Pilates with Mela

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Pilates with Mela

Online and On the Road Pilates Classes

09/15/2026

at the otherworldly Vasquez Rocks.

Those sharp sandstone fins rise from the earth at angles that look almost extraterrestrial. Shaped by ancient layers, lifted and tilted by the restless movement of the San Andreas Fault, but made famous by sci-fi Hollywood films.

Do you remember your first Pilates class? Or perhaps the first time you did a challenging exercise - like maybe teaser? Snake and Twist? Airplane?

What once felt impossible, becomes available.

What exercise once felt impossible to you? And how has it changed for you now?

❤️

09/08/2026

Pilates Swimming on the Spine Corrector is all about finding your sweet spot.

Too far forward, and you may tip toward the floor. Too far back, and it becomes hard to lift your legs. But when you find that sweet spot, the exercise suddenly becomes less about what part is on the barrel and more about length and breath to maintain your balance.

Do you hear the conversation in your body when you do this exercise?

🔗You’ll find my latest video in the link in my bio and today’s story.

09/03/2026

Last weekend, I taught my first Breathing for Pilates workshop at in the Contrology Club: Your Internal Rhythm.

We explored the science behind breathing, practiced some functional breathwork exercises, and then applied those techniques to the mat and reformer sequences.

The response from everyone who participated gave me goosebumps as many people experienced noticeable changes in their practice during the workshop itself stating “everything felt so much easier”, “I sweated less than I normally do”, “I felt really grounded” and “this will change the way I teach knee stretches from now on”.

✨I’m so excited to see what happens as they continue practicing these techniques regularly. ✨

🫁 The next Breathing for Pilates workshop is coming in October!

🔗 Sign up for my newsletter to be kept in the loop. Link in bio

09/01/2026

It’s and this week’s adventure took us to the beach in Ventura. A first time visit for me, walking along the beach we found this rock memorial which I thought was a beautiful idea followed by some balancing rock art that just blew my mind. How is it still balancing with the waves crashing right next to them?!

It did make me think about my reaction to an Instagram post I saw that morning before we left. This woman was talking about the physics of how we balance in teaser. I started listening to it and then my brain went numb and thought I just don’t care right now. I closed the app and got ready to leave.

I like geeking out over all things Pilates but on a Sunday morning it was clear my brain needed nature not a lesson. I know how to balance in a teaser, I know how to help my clients find this balance, so I’ll live if I don’t read up on the science of it.

Once we came across the balancing rock art, I couldn’t help but think of the physics of how the rocks are balancing and had to do a little Google search. Lol I did giggle at myself. But at least my enquiring mind was working out in nature vs just scrolling on my phone.

It then got me thinking of the clients experience. Most people really don’t care about the physics behind the exercises. They care about how they feel in their bodies.

Which are you? The person who wants to know how things work? Or the person who cares more about their personal experience?
❤️❤️

08/31/2026

👣 Footwork on the Wunda Chair is a great way to build strength, control, and confidence.

You’ve done it on the reformer, now rise to the extra challenge on the chair. Whether you’re just starting or ready to progress your footwork, there’s a little something for everyone in this tutorial.

It’s a lot more than just leg work. It’s working mobility in your hips, strength in your center and back, foot and ankle strength and stretch, and pelvic stability.

Also, loving that I get to film at Strong Body Pilates these days! What a beautiful studio 🤩

Which exercise would you like me to do next on the wunda chair?

🔗You’ll find the full video in the link in my bio and today’s story.

08/25/2026

Did you know that carbon dioxide, not oxygen, is the primary driver of your breathing? 🫁

Your body constantly monitors CO₂ levels in the blood. When you become sensitive to CO₂, even a small rise can create an urgent feeling that you need more air. This may lead to faster, bigger breaths or switching to mouth breathing. Over time, mouth breathing can reinforce chronic hyperventilation, dry and irritate the airways, and make oxygen delivery less efficient.

In this workshop, we’ll explore how using functional breathing techniques during your Pilates workout can help you reconnect with your internal rhythm and develop a calmer, more efficient breath.

Benefits of nasal breathing include:
⭐️ Filtering, warming, and humidifying the air.
⭐️ Supporting more efficient breathing and oxygen delivery.
⭐️ Encouraging diaphragmatic breathing.
⭐️ Helping maintain a healthier balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide.
⭐️ Supporting focus, exercise tolerance, and nervous-system regulation.
⭐️ Better recovery post workout.

Your Internal Rhythm - Contrology Club Workshop
Saturday, August 29
12:30–2:00 PM
At Strong Body Pilates
$65 | In person or Zoom
☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️

Join Pilates with Mela this weekend, a second-generation classical Pilates teacher and Oxygen Advantage functional breathwork instructor, to explore the connection between breath, movement, and your body’s natural rhythm.

🔗 Link in bio to register

08/22/2026

What a wonderful surprise in class today! heathermcfar was my client for 6 years, when I left LA she began taking classes with MY FAVE teacher Ken Krech . I knew she would love his teaching like I do. I have seen these two over my years of travel virtually in Ken’s Saturday class but what a treat to have them today IRL in MY Saturday vault class at Strong Body Pilates

My heart is warm 💕

08/19/2026

That after workout glow Daniela Escobar ☺️

13 years ago I cofounded this studio with Daniela Escobar. 7 years ago I left Los Angeles for new adventures and left the studio in Daniela’s very capable hands. Returning after all this time it is heartwarming to see the growth and what has changed, and also what has remained the same. A sense of community and a safe space to get to know your body.

Thanks for class Daniela!

08/17/2026

Joe Pilates called this a breathing exercise for a reason. The breath isn’t decoration here. It organizes the entire movement, protects your lower back on the reach, with the option to deepen your center on the pull back in - the exertion.

And the best part? Once you understand this breath pattern, you start finding it everywhere in your practice.

Are you aware of your breath as you workout? Do you ever hold your breath and if so, in which exercise?

🔗You’ll find my latest video in the link in my bio and today’s story.

08/11/2026

The friends who teaser together are easier together 😉

This weekend we went to Topanga beach with my bestie Kathleen, and of course I pulled her in for my photo.

I also taught a mat class for a group of lawyers as a fun team building event. The comradery during class was beautiful to witness. They supported each other, we laughed and I had them provide hands on assistance for each other in the teaser as it was the first time many were learning it. They weren’t all able to do it alone, but together they made it happen.

Connection is EVERYTHING

PS. I had to include the beautiful brunch that followed our morning beach time. It was a feast for the eyes and tummies!!!

Address

11570 N Oracle Rd
Tucson, AZ
85737

Website

https://www.pilateswithmela.com/

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