specifically the 'high chair' -- eventually gave me the strength in my knee to walk and dance again," he says. "Now I want to help other people understand their bodies through Pilates, whether to get stronger or rehabilitate."

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Steven Sofia Leaps From Broadway to Pilates

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Hannah on SMEs: Pilates and a fruit bowl are not enough

By Peijean Tsai

While Pilates has surged in popularity in recent years, it certainly isnt a fitness fad, according to Jennifer Richards, Poway Pilates owner and instructor.

Poway Pilates owner and instructor Jennifer Richards. Photo by Peijean Tsai

Thats because of Pilates extraordinary benefits, with individuals gaining improved flexibility, muscle and core strength, better balance and posture, and reduced stress and pain.

I dont see it as being a trend. I see it growing and flourishing as a method, said Richards, who said her studio closely follows the teachings of Joseph Pilates, whose philosophy emphasizes the core and encompasses the idea that our bodies work as a whole, not as separate units. Bodies are changing because of it, and its a method that fits a lot of different needs.

Poway Pilates is a full-service training studio that incorporates all the equipment and exercises of the Pilates method. Recognizing that each person has different physical needs and issues, the studio uses an individual approach with clients. That includes an initial assessment session to determine the appropriate Pilates classes, training, and modifications to best serve each person.

Classes are offered Mondays though Saturdays and include reformer Pilates, Pilates/barre workout, kettlebell, and Pilates boot camp classes. Private and semi-private instruction is available.

Even in small group classes, instructors are able to modify workouts for each person as needed.

Its a personal training environment. Even though we have classes, you are still getting that individual attention, said Richards, who is one of seven instructors at Poway Pilates.

The studio is for all ages and skill levels, including teens, athletes, post-rehabilitation clients and seniors.

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Poway Pilates uses individual approach with clients

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) Perhaps summer is the reason you have your midsection on your mind, or maybe you just want to exercise that area more.

Experts say that workouts for the core, which includes your back, are often neglected. While Pilates is not new, many people dont realize how much it targets your core.

Terri Jackson wade has been a Pilates student for the past seven years.

With Pilates, it allows me to elongate my muscles. it allows me to have those core muscles I once had, said Jackson.

The core, or center, is made up of the pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen. Pilates exercises focus on strengthening muscles in these areas.

Terris instructor, Yvette Hassell, says strong core muscles can help make everyday activities less difficult.

One strengthening their core is not just for aesthetic reasons. If your movement is strong and fluid, then its done with ease, she said.

Hassell instructs beginners to be mindful of their form. But longtime students of Pilates, like Jackson, may prefer a smaller class setting for more one-on-one attention as well as for more focused instruction.

Technique is the most important thing in exercise in general, said Hassell. Its not about quantity. Its about quality.

Hassell suggests those interested in Pilates sign up for a beginners class to learn the moves correctly.

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Try Pilates To Engage Your Core

Jake Holmes, owner of Pilates United, could be your next boss.

First, tell me about your company.

I established Pilates United with Moji Austell in 1993. Its a fitness studio. Our objective was to give our clients exactly what they wanted and needed in the way of personal training. Today we have two studios, in La Jolla and Middletown, and were planning a third for 2013.

How did you get started in this business?

After college I struggled in the corporate world for a while but found myself poorly equipped for that life. So Moji and I (we were married at the time) decided to start our own business. We didnt have much money so we restricted our choices to businesses we could start with less than 10K. We interviewed several couples who owned businesses together. We discovered that the couples who seemed happiest were in businesses that they were passionate about. We chose the fitness industry.

I have always been an athlete. I wrestled in school and did body building, triathlons and marathons in the Navy and throughout my twenties. Moji was also accomplished in running and weight training. We found out about Pilates when she injured her knee on a training run. My sister, a professional dancer and choreographer in LA, told us to check out this new thing a lot of the dancers were doing Pilates. We tried it once and we were hooked.

We spent the next year traveling to different studios around the country and spent about every dollar we had learning from different instructors. At the time there was no real training or certifications available. Eventually we opened a tiny studio with one piece of equipment in a 10x14 room in a La Jolla health club.

Today were still partners but married to other people and are even more passionate about what we do than when we started. As a side note, although thousands of people have come through our doors both Moji and I still have each of our first clients.

What are the backgrounds of your employees? Are they new to the field? Long-timers?

Weve had several trainers through the years, all from different backgrounds. Rarely do they have professional fitness backgrounds, but theyve all had a passion for it. Some have come to us already trained but the most successful ones weve trained ourselves. We have four long time trainers. We also have a few newer trainers who are also amazing.

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