Mat Pilates: Jennifer's Pilates mat classes combine the original order of Joseph Pilates' Contrology mat work with a restorative perspective, for an enlightening, low-impact, highly rewarding experience. Scaleable to all levels, Pilates matwork is both an assessment (how well are we moving in our body, today?) and the ultimate goal of the Pilates system: to "Return to Life" with strength, flexibility and integration of mind, body and spirit.
Restorative Flow: Certified as a Restorative Exercise Specialist (c-RES) with Katy Bowman's Nutritious Movement program, Jennifer offers Restorative Flow as a Pay What You Can, because she believes everyone should have equal access to health and wellness opportunities, and she believes every body desperately needs Nutritious Movement! Nutritious Movement is as close to an owner's manual for our bodies as we can get—it offers a clear, precise framework around how movement is actually happening—and here's the most important part: within our very own bodies.
If we really want to stretch our tight hamstrings, or find relief for achy feet, or strengthen a weak core, we need more precise definitions about what these things are and how these things work, not just as exercises, but how we use (or more likely, don't use) these parts in our everyday activities. These big movements are actually comprised of many smaller movements and often, this is where the problems hide, in plain sight.
In Restorative Flow, we get curious. We have fun. We dismantle big movements into their smaller parts, to explore and examine how our parts are working (feet, ankles, hands, wrists, hip joints, knees, spine...). We work toward restoring the strength, flexibility and resilience of these forgotten, essential parts.
Jennifer's Reformer-Tower classes integrate the original reformer and tower exercises developed by Joseph Pilates with contemporary concepts for an enlightening, challenging, low-impact whole-body workout that's the hallmark of Pilates.
Reformer-Tower classes are divided into levels:
I. Strong Foundations is designed for those new to Pilates on the reformer to learn and practice the principles and foundational exercises, but seasoned Pilates students are also welcomed, to revisit the basics, hone their skills and learn new ways to make "basic" exercises surprisingly challenging.
II. Intermediate classes build on the foundational exercises, layering in more work from the original order, and continue to integrate principles of Pilates, such as precision, control and breath, and transitions.
III. Advanced classes are for students with considerable reformer experience, who wish to explore more complex and challenging exercises in the original order, as well as more contemporary interpretations, while honoring the principles of the method.
Jennifer offers Problem Solving Private sessions (Solos and Duets) for a variety of students: students who prefer one-to-one instruction, or are recovering from an illness or injury, or perhaps returning to a exercise after a long hiatus. Some of her students are out of town, and meet for private sessions via Zoom
Private sessions can be short term—sign up for a handful of privates to work on a specific goal or concern, or to help make sense of physical therapy exercises. Private sessions can be long-term, depending on the goals and circumstances of each student.
Zoom privates are perfect for out-of-town students, or those who are traveling and still wish to stay committed to their movement practice.
Jennifer offers workshops on a variety of movement subjects: feet, pelvis, spine, as well as writing workshops, public readings and other events that promote and support our local arts community.
Jennifer Hildebrandt Pilates has a firm cancellation policy: please extend the courtesy of a twenty-four (24) hour notice for private sessions, or a twelve (12) hour notice for small group classes, to avoid being charged.
Jennifer Hildebrandt Pilates offers single sessions, 5 packs and 10 packs for all services. 10 packs are designed as an incentive for students who wish to commit to their movement health more than once a week.
All packages have a firm expiration date, and will not be extended except in an emergency.
Intro packages expire in two (2) weeks
5 packs expire in two (2) months
10 packs expire in three (3) months are designed for students who commit to their practice twice a week
If committing to twice a week might be a challenge, please purchase a 5 pack or single sessions to avoid losing sessions
Packages come with guest passes! Guest passes are for new students, and must be used within the package expiration date
5 packs come with 1 guest pass
10 packs come with 2 guest passes
Jennifer is not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat any illness, injury or disease. Our work together is meant to support and supplement any medical care, not to replace it. Please contact your medical provider to obtain clearance for exercise if you have any health concern that may affect or interfere with your time at the studio.
Please arrive 5-10 minutes prior to your scheduled class or session
Please bring a mat for mat classes. (A few mats are available at the studio, should you forget yours.)
Bring water to stay adequately hydrated
Wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement and adequate covers all the bits!
Socks with grippies on the soles or bare feet for all classes are preferred (no shoes, unless otherwise discussed).
PLEASE, no zippers, snaps, jewelry or dark nail polish—all can potentially damage the equipment and/or cause injury.
Phones/devices must be silenced during class.
PLEASE stay home if you are ill, and I will do the same!
Equitable Access
I am dedicated to offering a welcoming space for all students to move, by removing barriers to health and wellness access. I received my restorative exercise specialist training with Nutritious Movement and my yoga certification with Accessible Yoga, both of which opened my eyes and heart to the numerous invisible barriers regarding access to heath and wellness services: ability/disabilities, financial, Black and brown bodies, LGBTQ community, folks in larger bodies, and more. Currently, all of my Restorative Flow classes are Pay What You Can, and am actively exploring other ways to make my movement classes more accessible for as many people as I am able.
Inclusive Engagement
I strive to create an inclusive environment where all students feel valued and heard. Through active listening and patient feedback, I ensure that my services reflect the diverse needs and preferences of my student community.
Community Engagement
Culturally Competent Care
"I can safely say that my last year studying with Jennifer has been life changing. I've had chronic pain since 2001, resulting in surgery in 2021. With Jennifer's help, I've learned to control my abs and spine in a way no physical therapist ever was able to teach me. I'm pain free, and I'm dancing again!"
-JF, Saint Peter, MN
"In just a few short sessions with Jennifer, I've seen improvement in strength and flexibility, both of which continue to grow. I wish I could start each day with a restorative movement session with Jennifer! "
-KS, Petaluma, CA
"Two things come to mind as to why private sessions with Jennifer work so well: her experience and her powers of observation. I think Jennifer knows every muscle in every situation possible. From an exercise perspective, it's clear she understands what really works, as opposed to mere repetition or mindlessly following a teacher. "
-DM, Saint Paul, MN
"Jennifer's Saturday morning mat class is my new favorite self-care ritual. Her classes are never boring or repetitive. She makes them enlightening, and you walk out feeling you gained so much on both a somatic and intellectual level."
-GDP, Saint Peter, MN
"Love this studio! Jen is amazing! She is very knowledgeable, and can adapt any exercise to any level, or alter them if it bothers any preexisting condition you might have. Very fun and relaxing class that provides just the right amount of challenge. Highly recommend!"
-AV, Mankato, MN
"Working with Jennifer twice a week has helped eliminate the pain and discomfort in my knees; Jennifer’s understanding of what a body needs is remarkable; I’ve found the sustained focus of this movement practice to be grounding and empowering. "
-AP, Minneapolis, MN
"I can safely say that my last year studying with Jennifer has been life changing. I've had chronic pain since 2001, resulting in surgery in 2021. With Jennifer's help, I've learned to control my abs and spine in a way no physical therapist ever was able to teach me. I'm pain free, and I'm dancing again!"
-JF, Saint Peter, MN
"In just a few short sessions with Jennifer, I've seen improvement in strength and flexibility, both of which continue to grow. I wish I could start each day with a restorative movement session with Jennifer! "
-KS, Petaluma, CA
"Two things come to mind as to why private sessions with Jennifer work so well: her experience and her powers of observation. I think Jennifer knows every muscle in every situation possible. From an exercise perspective, it's clear she understands what really works, as opposed to mere repetition or mindlessly following a teacher. "
-DM, Saint Paul, MN
"Jennifer's Saturday morning mat class is my new favorite self-care ritual. Her classes are never boring or repetitive. She makes them enlightening, and you walk out feeling you gained so much on both a somatic and intellectual level."
-GDP, Saint Peter, MN
"Love this studio! Jen is amazing! She is very knowledgeable, and can adapt any exercise to any level, or alter them if it bothers any preexisting condition you might have. Very fun and relaxing class that provides just the right amount of challenge. Highly recommend!"
-AV, Mankato, MN
"Working with Jennifer twice a week has helped eliminate the pain and discomfort in my knees; Jennifer’s understanding of what a body needs is remarkable; I’ve found the sustained focus of this movement practice to be grounding and empowering. "
-AP, Minneapolis, MN
"I can safely say that my last year studying with Jennifer has been life changing. I've had chronic pain since 2001, resulting in surgery in 2021. With Jennifer's help, I've learned to control my abs and spine in a way no physical therapist ever was able to teach me. I'm pain free, and I'm dancing again!"
-JF, Saint Peter, MN
"In just a few short sessions with Jennifer, I've seen improvement in strength and flexibility, both of which continue to grow. I wish I could start each day with a restorative movement session with Jennifer! "
-KS, Petaluma, CA
"Two things come to mind as to why private sessions with Jennifer work so well: her experience and her powers of observation. I think Jennifer knows every muscle in every situation possible. From an exercise perspective, it's clear she understands what really works, as opposed to mere repetition or mindlessly following a teacher. "
-DM, Saint Paul, MN
"Jennifer's Saturday morning mat class is my new favorite self-care ritual. Her classes are never boring or repetitive. She makes them enlightening, and you walk out feeling you gained so much on both a somatic and intellectual level."
-GDP, Saint Peter, MN
Pilates, like the rest of the world, is chaos. But within the chaos is order, if you know where to look.
When I first started doing Pilates a million and twenty years ago, I didn’t know there was a man behind the name—Joseph H. Pilates. I didn’t know that he called his method Contrology (not Pilates). I didn’t know that he devoted his life to studying, practicing, teaching and preaching about the profound benefits of movement for our overall health and wellbeing.
Despite not knowing any of this, I began teaching Pilates in 2011, shortly after my husband's death, from cancer. Not because I looooved Pilates and wanted to share this healing modality with the world. All I knew at the time, was that my life had been gutted and I needed to rebuild, from the ground up.
I'd been a hairdresser and salon owner prior to my husband's illness; when Bob got sick, I closed my salon and became his full-time caregiver, until his death in 2011. After Bob died, I lost everything—my best friend, a successful business and career, our home, our dog, most of my friends, a lot of my hair, and all of my mind. In a word, I was a wreck.
Shortly after Bob's death, a dear friend, who had lost her beloved son, Sam, shortly before Bob died, talked me into going to a kettlebell class with her. "You'll still think about Bob, " she said, "and you'll probably cry, but you'll also think about not dropping a 35 lb. cannonball on your head—trust me, it's good therapy."
Lisa was right. I fell in love with kettlebells with the first swing. Even though my life was in shambles, for an hour or two a week, I felt like a badass Amazon warrior queen, swinging and sweating and crying and getting stronger with every class. The owner of the studio talked me into getting my kettlebell teaching certification so I could start teaching. While I enjoyed teaching, I soon found out how limited I was, to help anyone beyond teaching them how to swing a kettlebell; if someone came to class with a messed up shoulder, or knee, or back, all I could say was, "If this bothers you, don't do it!" I wanted to learn more, so I could have a better answer than that. I thought a personal training certification was the answer, but the studio owner talked me into doing a Pilates cert, instead.
When I think about it, that's exactly what Pilates is: building strength and flexibility, from the ground up. Over the years, I've learned so much about rebuilding from the ground up. I wholly believe that restorative movement and Pilates (synonymous, in my mind, body and spirit) can help so many bodies in so many ways, but I also see too many folks getting lost in the chaos. If you're just doing "reformer pilates," small p, you are missing out on so much of the whole of Pilates, capital P. there is absolutely a method to the madness.
Here, in my small corner of the world, it is my holy obligation to do my part in preserving Joseph Pilates' original, healing, restorative work. I teach his original exercises, in the original order, using the mat, the reformer, Cadillac, chair, various arcs and barrels and other tools. I can skillfully and creatively adapt all the work to every body I work with. My relationship with my students is decidedly collaborative and creative; no two bodies are alike. Hell, even within our own body, no two day is ever the same; as such, I truly teach to the body in front of me.
I'm an incurable, curious lifelong-student, forever amazed at the infinite capacities and resilience of humans, and the bodies with which we are graced. I learn far more from my students than they will ever learn from me. I am so humbled and grateful for the opportunity to work each body who walks in my door, who trusts me with guiding them through the chaos, back to calm.
