Pilates with Lauren Ashley

Lauren Ashley Whitmore

Growing up as a dancer, cheerleader, and gymnast, I was always aware of how my body moved in space. As I got older and started pursuing my passion for dance more narrowly, my appreciation for my body awareness and coordination deepened.  

I am STEELE Pilates Mat certified. I provide instruction for beginner thru advanced levels.  In addition, I am trained in special populations including clients with osteoporosis, pregnant clients, younger clients, older clients and clients who may be working with injuries. I am always learning new ways to strengthen the body and provide holistic instruction. In 2018, I became Barre Intensity certified and became a Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist.

My philosophy is that awareness of the body is key. We spend most of the hours of the day tuned in to the world around us but unaware of our own bodies. I believe Pilates practice can provide the space to return to our bodies and become aware of our healthy and unhealthy habits.  With one hour of mat work every few days, we can reorganize the unhealthy habits and promote the healthy habits that we practice in the other 23 hours of the day.  

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fordham University in May 2016 with a B.S in Psychology and Spanish Studies and received departmental honors.  I recently graduated from Teachers College, Columbia University with an M.A in Clinical Psychology and a concentration in Global Mental Health and Trauma. My research involves combat experiences and negative outcomes in military and veteran populations. I study the effects of combat and military to civilian stress. I also research integrated breath work in trauma-exposed populations.