Pilates Studio Making Waves on Sydenham Lake
As I entered Healing Pilates on Sydenham Lake, I saw the warm back room overlooking the snowy lake, where two pristine, solid machines awaited their next students. We were conducting a two-person session, and upon arrival, we were on the machines with care and coaching expertise. After a brief discussion, Pilates instructor Barbara Landry had a plan to keep me moving, stretching, and toning without exacerbating any previous injuries or sore spots. And at my age, there are many.
My cohort was an avid athlete, and I had to try not to compete on weight and stretch as I manipulated the sometimes-awkward machinery until I could comfortably work both arms and legs without much thought. A few moves made me think of medieval times when, on my back, I stretched my arms and legs with shaky hesitation.
Barbara adapted the session to suit our individual needs and even offered a much-needed massage for sore areas when I got a foot cramp or a twinge in a hamstring.
Barbara Landry is a certified Pilates instructor with clinical Pilates training in rehab, injuries, and special populations, including breast cancer recovery, fascia, and parasympathetic nervous system reset. She is known for her approachable teaching style and keen eye for alignment. Throughout the session, she would approach with care, adjust me ever so slightly, and offer words of encouragement and concern, making sure my first time was positive, gentle, yet effective.
Landry notes, “I love teaching Pilates because each client is unique and every session is built on their needs. It’s a different class every time.”
Expect Pilates reformer classes to be perfectly tailored to everyone. Also expect some laughs.
“My classes are fun because we laugh while concentrating on the exercises and breathing. Pilates gives quick feedback — you can feel muscles working, posture improving, and movements getting smoother,” Landry says.
As our hour neared the end, I was pleased and surprised at how gentle the movements had been, and yet, I felt I had focused on key exercises to build strength and tone various ‘muffin’ bits. As we settled into our final few stretches, it was relaxing to look out over the snowy view and pause to celebrate, with gratitude, having this studio so close to home.
While the Blue Jays and Cardinals chatted in the side yard, Barbara ended the session with a smile and a friendly chuckle as she bid us farewell. Buddy by her side, she thanked us and invited us back again soon.
Healing Pilates by Barbara offers private or semi-private classes Monday - Friday in Sydenham. Give Barbara a call at 343 363 8254 or reach out via the studio’s Instagram page @healingpilateswithbarbara or [email protected].
