All-Levels Pilates at Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
about the class
Are you new to Pilates or looking for a gentle way to enhance your physical and mental well-being? Join us for Beginner Pilates with Isa, a soothing and grounding mat Pilates class designed to accommodate all fitness levels, with a special focus on beginners.
Set amidst the beauty of Magnolia Plantation & Gardens, this class offers a unique opportunity to connect with nature while nurturing your body. Held at the Live Oaks Pavilion, these sessions are scheduled every Tuesday and Sunday at 9:30 AM, from August 3 to September 30, 2025. Each class lasts approximately 55 minutes, providing ample time to relax, stretch, and strengthen your body.
This beginner-friendly Pilates class emphasizes core strength, stability, breathwork, and mindful movement. The gentle exercises are supported and guided, making them accessible for those just starting their fitness journey or anyone seeking a slower, more intentional practice. You’ll learn to move with awareness, release tension, and improve flexibility—all while enjoying the fresh air and scenic views.
Please note that your yoga ticket grants complimentary admission to the gardens, allowing you to explore and enjoy Magnolia before or after your session. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat, water, and optional items such as a towel or blanket for added comfort. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for free movement.
Embark on a journey of mindfulness, movement, and tranquility. Reserve your spot today and experience the calming benefits of beginner Pilates at Magnolia!
Meet Your Instructor
Isa discovered the art of Pilates while living in New York City for work and immediately fell in love with it. Having been passionate about weightlifting for as long as she can remember, she was always eager to push herself further. When she tried Pilates for the first time, she felt parts of her body that had been dormant—like a hibernating bear awakening. While she still adores weightlifting, she considers Pilates the most beautiful blend of body and mind, strengthening every part of a person from the soul down to the smallest bones. After years of taking classes, she knew she wanted to make Pilates a permanent part of her life. She trained extensively in each method of Pilates and is now building her brand, isapilates, in Charleston. Whether new to Pilates or already a fan, she invites others to schedule a class—she looks forward to meeting new students! Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, she has been living in Charleston, off and on, since 2012. She resides in West Ashley in a charming, old brick house with her boyfriend, three dogs, and three cats.
History of Pilates
Pilates was created by a German man named Joseph Pilates during World War I. While working in hospitals, he discovered that he could help bed-bound soldiers rehabilitate their bodies using a device he developed called the “reformer.” By attaching straps and springs to hospital beds, he created what is known as the “tower.” These tools allowed for a wide range of exercises that could be performed while lying or sitting, aiding in recovery and strength building.
However, all the exercises possible with the reformer and tower can also be done on a simple yoga mat, which is known as “mat Pilates.” Without the resistance of straps and springs, mat Pilates requires even greater body and mind control, making the practice more conscious and deliberate. Joseph Pilates originally outlined 34 classical mat exercises as the foundation of his method, called “contrology.” His philosophy emphasizes that, even without additional tools, the body can be trained to move with control, strength, and good form—fostering a deep mind-body connection.
