What is Pilates
Developed from the rehabilitation techniques of Joseph Pilates, Pilates is a safe, sensible exercise system using a floor mat or specialized equipment, that will improve your posture and strength. Safe for most everyone, Pilates improves core strength, flexibility, agility and economy of motion. Pilates is a natural fit with our goal of helping our patient’s achieve their optimal biomechanics- minimize pain and optimize their function!
Pilates Instructors
Our instructors have completed Mat and Reformer training through national leaders in Pilates including Balanced Body University, Basi and Stott Pilates. Five of our Physical Therapists have completed advanced education in Pilates and are integrally involved in our Pilates program as instructors and program development.
Mindy Rice
Pilates Instructor and Pilates Program Coordinator
Mindy is a registered and licensed dietician who completed her Masters Degree in Exercise Science and Health Spring 2017 and owns her own private nutrition practice- Balanced 360 Nutrition Consulting. Mindy has completed Pilates Mat and Reformer instructor training through Balanced Body University. She is also a long time Zumba instructor.
Brenda Boyko,
MSc, PT, Owner
Brenda is one of the owners of Moscow Mountain Sport and PT and has thoroughly enjoyed teaching Pilates for the past 12 years. She was trained through Balanced Body and integrates her 30 years history of working as a Physical Therapist into her classes. She graduated from the University of British Columbia in 1991 as a Physical Therapist, and also graduated from University of Calgary with a Master’s Degree in Sport Medicine.
Alyssa Knight
BS, PTA
Pilates Program Coordinator, Pilates Instructor, and Physical Therapist Assistant
As the MMSPT Pilates Program Coordinator, Alyssa helps with scheduling and implementation of the classes and private sessions and is happy to help you with any questions or concerns regarding the program or your individual account. Alyssa has been instructing Pilates for 4 years at MMSPT and has completed Reformer 1 and Reformer 2 training through Balanced Body Pilates education. Alyssa graduated from Spokane Falls Community College as a Physical Therapist Assistant in 2015. She attained a BS in Exercise Science from Eastern Oregon University in 2011. Prior to that, Alyssa was a collegiate athlete and a certified personal trainer for 4 years and has instructed several group and individual training sessions and classes.
To contact Alyssa about Pilates, please email alyssa.knight@moscowpt.com.
Ian Picoraro
Ian discovered Pilates as a high octane chef…who was burning out. When his back pain from a spinal fusion and long kitchen hours got the best of him, Ian knew he needed a solution if he wanted to continue cooking. That solution was Pilates. Ian was so amazed by his results that he had to share this amazing method with others. Ian holds a 1000 hour certification under world class teacher-trainer Lori Coleman-Brown. He specializes in working with athletes to increase performance and rehab injuries. An incredibly encouraging teacher, a class with Ian is always full of laughter, sweat, and positive energy.
Tips for using online pilates class scheduling and payment
Mat vs Reformer Classes
With matwork, your body provides both the resistance and assistance for Pilates exercises, affected only by gravity and your body weight. Props are often used to help compensate for specific weakness or tightness or other limiting factors to enable everyone to be successful.
Reformers are the most popular and versatile piece of Pilates equipment. While on the carriage, you send it gliding by pushing through the footbar or pulling on the ropes. Progressive resistance is created when the springs to the carriage are extended/ Reformers extend the available range much further, offering either additional resistance or support. Exercises can be easier or more challenging as desired.