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Member Spotlight: International Women’s Day Edition

Fitness class doing pilates at Sculp'd in Alexandria.

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At sculp’d+, we believe that our clients are the heartbeat of our community, and their journey towards wellness and strength is at the core of our mission. As we eagerly embrace International Women’s Day, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible individuals who make up the fabric of our Pilates and body sculpting studio. Whether they are women or men, each member contributes to the vibrant tapestry of our fitness family, embodying the spirit of dedication and resilience. Today, as we spotlight the remarkable achievements of three outstanding women—Lindsay, Yvonne, and Lauren—we honor not only their personal victories but also the collective strength that binds us together. Join us in commemorating the triumphs of our community as we embark on a journey to recognize, appreciate, and applaud the inspiring women who choose to make wellness a priority in their lives.

Lindsay, Member since 2022

Lindsay F Member at sculp'd

🔥How did you first discover Pilates, and what motivated you to join sculpd+?

My friend Anne Marie, whom I met through Orangetheory, told me she started Pilates at sculpd+ at the recommendation of her physical therapist. I decided to give it a try one evening and it was love at first class. It was humbling and a lot harder than I thought it was going to be. Pilates turned out to be exactly what I needed at a point in my life when I was struggling to stay motivated in a job I hated and had a recent ADHD diagnosis.

🔥Can you share a specific moment or experience when you felt the positive impact of taking Pilates in your body or overall well being?

The moment I realized Pilates forced my body to slow down and my brain to focus. I move and think a million miles an hour constantly, even in my sleep, which is exhausting. Pilates is what gives me a short reprieve from the chaos of my brain, and helps slim me down and build muscles. I lost over 20lbs in my first year at sculp’d+.

🔥How do you manage to incorporate Pilates into your busy schedule? What tips might you have for others looking to prioritize their well being?

Routine is important for me. I pre-book for the entire month as soon as the schedule opens so I can get my calendar built for the month which helps with accountability. I go first thing in the morning during the week and shortly after my Orangetheory workouts on the weekends, leaving no excuses for missing a workout. I also have an accountability partner in Anne Marie. We wear heart rate monitors and share our workout results when we attend different classes. It helps keep me motivated.

My number one tip, prioritize your well-being because no one else will. If possible, develop a routine, pre-book to get it on your calendar, and find a way to hold yourself accountable. Whether it’s a reward (I prefer a visit to Fresh Baguette) or a partner who will keep you motivated, find what works for you.

🔥What advice would you give to someone considering Pilates for the first time?

Just do it, you won’t be sorry! Also, don’t think you are the only one struggling through class, we all struggle through class every day. If it isn’t hard, you aren’t doing it right and aren’t getting stronger. After 18 months, I’m still sore every class and I go 4 times a week.

🔥Do you have a favorite class time or instructor?

Like I said, routine is important to me, so I go on Tuesday and Thursday at 630 AM and on Saturday and Sunday at 930 AM. My favorite instructors kick my ass every time: Sam, Jen, and Lawren. I also love Kristin and Nicole’s classes.

🔥Have you tried other sculp’d+ services? If not, which are you most interested to try?

I got a facial and it was amazing! I would still like to try wood rolling.

Yvonne, member since 2018

Yvonne B member at sculp'd

🔥How did you first discover Pilates, and what motivated you to join sculpd+?

I first discovered Pilates — and sculp’d+ — through my good friend Mary Kay. After just a few classes, taught by Kristen and Natalie, I knew I’d found the perfect studio with a strong community of people who are supportive and mutually motivating. I’ve been coming to sculp’d for over five years now.

🔥Can you share a specific moment or experience when you felt the positive impact of taking Pilates in your body or overall well being?

The instructors always provide modifications and challenges during class. I still remember when I was able to finally do a plank and a side plank on my toes. Not only did I feel stronger, but I also felt such a sense of accomplishment.

🔥How do you manage to incorporate Pilates into your busy schedule? What tips might you have for others looking to prioritize their well being?

I always work Pilates into my schedule, which is easy because sculp’d+ provides a vast and varied number of classes throughout the week and the weekend, from basic, to jump board, to total body. The key for me was making sculp’d+ part of my routine — I took evening classes when I worked, and now that I’m retired, I take morning classes. A big motivator is the supportive environment, instructors, and other people in the class.

🔥What advice would you give to someone considering Pilates for the first time?

You just have to try it. It is different from any other workout I’ve done. Even after five years I’m still being challenged at every class, but I’m also stronger than I’ve ever been, which isn’t bad for almost 65 years old!

🔥Do you have a favorite class time or instructor?

My favorite class time is 9:30 am. I’m able to sleep in a bit, run errands after class, and still have the rest of the day free for other activities. I can’t name just one favorite instructor — all instructors are excellent!

🔥Have you tried other sculp’d+ services? If not, which are you most interested to try?

I’ve tried the compression therapy.

Lauren, member since 2018

🔥How did you first discover Pilates, and what motivated you to join sculpd+?

I first discovered Pilates after herniating my back in 2007. I was given the option of steroid shots, surgey, or physical therapy. After taking PT for a bit, I realized I need life-changing actions in my workouts to keep my back healthy. When I moved to Alexandria in 2018, Michelle Obama’s workouts were all the rage and I wanted that look and healthy feeling too. After looking around, I called sculp’d+ and asked if they could accommodate me with an unusual request to watch my dog while I worked out! I wouldn’t have been able to sustain my practice if I hadn’t been able to bring my very well-behaved, adorable dog to the studio during my workouts. 

🔥Can you share a specific moment or experience when you felt the positive impact of taking Pilates in your body or overall well being?

I was over at my brother’s house playing with his kids. Truth be told, I was trying to get a short workout in and the game was a small excuse. I was swinging them around like a kettlebell and my brother commented that my workouts must be helping if I can do that. It was at that moment I realized how right he was and that sculp’d+ had successfully helped me integrated thoughtful movement into my everyday activities. 

🔥How do you manage to incorporate Pilates into your busy schedule? What tips might you have for others looking to prioritize their well being?

I cannot envision my life being as healthy as it is without sculp’d+ workouts. The break I took during the pandemic reinforced my belief that this workout is functional movement, meant to be practiced regularly. Now I carve out Tuesdays & Fridays to get this workout in, always looking for a drop-in time whenever my schedule adjusts!

🔥What advice would you give to someone considering Pilates for the first time?

Everyone has nerves before class – I still do after 5 years of being here! If you’re worried you can’t do the workouts, it’s important to remember, you’ll never get better at something until you start. No one in class (except the instructor) is watching you. Workouts at sculp’d+ are an internal competition, meaning every class is another chance to get stronger than you were before.

🔥Do you have a favorite class time or instructor?

To be honest, I think every instructor has her own spark of excitement. I enjoy Natalie & Kristen D’s verbal guidance in teaching new moves. I love Georgie’s energy. Lawren will leave you beyond satisfied with your workout. Loretta will make you realize how many leg muscles you really do have. And Nicole’s music is just the best way to start any weekday. Honestly, there isn’t a teacher who I wouldn’t show up to class for — as long as it’s in the morning.

🔥Have you tried other sculp’d+ services? If not, which are you most interested to try?

I’ve tried the red light therapy, compression, massage, and Emsella chair. Obviously the massage was glorious, and the red light therapy & compression are perfect after a workout, but the Emsella chair was the most interesting thing I’ve ever done…and now that I’m getting up in years, I’m considering trying again to help with these “getting older” problems.

As we revel in the stories of Lindsay, Yvonne, and Lauren, we are reminded of the transformative power that Pilates and body sculpting can have on individuals’ lives. These incredible women exemplify dedication, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to their well-being. Lindsay’s journey, marked by overcoming the challenges of ADHD and finding solace in the precision of Pilates, inspires us to embrace the mental and physical benefits of this practice. Yvonne, at almost 65 years old, showcases the continual growth and strength that Pilates provides, proving that age is no barrier to achieving newfound accomplishments. Lauren’s tale of resilience after a back injury and her commitment to integrating thoughtful movement into daily life serve as a testament to the life-changing impact of regular Pilates practice.

At sculp’d+, we extend our deepest gratitude to Lindsay, Yvonne, and Lauren, and to all our studio members, for entrusting us with their wellness journey. International Women’s Day is not just a day but a celebration of the triumphs, struggles, and resilience that define each woman’s unique path. Together, we applaud the strength, determination, and spirit of all the incredible women who choose to prioritize their well-being through Pilates and body sculpting. As we continue this journey, let us collectively uplift, support, and empower one another, celebrating the victories within our studio and beyond. Here’s to the inspiring women who make sculp’d+ a vibrant and empowering community, and to the many more victories yet to come.

Happy International Women’s Day!

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