Pilates & GYROTONIC®
Studio

If you're interested in fine tuning athletic skills, have musculoskeletal pains, or are not getting the desired physique through traditional workouts, private training in Pilates and GYROTONIC® can effectively help address these issues to meet your goals. You will be working with an instructor with an extensive background in kinesiology and anatomy, who will provide sessions tailored to your needs and who will maximize your Pilates or GYROTONIC® sessions. The goal is to carve out your best physique and reduce pain. This is an ideal program for anyone rehabilitating from an injury, and beneficial for those seeking to refine their fitness program and provide an athletic and aesthetic edge. Whatever your fitness goals are, working with a highly qualified Pilates and GYROTONIC® trainer at Rice will expedite your results.


What is Pilates?

Joseph Pilates developed the Pilates technique of body conditioning in the 1920s. It has long been a method employed by dancers and athletes to prevent and correct muscular imbalances and to maintain proper skeletal alignment. The method reshapes the physique by creating longer, leaner muscles and a narrower waistline.

How does training on Pilates Equipment differ from Pilates Mat Class?

The principal apparatus used in Pilates technique is known as the "Reformer." The Reformer is a carefully crafted piece of equipment consisting of a horizontal platform with a movable carriage that is controlled by adjustable springs. The springs allow for variable resistance during the exercises according to an individual's capabilities and needs. We also have a Pilates Chair, which is primarily used for balancing out the strength of the extremities by targeting them individually to correct for overworking the dominant side. There are thousands of possible exercises on these machines, yet they all have some commonalities: focusing on the 'core', proper alignment, breath, strengthening and lengthening the body to its optimal end range of motion, and smooth fluid movement.

What is GYROTONIC®?

This Greek word breaks down into 'gyro', to spiral; and 'tonic' to tone. The GYROTONIC® method is known as the expansion system. This system of body work employs specialized machines that use weights that strengthen three dimensionally to increase rotation, joint mobilization, strength, and flexibility. The method stretches and strengthens the back like nothing else. We have seen clients regain height, successfully reversing the effect of gravity compressing us over the years. The body is strengthened, lengthened, and invigorated.

New to Pilates or GYROTONIC®?

Please email chrissy@align-body.com to set up an appointment. Chrissy offers 30-minute phone or in-person consultations to assess how you can get the most out of these methods and set up a training plan.

Currently a client looking to renew sessions?

Please email chrissy@align-body.com to discuss packages and training details.


Pricing

STATUS PRIVATE PILATES / GYROTONIC 5-PACK PILATES / GYROTONIC DUET PILATES DUET 5-PACKS
Student $70.00 $325.00 $45.00 / person $200.00 / person
Faculty / Staff $95.00 $450.00 $55.00 / person $250.00 / person
Rec Member $110.00 $550.00 $65.00 / person $310.00 / person
Non-Rice Rec Member $110.00 $550.00 $65.00 / person $310.00 / person
NOTICE
  • All sessions require a 24-hour cancellation to prevent being charged for the session.
  • All sessions are 55 minutes in length.
  • Socks are required to be worn during the sessions.
  • Non-members must wait at the front desk to let Chrissy allow you into the facility.

Meet Our Instructor, Chrissy Leach

Chrissy Leach brings a diverse education and experience to her Pilates sessions, ensuring results for advanced/professional athletes, exercise enthusiasts with chronic pain, and those who suffer from pain due to musculoskeletal imbalances. She teaches the Reformer, Chair, Cadillac, Ladder Barrel, Half Barrel, and Pilates Mat work from beginning to the most advanced levels. Her degree in Kinesiology from The University of Texas at Austin facilitates her ability to connect Pilates knowledge to the musculoskeletal system, biomechanics, and the psychology of exercise.

Chrissy also draws inspiration and imagery from 20 years of ballet and contemporary and improvisational dance training, and frequently applies this to her sessions. In 2009, Chrissy became a GYROTONIC® teacher. Chrissy has specialized training in GYROTONIC®, including but not limited to: Psoas Dysfunction, Applications for Dancers, and is able to work with all levels of clients as she knows the Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced repertoire. She regularly attends specialized classes to refine her craft.

After over 15,000 hours of teaching experience in Austin, Oakland, San Francisco and Houston, Chrissy founded her business, Align Body, which is now a part of Rice University.

Chrissy is currently studying Muscle Activation Techniques (MAT) and learning from Greg Roskopf in Denver, Colorado. MAT is a system of body work that assesses joint asymmetry and employs muscle testing to pinpoint inactive muscles that limit the joint’s ability to function normally. When the inactive muscle is located, isometric techniques are employed to activate the muscle. This system of body work finds the root cause of pain and is highly effective in restoring proper muscle functioning. Chrissy is a Muscle Activation Technique Specialist for the Upper Body, Lower Body and Trunk and Spine.

Chrissy looks forward to serving the Rice community and offering individual and duet Pilates, GYROTONIC® sessions, Pilates Mat Classes specialty classes.