Yoga is the practice of quieting the mind.

– Patañjali

Benefits of Yoga

  • Builds Muscle Strength
  • Reduces joint pain and immobility
  • Improves Flexibility
  • Reduces back and neck pain
  • Prevents cartilage and joint breakdown
  • Helps reduce stress and anxiety

Helps those dealing with

  • Fibromyalgia
  • Asthma
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Heart Disease & Hypertension
  • Insomnia
  • Depression

History of Yoga

Modern YogaYoga is deeply rooted in Indian history dating back 5000 years ago and entails much more than just the physical poses. It includes mental practices such as meditation, breath work, and philosophy. At first it was thought to have originated at a much later date, around 500 B.C.E. during the time of Gautama the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. However, not long ago archeologists discovered depictions engraved in soapstone that strongly resemble yoga postures dating back to 3000 B.C.E. Evidence is also found in the Rig-Veda, a collection of hymns, which is the oldest book in Sanskrit or any Indo-European language. Sanskrit is the primary classical Indian language and the liturgical language of Hinduism, the religion of the majority of the people in India. The Rig-Veda lead to the beginnings of Hinduism and also to Buddhism and Jainism, all of which define yoga as a “spiritual discipline.” Philosophies and traditions developed over thousands of years shifting the focus to self-enlightenment. The poses were later implemented by the Buddhist teachings, turning the practice of yoga into what we recognize today.

What is Modern Yoga?

Today the practice of yoga emphasizes the physical poses and has become an increasingly popular popular way to increase flexibility, gain strength, and reduce stress. Different styles have developed over the years such as Kundalini Yoga, Hot Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yin Yoga. Each variation moves through the poses, or asanas as it is called in Sanskrit, with a different emphasis. Hatha Yoga strongly focuses on correct alignment of the body. In fact most yoga classes focus on correct alignment, but they may go through the poses with a different intention. Some go through quickly to develop a constant flow, while others hone in on and hold each posture, still others break down the poses more slowly for a more gentle workout.

Regardless the style, the goal of most yoga is to balance mind, body, and spirit through physical practice, breath work, and meditation, all requiring self-inquiry.

“Yoga, an ancient but perfect science, deals with the evolution of humanity.  This evolution includes all aspects of one’s being, from bodily earth to self realization.  Yoga means union – the union of body with consciousness and consciousness with the soul.  Yoga cultivates the ways of maintaining a balances attitude in day to day life and endows skill in the performance of one’s actions. ” — B.K.S. Iyengar

It has been my privilege to study Pilates with Gina for more than ten years.  She is a uniquely passionate and gifted instructor whose professional knowledge and ability to motivate are unparalleled.  She maintains high standards which  result in her students’ mastery of proper technique and their steady overall progress.    Gina is a listener and a collaborator and actively partners with her students to address individual needs.  Her holistic approach to Pilates instruction truly engages mind, body and spirit, facilitating  a beautifully balanced experience.

Laura Krum

I am so pleased to have the opportunity to work with Gina. Gina is an outstanding teacher with exceptionally keen observation skills. She has worked carefully and compassionately with me to gain strength while I rehabilitate from an injury. Gina is able to offer me the perfect level of challenge with an ability to keep me focused on the key points in any exercise. I continue to feel more at home in my body and better able to move with comfort, ease and strength from my work with Gina. Gina has an eye for detail that helps me to move away from habitual patterns in my body and better understand the biomechanics of my body. I look forward to my sessions with Gina because I learn so much every single time. I am very happy with the steady progress that I am making with Gina’s guidance and encouragement. Working with Gina is enlightening, inspiring and a lot of fun. Gina is a highly skilled and knowledgeable teacher that I would recommend to anyone interested in gaining strength, flexibility and ease in their body.

Claire Bolinger

Without Gina I would not be able to achieve my goal to have a healthy active life.  I am still amazed after 8 years that I continue to understand how I can improve my range of motion and strength. 
 
I took up marathon running 5 years ago.  After 80+ marathons I am pain free and walk tall.  Gina has taught me how to take of my hamstring and psoas muscles.
 
Gina is direct, clear and committed to providing the best instructions possible.  Gina is also patient and understanding which is very much appreciated.  Working with Gina has been a good match for me.

Craig Kiest

I have been taking Pilates from Gina Frabotta for ten years, and I can say with certainty that there is no one more knowledgeable and tenured. She personalizes classes for individual needs and rehabilitation.

Gina always starts each class with personal inventory, which helps you focus on your goals for the class. Whether it is a matt, reformer or core align, Gina’s approach is unique. Her attentiveness and natural skills help you leave each workout feeling empowered and more in tune with you body.

Debbie Madden

I look forward to my Pilates sessions with Gina, she is a skilled and knowledgeable instructor.  How I feel after each session can account for her knowledge and skill.  I feel taller, stronger, and relieved of any pain I’m experiencing.  She has a great knowledge of the body, and is fun to work with.  She changes up the routine to meet the needs of my body.  Being a mom of three young ones, with all the lifting and stress my body goes through, Pilates is a must for a pain free week.  I’ve suffered with back pain, and the work she creates for me keeps me stronger than I’ve ever been.  My sessions are a highlight of my week, and Gina makes that possible.

Kelly Post-Lewis

I have had the pleasure of having Gina as my Pilates instructor for more than 9 years.  She is an outstanding teacher who balances concern for her client’s well being with persistent dedication to improving her core strength with grace and ease.   She is patient, conscientious, encouraging and empowering!   I have been able to make great strides in improving my body’s alignment, flexibility and muscle tone, all under the expert tutelage of Gina.  I would highly recommend her to anyone, beginner to advanced, who wants to add Pilates to his or her fitness routine.

Nancy Bolton

The highlight of my week is Water Pilates with Gina.  I first found the pool after an injury and immediately found joy and recovery with the assistance of Gina.  Gina’s cross training Pilates and Yoga Training gave her an edge in the water.  Her knowledge builds body awareness and strength in her clients as well as sense of well being.

Pam Resnick

Gina Frabotta’s private sessions or her group classes are always full which speaks volumes for her extraordinary talent and inspirational teaching style. I am a very flexible person and Gina has worked with me for years on how to use my muscles properly to protect my knees and joints. Gina is extremely patient with me and my 50+ years of sloppy habits. She is knowledgeable, caring and makes me feel good about myself and what I accomplish.

Because of Gina I am more aware of my body, how it works and how Pilate’s have become a part of my daily life. I feel privileged that I am able to work with Gina and she continues to work with me.

Wendy

When I started working with Gina, I was in a large amount of pain.  She was incredibly knowledgeable as well as gentle in her disposition, and she immediately gave me the confidence that my condition was going to improve with her help.  Through her methodical approach, Gina educated me on the importance of creating length not only in your spine but in the many muscles of your body.  By making me aware of the interconnectedness within my body as well as the importance of length, I was able, over time, to alleviate the pressure that was being put on my lower lumbar disc.

I got hooked 4 years ago, and continue to work with Gina on a weekly basis.  I love working with Gina not only because she helped me recover from a very painful injury, but also because she has taught me so much about my body, and as a result, my body feels better than it ever has!  Gina is really a master at her craft.  She reads her clientele very well, and her ability to get her clients to do different exercises with the correct form is a result of her ‘spot on’ cueing, intuitive understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, in depth knowledge of anatomy, and her incredible patience.

Christine