July 2021

Lisa Coffee-Smith, NCPT, MBA  of Total Pilates Studio in Tulsa has seen first-hand what can happen when Pilates moves outside the studio.

She wanted to bring Pilates to women who could benefit from the practice as a healing modality. When she learned about Resonance, a local nonprofit serving women in the prison system, she was inspired. 

“They offered programs like positive parenting and navigating the legal system. I approached them about adding a fitness, mind-body practice to that,” said Lisa. 

Her idea resulted in a four-year partnership, with Lisa serving small cohorts of 13 women for 8 - 10 weeks. Total Pilates Studio even embedded the program into its teacher training, allowing students to earn practice hours for serving at the facility. 

“I’d bring everything mobile – magic circles, balls, bands, mats, straps,” she added. “I did a mat drive asking members to donate gently-used mats. I’d go out in my van every Wednesday for an hour-long Pilates class with them.” 

Many of the women Lisa served knew nothing about Pilates. Many had suffered abuse. A number of them were athletic, while others could barely move. Lisa’s goal to meet every woman where they were resulted in light bulb moments for them and her: Many experienced less back pain, more flexibility, increased energy and better moods, while Lisa saw clearly how Pilates can be adapted outside of a controlled environment.

“Pilates works,” she said. “It works there. It works in the studio. Pilates heals.” Lisa and the staff have had to pivot due to COVID, but Lisa’s commitment to sharing Pilates with a broader audience is stronger than ever. As the world begins open back up again, think about how you can serve your community with the gift of Pilates.

Lisa Coffee-Smith, NCPT, MBA 
PMA Member

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