My own program · individualized to you
Strength for Life
A strength-driven evolution of Pilates, built to keep you strong, steady, and capable for the long run, without ever losing the control and precision Pilates is loved for. In each session we move into focused strength work, so your body gets the lasting benefit of building muscle.
One minute, whatever your age.
Strength that holds everything else up, built around your body, at any age.
I want every woman to know this, whatever your age. Pilates gives us so much. Core strength, flexibility, mobility, control. I have taught it my whole working life and I would never trade it. And alongside it, there is one more thing worth having. Building muscle. Real, functional strength is what keeps you steady on your feet, protects your bones, and keeps you doing the things you love as the years go on. That is what the Muscle Integrity Program is. Pilates stays the foundation, and we add focused strength work, built around your body. Lean, capable strength, without bulk. Weave it into your Pilates, or do it on its own, in the studio or on Zoom, and we pulse it in and out as your needs change. Strong is a practice, not a mood. And it holds everything else up.
Pilates has been my life’s work, and it gives us a great deal: core strength, flexibility, mobility, and the control that makes movement precise. Strength work is not a correction to any of that. It is the next thing you add once that foundation is there.
What resistance adds is muscle itself, and muscle is what carries you: steadiness on your feet, load through the bones, the capacity to lift and carry and get up off the floor without thinking about it. That is the thing the years take first if nothing asks for it, and it is the one thing you can keep asking for at any age.
Strong is a practice, not a mood.
Gina Santangelo
It's a strategic blend of Pilates and strength training, designed to enhance muscle tone, improve bone density, and build stability, without bulk. Where traditional strength training leans on isolated movements and heavy lifting, this uses controlled resistance, balance work, and isometric holds to engage both large muscle groups and deep stabilizers, reinforcing strength while protecting joints and maintaining flexibility.
Absolutely, Pilates remains the foundation. The program can be integrated into any Pilates routine or used as a standalone strength session, in-person or virtually. It's designed to complement your existing practice so strength work enhances, rather than replaces, the benefits of Pilates.
No. It's specifically designed to tone, define, and strengthen without bulk. By focusing on lean muscle activation, endurance-based resistance, and functional movements, it creates a balanced, strong physique while improving posture, mobility, and bone health.
Yes. Whether you're a beginner building strength gradually or someone with an existing practice, the program adapts to your level. Gina works with each client on proper form, progression, and modifications, making it accessible and effective for women of all ages and abilities.
Socks are required, grip socks recommended. For sanitary reasons, bare feet aren't permitted on the equipment, so please wear socks; I recommend grip socks for extra stability and security through every movement. Wear form-fitting clothing so I can see your alignment and correct your form in real time, leggings are ideal, but anything that won't ride up works well. A fitted tee or tank on top is perfectly fine. New to grip socks? Just ask and I'll point you to a pair I recommend.
