About Us

We know you have options. There are lots of Pilates studios out there and tons of buzz. Some studios are franchises, some are boutiques, and some are small chains; some Pilates studios offer large classes, some smaller ones, and some only offer privates and semi-privates.

There are debates about what is "true" Pilates. What is the difference between Classical and Contemporary Pilates? Both are founded on Joseph Pilates principles of movement, and each have been slightly adapted by his direct students. Ultimately, the difference will matter only insofar as what do you enjoy and prefer. Regardless of any exercise regimen, if you enjoy it and get a lot out of it, you will keep going. The name of the game is consistency, and you will be consistent with what you like to do, what you prioritize, and the results you feel and see.

So what is the "right" kind of Pilates? The question is more about which one aligns with your goals, your schedule, and your lifestyle? If it's easy, it's not Pilates. Pilates is and should be a challenge, mentally and physically, and it's one that will evolve as your mind-body connection evolves. How much guidance you want is ultimately up to you.

As a boutique, we offer personalized, guided instruction with Private Sessions and "Duo" (Duet) sessions*. We are focused on the roots of Pilates, back to the highly personalized instruction format that Pilates was taught even by Joseph Pilates himself, yet with a contemporary flair for more variety in movement.

*We may offer small group classes in the future.

Loyal, trustworthy, friendly, welcoming dog-friendly Merrithew Reformer Pilates Studio. Bixby Oklahoma.

Health is freedom.

Flexibility yields longevity of movement.

Experience life, family, and community more fully with both.

~ANA Aileen

Certified Instructor in The Method® Pilates

Bachelor of Arts - English Literature, Minor in Philosophy (and still took coursework in Kinesiology, Anatomy, Physiology, Chemistry, Physics and Strength Resistance Weight training)

I think that there is a general need for health and wellness through discipline and fitness. We may not all look like supermodels, and our bodies come in a Beautiful variety of shapes and sizes. We can still be fit physically, mentally and emotionally by what we can control in this life, which isn’t much. Yet, what we can control yields much to be grateful for, to strive for, and to exemplify to others. I believe that the secret to youth doesn’t have to be found in a bottle, a needle, or a scalpel; the secret to youth is fundamentally in the freedom that comes from flexibility, mobility, and the shared joyous and challenging experiences that come from being able to participate in all the moments of this life.

Drawn to the shared principles of strength resistance exercises, the mindset and discipline of martial arts, I went all in with Pilates. For over 17 years, I've been practicing both classical and contemporary styles, and ultimately culminating in achieving a comprehensive pilates certification through PhysicalMind Institute (PMI)*.

completing 500+ comprehensive instructor hours, I was certified in The Method® by Master Trainer Jodi Melton of award-winning The Firm Body Pilates in Scottsdale, Arizona. Jodi was trained by Joan Breibart, Joseph Pilates' student and co-founder of PMI. Jodi trains major professional athletes and professional coaches from NFL, MLB, NHL, PGA/LGPA and people across all levels of fitness and ages. It was a privilege to be trained and certified by her.

(PhysicalMind Institute is not only the successor to the Institute of Pilates Method, it is also the original Pilates Certification program that was co-founded by Eve Gentry and Joan Breibart.)*

My Pilates practice is also influenced by other impressive Pilates instructors whom I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to improve my practice by taking in-person sessions with them:

Privileged to have attended an in-person Workshop, Pilates for Athletes - “The Winning Formula” (proprietary) by Helen Stamatakos of Pilates Insync, Sydney, Australia - Helen is a Renown Pilates Instructor for Australian National Rugby League (NRL), Olympians, International Soccer and Cricket teams, and other Elite Australian Athletes. She's a Principal Trainer Membership Level of the Pilates Association Australia (PAA), Pilates ITC Educator, and graduate of Pilates Studio & Rehabilitation Method from Polestar
Master Trainer Nicole Baltes of award-winning CORE Pilates Prescott - Comprehensive Certified under renowN CORE Pilates NYC, she is a former a professional dancer in NYC, Chicago and internationally.
Master Trainer Caroline Londergan of award-winning White House Pilates - Caroline is mentored directly by Lolita San Miguel, a Joseph Pilates student, Caroline was the first Pilates instructor for The White House, the US Secret Service, and DC SWAT in Washington, D.C.

Historical context of personal Experience:

Over 20-years of strength resistance training (10-years of 4--hours per week training with an ace certified personal trainer)
Almost 700-hours of immersive practice o Choy Lay Fut kung fu style (Chinese marital arts) with Sifu Alexander Cardenas and Sifu Cindy Hom, direct students of Grand Master Tat Mau Wong
CrossFit training at Petranek Fitness/CrossFit LA in its infancy 2007-2008 before finding Pilates in 2009

You'll be consistent with what you like, and you'll prioritize what you love.