An hour with Lauralee Bruce at Pilates of Sag Harbor opened my mind to the endless possibilities of Pilates. Lauralee has 25 years of experience in the Pilates world, working with a variety of clients, teachers, goals, and injuries to form the well-rounded practice she runs today on Main Street in Sag Harbor Village. Lauralee learned from the experts to become quite the expert herself, continually exploring and adding to her repertoire every step of the way. Lauralee explains that although she was trained classically (by one of Joseph’s Pilates’ master teachers no less) that she likes to think outside the box. After spending just a few short minutes with Lauralee, it’s apparent that this women is full of knowledge, tools, tips, strategies, and passion for Pilates.

We started our session on what I learned is called a Cadillac, which is very appropriately named as it can only be described as the Cadillac of Pilates tools. We worked the glutes, obliques, inner and outer thighs, abs, and chest all in a matter of minutes. Lauralee also introduced me to the roller, theraband, bosu ball, and reformer, just a few of the many tools, toys, and apparatuses at her possession.

For those of you who have walked through Sag Harbor, you’ve probably noticed that the village is somewhat saturated with Pilates studios. Lauralee’s personalized style sets her apart from the others and her sweet personality will instantly win you over. Although I wasn’t sure what to expect during a privates Pilates session, a few minutes with Lauralee made me relaxed, comfortable, and content with whatever was to come.

Working with no more than two people at a time, and typically one-on-one, Lauralee’s technique not only includes general Pilates practice, but also aerobic activity, hands-on stretching, balance, and lots more. “It’s not just about the movement, it’s about the ability to communicate with all different people. We’re hands-on from the start,” Lauralee tells me; “my favorite thing about my job is the satisfaction of turning non-gym goers into exercisers outside of the gym environment. It may not be what people envision as a workout, but we work just as hard and we get the results, fast.”

Lauralee meets and works with a huge variety of clients, from teenagers to folks in their 80’s, and she prides herself on her ability to tailor the workout to anyone’s needs. One of my favorite things about Pilates is that the foundation can be individualized and yet, the basics can instantly enhance any type of fitness routine. The precision developed with Pilates allows us to target certain muscle groups and greatly strengthen the mind-body connection. After just one session, I was more aware and connected, which enhanced other day-to-day activities both in and out of the gym.

One Healthy Breakdown: While I walked into Pilates of Sag Harbor unsure of what was to come, I left feeling light, long, lean, and lifted.

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