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About Soma Soma Movement Studio promotes whole-body health by offering personalized, private Pilates sessions and intimate, small-group classes. Soma is a quiet, neighborhood studio; tucked away from the noise and activity of town. With bamboo floors, aspen ceilings and windows galore, it's a cozy space emphasizing the views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and vermillion, sandstone cliffs. Soma is a mentoring studio for Pilates Core Integration, one of the finer teacher training programs in the industry. The course, designed by Virginia Nicholas, MA, R.N., teaches the traditional Pilates Method using the same approach taught by Eve Gentry and Michele Larsson. Soma works closely with trainees throughout their apprenticeships, helping to hone technique, expand problem-solving abilities and improve functional movement analysis. About Jennifer Jerrett Jennifer began studying Pilates in 1992, during her career as a contemporary dancer. She is certified through the highly-regarded Core Dynamics Pilates, directed by Master Instructor Michele Larsson. This is a comprehensive and rigorous program through the classical lineage of Pilates Elder Eve Gentry. Jennifer excels at training the special-needs client, and works with a diverse population, including individuals living with cancer, severe scoliosis, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Jennifer holds a Bachelor's degree in Dance and Kinesiology from Arizona State University, and works part-time at Mountain Land Physical Therapy. In addition to movement science, the biological sciences have featured prominently in her life. She has worked in some of the most far-flung corners of the planet including Mongolia and Antarctica. About the Pilates Method What we today call Pilates was originally known as "Contrology," and was developed by Joseph H. Pilates, who was born in Germany in 1880. In spite of suffering several childhood illnesses, Joseph grew up with a fervent focus on physical fitness and began developing his technique early on. Pilates was interned during WWI and spent time in these camps working with people recovering from illness and injury. Modifying hospital beds and using the springs for both resistance and assistance, he helped patients regain movement and strength. Those modified beds were the early prototypes for some of the modern Pilates equipment that we know today. Pilates also spent a great deal of time working with the highly-conditioned, including athletes, police forces and military personnel. In 1926, he emigrated to the United States and met his future wife, Clara. While Joe was the creative genius behind the method, Clara is often credited with having been the more gifted teacher. Today, known for the results it produces, Pilates is becoming one of the most recognized fitness modalities. It is a system of exercise that teaches integration to uniformly develop body and mind and it stresses several major principles: Breathing Balance Concentration Control Centering Precision Rhythm and Flow Whole body movement The method combines focused breathing patterns with exercises that balance both large and small muscle groups. While Pilates is popularly known for developing core strength, the real essence of the work is in learning how to integrate the entire body in movement. Because of this dynamic and holistic approach, it is a remarkable way to address structural imbalances, to heighten athletic performance and to help produce improved strength, flexibility, balance, and posture. The Pilates equipment utilizes spring tension, straps and pulleys to support, as well as challenge, the body. With its emphasis on precision and concentration, the method is wonderful for enhancing cognitive well being. It is a mind-body fitness system appropriate for all life stages. To read more about Joseph and Clara Pilates and the Contrology method, check out Your Health, written by Pilates in 1934 or Return to Life, authored in 1945.

Integrative,  Functional, Whole Body Health