ARLINGTON, Texas — Pilates enthusiasts said the mind-body exercise method isn’t just stretches and reps. For them, it’s a fun, life-changing practice that heals, prevents injury and builds strength, helping people move better, feel stronger and live their best, healthiest lives.

“Honestly, Pilates saved my life,” Anita Wiles, a practitioner, said.

For Wiles, Pilates is a practice that has helped her regain mobility and delay a knee replacement. After struggling with chronic knee pain and limited movement, doctors recommended surgery. But Pilates has allowed her to avoid that option and continue living an active lifestyle.

Despite having a bad knee, she said Pilates has strengthened her body and improved her flexibility, allowing her to stay active. She practices at least three times a week for one-hour sessions, or more, to maintain her wellness.

She said her favorite exercise is the reformer because of the tension band stretches.

“I love it because it really helps with my muscle strength and flexibility,” Wiles said.

Beyond physical benefits, Wiles said she has also found a sense of community in her Pilates classes. Introduced to the exercise by a friend, she quickly became part of a supportive group that motivated one another.

For anyone considering Pilates, Wiles’ advice is straightforward.

“We put it off and we procrastinate, we can always find something else to do,” Wiles said. “Just do it.”

While Pilates can be more expensive than other forms of exercise, she said she believes it’s an investment in long-term health.

“I spend more money on my health than anything else,” she said. “If you don’t have your health, nothing else matters.”

Cami Grasher, the owner and instructor of The Pilates Effect and Healthy Concepts, 2410 W. Abram, Suite 112, has dedicated more than a decade to studying Pilates and now provides specialized training for individuals at every stage of life.

“Pilates is all about balancing the body, correcting imbalances and strengthening muscles,” Grasher said. “It’s not just a workout, it’s a lifestyle that supports longevity, flexibility and injury prevention.”

Her approach is centered on the belief that Pilates not only helps prevent injuries but also addresses underlying issues such as poor posture, muscle imbalances and joint pain before they escalate.

“What makes Pilates stand out is that it’s holistic—it takes into account your body’s alignment, breathing and your strength,” Grasher said. “I work with everyone from young athletes to people recovering from surgeries or battling chronic conditions. The goal is to help them improve functionality and feel better every day.”

Grasher said she and her team strive to provide personalized care. All instructors at The Pilates Effect are certified in STOTT Pilates, a method with a medical emphasis, and have in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology. This enables them to design customized programs that address each client’s specific needs, from recovering from an injury to improving athletic performance.

“I’ve worked with people recovering from knee replacements or strokes,” Grasher said. “Pilates helps them regain strength and flexibility, which in turn helps them get back to living their lives with fewer limitations.”

In addition to Pilates, Grasher’s practice collaborates with other health professionals such as physical therapists, chiropractors and hormone specialists. This integrated approach ensures that clients receive the most comprehensive care possible.

“Pilates bridges the gap for people who may have finished physical therapy but need continued support,” Grasher said. “We give them the tools to keep moving forward, improving their strength, balance and overall wellness.”

Practitioners view Pilates as a transformative practice, helping people lead healthier and pain-free lives.

“Pilates is a lifestyle,” Grasher said.

With a background in kinesiology and years of experience as a Pilates instructor, Carmen Sivadge has dedicated her career to helping individuals improve their movement.

“Pilates is so diverse,” Sivadge said. “It’s great for professional athletes looking for performance enhancement, but it’s also fantastic for those who haven’t been working out.”

Sivadge said that Pilates teaches more than just fitness—it fosters body awareness, flexibility and the ability to isolate muscles, ultimately improving overall movement efficiency. This approach makes Pilates accessible to everyone.

“For someone new to Pilates, I always advise patience and an open mind,” she said.

At The Pilates Effect, the focus is on a total-body workout that combines spring-loaded equipment and bodyweight exercises. In each session, clients work their abs, stretch and engage in strength training, making it a well-rounded workout.

Sivadge said her journey into Pilates began with her background as a dancer, where she sought ways to improve flexibility and prevent injuries. Her passion for understanding the human body deepened when she pursued her education in kinesiology, which solidified her commitment to Pilates as an effective method for overall health and wellness.

“When I started studying anatomy and the human body, I was amazed at how incredibly smart our bodies are,” Sivadge said. “My goal is to educate clients on how their bodies move, helping them gain respect for their physical capabilities and motivating them to care for their health.”

The studio prides itself on its personalized approach. With small class sizes—typically no more than six people—clients receive individualized attention that caters to their specific needs. This approach ensures that each session is tailored, whether clients are beginners or more advanced practitioners.

“We keep our classes small so we can give more attention to each person,” Sivadge said. “That’s important when you have different levels in the same class.”

In addition to traditional Pilates techniques, Sivadge and her colleagues are incorporating modern fitness trends into their offerings. One example is the use of vibration plates, which are beneficial for the lymphatic and circulatory systems and help muscles contract in new ways.

“They’re great for muscle activation and lymphatic health,” Sivadge said. “It’s a fun new way to challenge the body while staying true to the functional movement Pilates is known for.”