On the Ligurian Sea in the Italian Riviera one friend asks another to take a picture of her at the bow of a boat that sails along the coast of the villages that make up the Cinque Terre.

Perhaps it appears like a typical ‘gals taking pics of each other for social whilst on vacation’ moment for some. For these two soul sisters it’s a very special occasion that when brought to attention brings a hand squeeze and tears to their eyes. This would be one of the thousands of moments shared between these two on this, the first of their many, many trips exploring the magical country of Italy together.

With a few weeks to go before completing our in-class hours for the Muse Movement’s Mat Pilates Teacher Training, I wanted to share a look into my experience so far!

Well that went by fast. Oof see ya later 2023. The last few months have been really painful ones for the world. We have been really proud of you all, continuing to show up at The Muse and take care of yourself. We know it's been heavy and hard to do so at times and we commend you.

Welcome to our fourth feature of Proust & Pilates, featuring the wonderful, Alwynn.

I have been watching the schedule like a hawk for 9 years and believe me when I shout from the top of my reformer - THE WAITLIST WORKS. I realize, however, that not everyone knows just exactly how it works. So, for peace of mind and to help you make an informed decision about whether or not to put yourself on one, I'm going to break down exactly how our waitlist system works and what to expect when you sign yourself up for it.

Welcome to our third feature of Proust & Pilates, featuring the ever nurturing, Nicky.

Will I be able to use my Pilates Teacher Training Certification anywhere in the world?

This was my fundamental question when I applied for my first Pilates Teacher Training many many many moons ago. Knowing in my heart that my second love was traveling, I needed to know that being a Pilates teacher was something I could put in my suitcase and do anywhere.

Welcome to our second feature of Proust & Pilates, featuring the ever lovely, Shawna.

Have you ever noticed that when you go to the gym or to a fitness class with a friend that it flies by like that. What's that old adage - time flies when you are having fun - and working out with a friend is just that. Fun times all around.

About the series… we’re excited to announce our new feature on our blog called, Proust and Pilates. If you’re like me you skip straight to the last page when you buy vanity fair to read the latest celeb Proustian interview then you will get this! And, we’re calling in Proust and Pilates for obvious reasons. Please enjoy our first feature!

Y’all know the physical benefits of a Pilates practice: mobility, flexibility, stability, strength and all around feeling damn good. But, did you know about the neuroplastic benefits of a regular Pilates practice? That’s right your brain can be molded like plastic.

Here at Muse, we don’t subscribe to a fixed definition of Pilates. How it feels, how it lands and what kind of benefits you see, are completely unique to you and that is what matters.

Consider your Intro Offer your first date with Muse. You have four classes to get to know the studio, the instructors, and the machine.

As a studio committed to science, diversity and inclusivity and; an ally and participant in the fight to change the damaging messages of the Pilates industry, we find some of the messaging really problematic and frankly, misleading and incorrect.

A Muse training teaches adaptability, ingenuity, patience, and compassion. We do not believe in creating cookie-cutter teachers, we want you to become a Pilates instructor with a teaching voice that is unique to you and entirely your own.

The first thing you can expect when you walk into Muse is a space that is as breathtaking as it is warm and inviting. The second thing you’ll find is an instructor who is eager to meet you and welcome you into class. When it comes to the class itself, you can expect an intelligently sequenced and artfully designed reformer class that will leave you feeling grounded, empowered, and strong.

Pilates on-demand can do more than honour your physical needs; it can help make space for your emotional and mental health needs as well. There are times when class is exactly what you need, but foraying into a large group activity is something you’d rather avoid, and that's ok. With Muse on-demand, you can embrace solo time and move your body with ease. If you’re not in the mood for a crowd, we’ve got you covered with some of the best online Pilates classes out there. Find a nice spot at home or at a friend’s and move your mind, body, and heart.

We can confidently say that we have mastered the art of Pilates for beginners. There is no fancy footwork over here (although there is some wonderfully simple footwork for your movement pleasure); we keep it simple and spend a little more time in each pose so that you can get a handle on the basics and let the language of movement land on you.

We believe that every body tells a story and as you flow through movement that story begins to unfold. For us, Pilates is not about how it looks, it's about how it feels.

Yes, I learned how to be an incredible Pilates instructor, but more than that, this training taught me patience, understanding, and compassion; how to extend it to others and to myself. Because I took the risk and chose to pursue a Pilates certification at Muse, I know how to listen to my body and celebrate the strength and resilience it holds.