ENHANCE, EMPOWER & EVOLVE

“I had always loved Hot Yoga and when diagnosed with breast cancer I was not able to continue. That was 7 years ago and I had wanted to get back to doing some sort of exercise besides walking. While walking I met my sweet new neighbor Stuart. She explained that she was opening a Pilates studio and I really wanted to support her but had never even thought of trying Pilates before. So, when she opened, I thought I might just go a few times and call it a day. To my surprise I love it!!! That was a year and a half ago and I'm still going at least 3 times a week. I had some issues with swelling/tightness in my arm due to the cancer but now with Pilates I no longer have those issues. I have met some amazing women (now friends) and love seeing them every week for the workouts. I really enjoy the variety of classes and trying new things. My family know that on my Pilates days do not ask me to go anywhere as I am not giving that time up. No matter if you are new to Pilates or been doing it for a while everyone at Essential MVMT makes you feel like family.”

-Karen Ash

“Essential MVMT has changed my life. I had been sedentary for many years and was hesitant to try Pilates. I have always thought of Pilates as something for super fit women. I’m so thankful I gave it a chance. Since my first class in January, I have loved every minute. The flexibility I have gained is amazing and the way I feel, overall, has made me a believer. The studio, the instructors and the atmosphere are top notch. I have always felt encouraged by everyone there and it’s the best decision I have made for me. I encourage everyone to try it. We deserve doing things for us and this is something you can do for you, for the rest of your life.”

-Jodi Bloomston

“I’m a mom of three. Two that are two and under. My body has been through so much change in the past three years and I felt like a stranger inside of it. I knew that I needed a change but I wanted to be strategic in how that happened. I looked into several types of fitness programs and gyms all while slowly collecting data of pros and cons before I tried anything. My biggest priority was finding a workout routine that was physically challenging but also healthy and gentle on my mental health. Being a stranger in my own body, I wanted something that could help me not only heal it but reconnect with it. My quest led me to Essential in January. After my four trial visits, I was hooked and I’ve been coming ever since. I love how Pilates has a focus on mind and body connection. Through the instructions and cues given during exercise, I have been challenged to be present in my body and in my mind. This practice alone has made a tremendous difference in how I show up in my everyday life. Pilates has also helped me reconnect with my body and appreciate it for all it can do. My entire experience has been amazing. From Stuart, the staff of women, and the other studio members, I have always felt welcome and supported. I’m so grateful to the gift that Pilates has given me and hope to make it a life practice.”

- Erica Wilbanks

“Stuart and friends are the best. I have accomplished more than 200 classes with these peeps, and it has changed my mobility and strength in such great ways. If you want to improve your posture and core strength, this is the place.”

-Becky Reeser Sager

"I had heard of Pilates for years, and knew it helped build your core for balance. I even had a relative teaching Pilates at private studios around Birmingham. Did I have any idea what Pilates was? NO!

Not Until Fall 2021 when my sweet and talented niece, Stuart Elizabeth, opened Essential MVMT Pilates Studio! This was my chance to get myself into shape by: strengthening my core, decreasing my lower back pain, becoming flexible, improving my posture, and increasing my energy level to live a healthy lifestyle as I age.

As I watched my parents fall in their late 80s, I realized I had no intention of this happening to me! Plus, l suffered with L4 and L5 thinning discs and needed to strengthen my lower back muscles to help with the discomfort, so I did not have to continue taking medication. Pilates has been a game changer for me and something I can continue to do as a daily routine forever!

The best thing about going to the studio is spending time with my niece and all the wonderful new friends I have made over the last several years! What a blessing this has been to be a part of such a wonderful group of ladies I can call my family."

-Laura Smith

"I have never felt so alive and at peace in my body and soul as I feel at Essential MVMT! Two years ago, I was pushing my body with cross fit and high impact workouts all while making a career change, and while I felt like I was checking all the boxes, I wasn’t fulfilled. I had never done Pilates before, but I decided to try a class, and it has changed my whole outlook on exercise! Stuart is such a bright light in every class, and the people at this studio are truly a blessing in my life. I even had my 30th birthday party at Essential MVMT! Now, I get to workout with friends and family - yes, even my mom has joined! I look forward to these classes each week, and you will too!"

- Elizabeth Pittman

"I joined almost exactly a year ago! I needed to do something different for my health and have always been told that pilates is good for strength, toning and core work. It is close to home so I emailed Stuart to see if they could help me!

I have had some injuries and wanted to make sure that EM was right for me. I took advantage of private lessons and then the new client special and was hooked. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging!

What I did not know at the time I joined was that I would find a support system of other members and instructors that I look forward to seeing multiple times during the week. Even when I am tired and worn out from the day, I look forward to being at Essential Mvmt.

Since joining I have lost weight and gotten so much stronger. Both my physical and mental health have been impacted in the most positive way.

Without sounding completely cheesy, the staff and members of EM have been an integral part of my life and I would not trade it for anything!" 💕”

-Andrea Pound (right)

How long have you been a member?
I've been a member for 1 year and 3 months.

What motivated you to get started?
I always wanted to try Pilates and read that is was great for the body and stretching. My knees wouldn't allow me to do bootcamp exercises and I just got bored going to the gym.

What are some positive changes you’ve noticed because of having a consistent exercise routine?
My knees don't feel stressed anymore. I'm noticing my waistline getting a little shape and overall more strength in my body. I've also noticed how my sleep and breathing has changed for the better.

What’s your favorite class and why?
Not going to hold me to just one! LOL :) Barre improves my body's strength. Cardio does exactly what it says! And I like how Tower works every bone in the spine, and challenges the stability you have by stretching to see how far you can go without moving the waist. I also learned what a sitz bone is!!! (laugh!)

What advice would you give someone considering starting a fitness journey? {i.e.yoga, pilates, barre}
1. Have a plan
2. Self-Discipline
3. Consistency

What is the toughest obstacle for you to overcome in sticking to your health and fitness routine?
SELF-MOTIVATION. But I realize how far I've come on this journey, so why give up on myself with all the hard work I've put in!

Thank you to the entire Essential MVMT family! Love yall! <3

-Regina Dillard

"Being new to the Vestavia Hills community, I was nervous about starting something new but I had seen amazing reviews about the studio and gave it a try. The environment was so clean, positive and focused on mindfulness with movement. I joined after only three classes and have been a member since October.

Prior to joining, I had been doing private PT for injuries sustained during the birth of my second child. I’ve been able to stop routine PT and go on an as needed basis because of the results that I’m getting from Essential MVMT and the amazing instructors at the studio.

I love every class but Mat challenges me the most and I’ve been setting small Mat goals at home. Since I’ve started Mat at home, my children get right in there and try to imitate what I’m doing. It’s a joy to share this experience not just with other women in the studio but now my own children!

New things can be hard, but I’d encourage anyone who has ever wanted to feel empowered by what you can do with your body to try Pilates with this amazing team. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me and my little family!”

-Elizabeth Ward

“I have been a member for about 2 years. I was talking to a friend about the place I had been going and how it wasn’t the best fit for me anymore. She suggested Pilates, and I thought I’d give it a try. And I’m so glad I did! Pilates has been just what I needed and I can see and feel a difference.

I’m stronger and able to do some things that I wasn’t able to do before. I actually was able to climb a rock wall a few months ago. It was the most challenging thing I’ve ever tried and I know my Pilates classes helped me to complete it. Pilates is great for strengthening our bodies and that is my goal - to continue to get stronger. If you like a challenge you should definitely give Pilates a try.

Our instructors are awesome and help us work at the level of intensity that is appropriate for us individually. The classes are small enough that they can keep an eye out for the moves we need extra assistance with. It's reassuring to know that the instructor will help me to correct what I’m doing wrong, so that I won’t hurt myself. Then, before you know it you get to the point where you can do things that you couldn’t do in the beginning. And that is so rewarding!

I’m so glad I found Essential MVMT😊”

-Che Abbott

How long have you been a member?

I joined Essential MVMT in October of 2021, so I am about to celebrate 3 years!

What motivated you to get started?

My boss at the time had encouraged me to set a personal goal, outside of work to do something for myself. I had taken Pilates years before and loved the way it made me feel so when Essential MVMT opened three minutes from my house, I knew I had to give it a try. I purchased a package of ten classes and have been hooked ever since!

What are some positive changes you’ve noticed because of having a consistent exercise routine?

I am much happier when I start my day with Pilates. I really think it drives my mindset, by being present, while building both my mental and physical strength. My day job requires me to sit at a desk and Pilates has helped improve and made me more mindful of my posture.

What’s your favorite class and why?

I love them all, but tower is probably my favorite. There are so many attachments on the tower, and you can do a million things with them. No class is ever the same and I feel like every muscle (even the ones I didn’t know I had) in my body works. It provides a complete body workout for sure!

What advice would you give someone considering starting a fitness journey?

Be patient. Nothing happens overnight! It takes time to build strength and endurance. It is your fitness journey, so don’t compare yourself to anyone else and don’t give up!

What has been the toughest obstacle for you to overcome in sticking to your health and fitness routine?

I suffered from a knee injury that completely changed what I could do physically. I had surgery and had to take a few months off. As soon as I was cleared to come back to the studio, Stuart worked with me to modify specific moves and foot placement. I love Pilates but Essential MVMT makes me love it even more. All the teachers are so encouraging and knowledgeable and the friendships that I have formed there are priceless. The highlights of my week are the days that I get to go to the studio and begin my day with them!

What advice would you give someone considering starting a fitness journey?

Be patient. Nothing happens overnight! It takes time to build strength and endurance. It is your fitness journey, so don’t compare yourself to anyone else and don’t give up!

-Laura Leigh

“I joined Essential MVMT in early 2022 – I was new to Birmingham and eager to find a new pilates studio. Trying out new places can be intimidating, but from the moment I walked in for my first class, I felt so welcomed and never looked back!

At the end of 2022, I found out that I was pregnant. I felt stronger and more in tune with my body than ever before, which made the transition into pregnancy much smoother. Each class was tailored to my changing body, allowing me to stay active and empowered. With the support and encouragement of Stuart, I was able to keep up with pilates until I reached 36 weeks! As I approached labor, I felt strong and prepared. Pilates taught me the importance of building a strong core and focusing on the mind-body connection, and I truly believe it contributed to my smooth labor experience.

After giving birth, I turned to pilates to aid my recovery. I appreciated how the exercises helped me regain my strength gradually, all while being mindful of my body’s needs. Now, a year post-partum, I feel just as strong as I did before my pregnancy – if not stronger! I truly can’t imagine my pregnancy journey without pilates. I will forever be grateful for Essential MVMT and the support I was given before, during, and after my pregnancy!”

- Lauren McMenamin