about

The Studio

Reach Pilates offers a refreshing, peaceful setting dedicated solely to the Pilates Method. Private lessons and rigorous sanitization measures facilitate your safety and well-being.

The studio features Joseph Pilates unique exercise apparatus, manufactured by industry leaders Gratz, Balanced Body and Peak Pilates. A Classical approach to the Pilates system assures that you’ll work on durable, studio-quality equipment to accomplish your fitness goals.

Reach Pilates was established in 2004 and we’ve consistently made choices that reflect our belief that your well-being is directly connected that of our planet. Our sustainability strategy includes the exclusive use of Sherwin-Williams Harmony low-VOC paint, Shaw PVC-free carpeting that is 100% recyclable, and compact fluorescent and LED light bulbs. HEPA air filters reduce environmental allergens. Seventh Generation cleaning product are used throughout the studio. Whenever possible we recycle and purchase recycled products.

To reduce the volume of single-use plastic we offer glass-bottled Mountain Valley Spring water in our dispenser and you will be given a BPA-free reusable bottle on your first lesson.

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COVID-19 procedure

COVID-19 presents a very real threat to our health. We have taken a number of measures to safeguard the well-being of Reach Pilates students. Sessions are by appointment only. There is a 15 minute gap between appointments so that there is never crossover among students. Benefect Botanical Decon 30 is used to thoroughly clean equipment and surfaces after each session.

Alcohol-dominant hand sanitizer manufactured by 3 Daughters Brewery is readily available for your use. You are requested to clean your hands upon entry to the studio. Students are requested to stay home if they have any symptoms associated with COVID-19 and no penalties will occur if lessons are canceled.

teachers

Quality instruction is critical to your success. Reach Pilates is committed to provide the highest standard of teaching in the Tampa Bay area. That’s why our teachers have successfully completed comprehensive certification programs and regularly participate in continuing education.

Michele Berman

Studio Owner/Teacher

I began studying Pilates in 1999. The exercises really resonated with me, recalling childhood forays into gymnastics, figure skating and ballet. My passion for Pilates led me to learn to teach Pilates Matwork and then to complete comprehensive teacher training.

I opened Reach Pilates in downtown Safety Harbor in April 2004. A life-long learner, my desire to develop my teaching expertise has exposed me to some of the industry’s premier Classical Pilates educators. A self-professed anatomy geek, I completed Functional Anatomy for Movement and Injury at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City and am enrolled in the Movement Science Made Simple program. A desire to better understand the challenges of back pain led me to study with Dr. Stuart McGill.

My broad knowledge of anatomy, understanding of the challenges of persistent pain, and use of the myriad tools within Classical Pilates provide me with a specialized set of skills to help you get out of pain and fulfill Joseph Pilates’ promise to “Return to Life.”

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training

2001 Physicalmind Institute Basic Mat w/ Susan Huffman-Bodywise Studio
2003 Physicalmind Institute Advanced & Standing Mat w/ Charlotte Addington-Weikel-The BFIT Center
2004 Physicalmind Institute Comprehensive Teacher Training w/ Charlotte Addington-Weikel-The BFIT Center
2005 American Council on Exercise Personal Trainer Certification
2013 Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Teacher
2014 Safe Spine Teaching Techniques/Gap Filler w/ Rebecca Leone
2016 Functional Anatomy for Movement and Injury
2017 Foundation for the Pain-free Back with Dr. Stuart McGill
2018/19 The Classical Syllabus with MeJo Wiggin
2019 Separate but Connected and The Brain in Pain (Movement Science Made Simple) with Jeremy Laverdure and Cara Reeser
Annual continuing education has included workshops with the late Kathy Stanford Grant, Ron Fletcher and Bob Liekens and also with Mary Bowen, Lolita San Miguel, Jay Grimes, Rebecca Leone, Siri Dharma Galliano, Brett Howard and Clare Dunphy.
1987 BFA School of Visual Arts, NYC
1991 MA Mass Communication, University of Florida
2002 Fellow, Environmental Communication, Loyola University New Orleans