Breathe River Oaks is dedicated to raising the standard of Pilates and fitness training in Houston! We are a small, boutique studio that is fully equipped with STOTT PILATES® equipment. Our Instructors are fully trained, enthusiastic and knowledgeable in Pilates, Yoga, Personal Training, Barre and Swim. We offer a full range of options for all your fitness needs. Customized training can be achieved with private sessions with a Certified Instructor or our small group classes can provide a fun, motivating environment. ​Our class sizes are small ensuring your safety and a personalized feeling. Our yoga classes are NOT heated keeping your body safe and the studio sanitary. No matter what your goal or who you are when you walk into our studio for the first time, we are dedicated to supporting you in achieving your goals and look forward to helping you become a healthier and happier person!

Pilates requires a thorough understanding of its foundation principles before moving onto a class. However, most studios or gyms will put Pilates newcomers directly into a class with too many students of varying levels of ability. What you have is, at best, a very poor learning experience; at worst, an unsafe situation. That’s why you will begin your training at Breathe River Oaks with our Introductory Package which consists of 3 Private Sessions to acquaint you with our studio, our teaching method and our equipment. From there you and your instructor will develop an exercise program that will fit your needs and goals. For more information on Getting Started click here.

Please dress in comfortable clothing that allows you to move and breathe freely. Form-fitted clothing is encouraged. Gentlemen, if you wear athletic shorts please be sure to wear a fitted bike or compression shorts underneath. Ladies, please wear long hair pulled back so it does not get caught in the equipment. In consideration for those clients who have allergies, please refrain from wearing perfume or cologne but please do remember to wear deodorant! For your safety and for proper care of the equipment, please refrain from wearing lotion or oils. Please wear toe socks or socks with no-slip soles for any work on equipment.

The low-impact nature of the Pilates workout, coupled with its emphasis on the quality of movement (rather than endless repetitions to the point of fatigue), makes Pilates perfect for any age, body type or fitness level.

Pilates is distinct from most exercise regimens because it’s low-impact and addresses the body as a whole. Pilates takes a balanced approach so that no muscle group is overworked and the body works as an efficient, holistic system in sport and daily activity. The focus is on quality of movement rather than quantity, which makes one feel invigorated rather than exhausted after a session. Pilates exercises can be performed on a mat or on specialized equipment such as a Reformer, Cadillac, Chair and Ladder Barrel.

In some respects Pilates and yoga share similarities. Both are considered mind-body methods of movement which emphasize deep breathing and smooth, controlled movements that encourage your muscles to relax and lengthen. While yoga requires moving from one static posture to the next, Pilates flows through a series of movements that are more dynamic, systematic and anatomically-based. The goal with Pilates exercises is to achieve optimal functional fitness.

Ideally you should aim for 2-4 times a week, whether in mat classes, equipment classes or private sessions. This kind of regular, consistent practice will help develop muscle memory more quickly and enable you to integrate the various Pilates principles. But don’t be intimidated by a big-time commitment–any Pilates is better than no Pilates!

The average active person doing 2-3 classes per week should see some results within 10-12 classes. This will vary depending on each individual and other factors such as the number of classes a person takes each week, whether they are private or group classes, participation in other physical activities, and existing injuries. It is also important to work with a well trained Certified Instructor

Pilates doesn’t aim to fatigue the muscles to exhaustion, instead it uses changing movement patterns, mental focus and muscle memory to build strength and awareness into the body. Therefore Pilates leaves you feeling more energized than exhausted. Muscle pain is caused by lactic acid build-up in the muscle, improper stretching, or tearing of the muscles. By emphasizing quality over quantity and loading the muscles in the lengthening, eccentric contraction, Pilates doesn’t usually lead to severe soreness. The “no pain, no gain” exercise philosophy has no place in Pilates–Joseph Pilates figured out that an exercise doesn’t have to be painful to be effective, therefore his exercises work directly with the deepest muscles in the body, developing strength without the pain associated with conventional exercise.

Although you should always consult with your physician before starting any fitness routine, a Pilates workout is gentle and controlled. Pilates can be a very safe form of exercise for individuals with back pain because of the emphasis on strengthening the muscles that support the spine and joints. Our instructors have gone through injury and special populations continuing education and will modify the exercises to accommodate your limitations. We will also communicate with your health care providor to ensure we are providing a safe and effective workout that continually challenges you within your range. If you commit yourself to a consistent schedule you will certainly feel results.

Please Note: The following information should NOT be substituted for medical advice from your doctor. Please consult your physician for information on what will be appropriate for you during your pregnancy. Pilates can be a safe, low impact form of exercise during pregnancy. Participation in a Pilates program should take place prior to becomming pregnant or during the first trimester to allow your instructor to become familiar with the changes that take place in your body throughout your pregnancy. It is highly recommended that you participate in one-on-one sessions or classes that are prenatal specific as exercises performed in a regular Pilates class may be contraindicated.

Pilates can be a positive addition to your overall weight loss program. The most successful and healthy way to achieve weight loss is an exercise plan that includes an aerobic component coupled with strength training such as Pilates, and following a balanced diet. Combining Pilates with a weight loss program also offers the following additional benefits: enhanced mind-body connection, improved strength, posture and flexibility and greater ease of movement.

There’s no age limit in the practice of Pilates. Pilates can be beneficial for virtually all ages, fitness levels and body conditions. One of the beauties of Pilates is that we tailor it to suit each personage and physical condition. Because Pilates is gentle on the joints while developing strength and flexibility it is often called the “perfect workout for a lifetime”. Having a whole body movement practice that translates to being vital and strong in your everyday movements, especially as you age, is the goal of practicing Pilates. Also, one’s chronological age doesn’t necessarily limit one’s movement capabilities – some 75 year olds can perform intermediate exercises on the Cadillac, while there are those in their 20’s who struggle with a simple roll up. While older clients may have to start more slowly, many seniors do Pilates into their eighties and nineties. A properly tailored Pilates program is one of the best-known ways to ward off the infirmities of old age. Your true age, in the end, of course, is as much a function of how you feel as it is of the date on your birth certificate. As Joseph Pilates himself put it: ‘If, at the age of 30, you are stiff and out of shape, you are old. If, at 60, you are supple and strong, then you are young.’

There is no pre-requisite on your fitness level. You can begin Pilates or yoga classes anytime, at any fitness level. That’s the beauty. Pilates meets you wherever you are – at any age or fitness level!

Both mat and equipment Pilates apply the same fundamental principles of core strength and stability, just in different ways: Mat classes are usually done in a group setting using only mats, your own body weight and sometimes small props to strengthen and condition the body. Mat classes are a fun, fast-paced way to practice Pilates and are a moderately priced alternative to private sessions. Equipment sessions are ideally performed one on-one and can involve any number of apparatus and props. Joseph Pilates designed special apparatus to further enhance the mat exercises he had already developed and to make them accessible to people recovering from injuries. These various equipment pieces such as the Reformer, Cadillac and Chair incorporate light spring resistance that works concentric and eccentric muscle contractions to safely sculpt, tone and stretch the muscles under the guidance of a certified trainer. This weighted resistance enables more detailed, form-specific work making it ideal for its original purpose as physical therapy work, and of course, it also provides an excellent, challenging workout for any healthy body as well.

Yoga is amazing—even if you only practice for one hour a week, you will experience the benefits of the practice. If you can do more than that, you will certainly experience more benefits. I suggest starting with two or three times a week, for an hour or an hour and a half each time.

Yes! You are a perfect candidate for yoga. Many people think that they need to be flexible to begin yoga, but that’s a little bit like thinking that you need to be able to play tennis in order to take tennis lessons. Come as you are and you will find that yoga practice will help you become more flexible. This newfound agility will be balanced by strength, coordination, and enhanced cardiovascular health, as well as a sense of physical confidence and overall well-being.

In yoga practice we twist from side to side, turn upside down, and bend forward and backward. If you have not fully digested your last meal, it will make itself known to you in ways that are not comfortable. If you are a person with a fast-acting digestive system and are afraid you might get hungry or feel weak during yoga class, experiment with a light snack such as yogurt, a few nuts, or juice about 30 minutes to an hour before class.

The Rossiter System is one of the most powerful methods for targeted relief and prevention of structural pain. It is a Unique, Effective, Safe method that provides fast pain relief. The Rossiter System is a two-person stretching modality that not only alleviates pain but can prevent its occurrence.

For all sessions it is suggested to bring water and a towel if needed. Pilates – sticky socks. Mats and all other props are provided. Yoga – mat. All other props are provided. Barre – sticky socks. Mats and all other props are provided

24-hour notice of cancellation is required to avoid being charged for appointments and classes. Please call or e-mail if you cannot make your scheduled session. No-shows and late cancellations will be charged the full amount of the scheduled session.

Semi-Private Cancellations: Both parties in a scheduled semi-private session are responsible for canceling the appointment with 24-hours’ notice. If one client of a semi-private session early cancels, the remaining client has the option to early cancel or change to a private session at the private session rate.

In case of last-minute instructor illness or emergency, we will make every attempt to keep your appointment time by booking you into another instructor’s schedule. If you do not wish to exercise this option, please let your instructor know in advance so that we may contact you to cancel. Students that wish to attend a class should sign up in advance. This enables the instructor to contact you in the event of a cancellation.

Advance payment is required to sign up for private sessions, classes, and introductory sessions. We want you to be committed, which is why we have created an expiration date on all packages. All packages expire 30 days from the date of purchase. Special promotions and packages may have unique expiration dates. All purchases are non-refundable and non-transferable. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards. A $25 fee will apply to any checks that have been returned.