Who is the Instructor? Laura Mutz LAURA MUTZ A true veteran of the fitness industry, Laura McFadden has been a certified exercise instructor since 1986.  She  holds teaching certifications in both group exercise and personal training from ACE (American Council on Exercise) and AFAA (Aerobics and Fitness Association of America), has authored and presented fitness workshops, and was voted "one of the best" instructors in New Jersey two years in a row in a Gannett Newspaper reader's poll .  The focus of her teaching changed in 1998 when she was introduced to the work of Joseph Pilates and since then she has received over 1000 hours of formal training in the Pilates Method.  She received her first certification in 1998 through the Physicalmind Institute, continued to study with Polestar Education from 1999-2001, and in April of 2005 completed the Comprehensive Teacher Training Program at Power Pilates NYC.  This program requires a minimum of 600 hours of apprenticeship over the course of 6 months.  Graduates are recognized by the PMA (Pilates Method Alliance) and are qualified to teach the complete Pilates' repertoire on the Mat and all the studio apparatus. What is Pilates? Joseph Pilates defined the method of exercise he developed over 80 years ago as the “art of contrology” (muscle control).  Although he developed specific apparatus to assist students in developing physical skills, the “Matwork” is the original movement system that involves using one’s own body weight against gravity to strengthen and tone muscles, improve posture, spinal stability, flexibility and balance and to create a connection between mind and body.  All of the exercises begin with breath and each movement originates within the core or “powerhouse”.  This method of exercise is appropriate for anyone interested in improving their quality of life and can be modified to accommodate any fitness level or limitation.