"I have been interested in trying pilates for a while, and finally decided to follow through and book the 4 week Find Your Core series offered in January. I have really enjoyed learning classical pilates techniques from Maria. I appreciate how welcoming and attentive Maria has been during the course! The small class size is such a benefit. I have not been very physically active in the past few years, but pilates has been a safe and challenging way to get moving again. Maria is quick to offer various modifications of the movements, and always explains how these adjustments will work the body differently. I already have more awareness of my body and am excited to continue to grow and gain more strength with Lauren and Maria."

"I drive 20 minutes from Madison to get here, and I’d drive further. There are studios closer to me, but when I was researching where to start Pilates, Core & Restore stood out immediately — small class sizes and instructors with certifications that go well beyond the basics, requiring hundreds of practice hours across multiple methods. For someone brand new to Pilates with a real reason to be careful (lower back and hip pain from pottery), that mattered a lot to me. I started with private sessions with Maria before moving into classes, and that on-ramp made all the difference. She opened every session by asking what I wanted to focus on, which set a tone of intentionality I didn’t necessarily expect. She helped me understand what the fundamentals should actually feel like in the body, how to modify when needed, and (maybe most valuably) that Pilates isn’t about going further or longer. It’s about doing it right. The progress follows. When I got into classes, both Maria and Lauren gently pushed me past the hesitation my brain was creating (standing on the reformer carriage had me moving like I was defusing something) while also making clear that the equipment has you. That combination of encouragement and real instruction made a huge difference in how quickly I built confidence (this is still an ongoing journey). I came in with back and hip pain and goals around long-term mobility. A few weeks in, I’m already moving differently. More than that, I’ve never once felt judged for being new, slow, or stiff — only encouraged to keep showing up. If you’re on the fence about starting Pilates, or you’ve had mixed experiences elsewhere, come here."

"Working out at Core & Restore Pilates is not your typical 8 to 12 person class experience with loud music, routines that are rote, and instructors who are not able to see and correct form. Instead, co-owners Lauren and Maria bring their unique backgrounds in physical therapy and massage that allow me to focus and train using precise movements and techniques that have resulted in better posture, strength, and mobility as I advance in my fifth year of pilates workouts. Group classes are small, usually (4) clients per reformer, and privates are challenging utilizing different pieces of equipment including the cadillac and barrel. If you are wanting to focus on the fundamentals of understanding your body’s mechanics, build strength and grace, then Core & Restore Pilates is your best investment."