PERSONALIZED PILATES: “At Premier Pilates, we offer private and group sessions where you will receive hands-on cues and personalized attention,” explains Caitlyn Kresky. Owner and instructor of Premier Pilates, she is shown with the Ladder Barrel apparatus at the studio.
By Jean Stratton
Yoga, tai chi, Feldenkrais, CrossFit, and martial arts, including taekwondo, karate, judo, and jiu-jitsu are among the many options available for fitness, exercise, relaxation, pain prevention and management, and self-defense.
A very popular alternative is Pilates. Developed in the early 20th century in Germany by Joseph Pilates, Pilates is a type of mind/body exercise that is practiced worldwide
Premier Pilates, which opened a year ago in the Montgomery Shopping Center, Route 206 North in Skillman, is attracting many clients from Princeton and the area.
“At Premier Pilates, you will notice how small adjustments make a huge difference,” says owner/instructor Caitlyn Kreskey. “Pilates is a full mind/body workout — you learn to be present in your movement. And you will feel muscles you never knew existed. Our approach is supportive and educational — helping you move with confidence, improve your posture, prevent injury, and feel strong from the inside out. Pilates is for all people and every body — regardless of age, experience, or fitness.”
PRECISION AND PROGRESS: “At Premier Pilates, we believe Pilates is more than a workout. It’s a practice rooted in precision, alignment, and intention,” says owner/instructor Caitlyn Kresky. “Through mindful movement and expert guidance, you will build strength, gain confidence, and discover a deeper connection to your body.” Students are shown in the studio working on the reformers apparatus.
Value of Pilates
Kresky learned the value of Pilates during her career as a professional ballet dancer. Performing with the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, Columbia Classical Ballet, and Roxey Ballet, she found that Pilates was beneficial to her dancing.
“Actually, Pilates was part of our training. It was helpful in strengthening, and also preventing injury. I was inspired by it.”
While her love of ballet continues as she teaches classes part-time in the area, Keskey decided to turn her full attention to Pilates in 2024. She studied with Balanced Body in Cherry Hill, and after 500 hours of instruction, she became a comprehensively certified Pilates instructor.
“Part of the training is education,” she explains. “You learn about the Pilates concept; part of it is observation, and another part is the student/teacher program.”
Premier Pilates has been a success from the beginning, she points out. “We have many regular clients. I have 15 to 20 classes a week, and I look forward to even more. A lot of clients are coming from referrals. There has been great word-of-mouth.”
“People come for all different reasons,” she continues. “Some want exercise to tone up and strengthen muscles. Others may have had an injury and want to recover and help prevent further injury. Others may be experiencing pain from arthritis or other conditions and want to relieve it. Some people are just curious and want to learn more about Pilates.”
Lots of Angst
Stress and anxiety are prevalent today, Kresky adds. Whether due to technology issues, social media, etc., there is just lots of angst.
To have relief from that ever-present to-do list, even for 55 minutes, is very beneficial, she emphasizes. “A lot of people come for a quiet time to get away from their responsibilities. Just to have some time off.”
So what is it about Pilates that is different from all those other options?
Kresky is quick to explain. “Pilates is set apart because you can get more out of the exercise. The major focus is controlled movement. It has a momentum with the correct muscle movement. And there is a more important mind/body connection. You are present in the moment.”
Emphasis is on alignment, breathing, developing a strong core, and improving coordination and balance.
Also, adds Kresky, “Pilates addresses the little things you might not notice. For example, you might have one hip that moves differently, a tendency to round your shoulders, or a habit of shifting your weight to one side. In private and group sessions, I, as the instructor, can notice these patterns and help clients to correct them.”
Further explaining the importance of the core, she points out that “Pilates also focuses more on your deep core muscles, training the muscles that stabilize your spine, pelvis, hips, and shoulders. The goal is to create a strong center and know how to properly use it to then support you as you go through life.
Body Awareness
“Pilates also teaches control and body awareness. A major principle of Pilates is quality over quantity. You learn to control your breathing, alignment, posture, balance, and movement instead of rushing through repetitions.”
Reviews for Premier Pilates have been very positive, and as Kresky has stated, there are many repeat clients.
“I feel stronger and more toned, and my balance has improved significantly,” reports one regular student.
And another says, “I started Pilates with a lot of pain and limited hip and leg range. Caitlyn made sure that each class included movements to help improve my problem areas. Today, almost a year later, I am pain-free with better range of motion in my legs and hips.”
Clients are all ages, from 10 to 70 years old, and with all levels of fitness and mobility. It is never too late to start, says Kresky with a smile.
Some people come once a week, or more often, twice a week. The half-hour or 55 minute sessions are very personalized. Private, group, and mat classes are offered.
Kresky is very pleased with the location in the Montgomery Center, with its close proximity to Princeton and also — and importantly — its easy parking.
“I love the Princeton community, and I’m very happy to have so many clients from Princeton. I actually always hoped to have my own business, and I am excited that it is going so well.
Sense of community
“Occasionally, I have also included an additional touch to the classes with different activities. We’ve had wreath-making and painting with water colors, and we’ll have a calligraphy session in October. These have been very popular, and it reinforces a sense of community.”
Class prices cover a range starting at $25. Special 10 class packages are available with discounts. An introductory special offers two private sessions for $150.
As she looks ahead, Kresky is enthusiastic about Premier Pilates’ future. “I am looking forward to continuing to create a space where people feel stronger, more confident, and truly connected to themselves. I love that Pilates is about so much more than movement. It’s about building strength, improving how you feel in your body, and creating a sense of confidence that comes into everyday life.
“I’m excited to continue growing a community where people feel welcomed, supported, and inspired, and making every person who walks through the studio doors feel like they belong.”
Premier Pilates is open by appointment for private classes mornings and evenings Monday through Friday. Consult the website for group and mat sessions.
For further information, call (609) 500-6307. Visit the website at premierpilatesnj.com.