The Studio

 
 

 Studio Seven Pilates is a boutique Pilates studio in Victoria, BC focused on aligning body, mind, and soul through intelligent exercises, creating profound results.

THE METHOD 

STOTT PILATES®

STOTT PILATES transcends the conventional notion of exercise. It is a dynamic fusion of precision and fluidity, where every breath, every movement, is thoughtfully choreographed to harmonize your mind and body.

Developed by the esteemed Moira and Lindsay Merrithew, STOTT PILATES is a contemporary evolution of Joseph Pilates' original exercise method. Rooted in the principles of Contrology, STOTT PILATES prioritizes core strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, transforming your Pilates practice into an art form. This approach incorporates modern exercise science, fascial fitness, and spinal rehabilitation, making it one of the safest and most effective fitness approaches available today.

Regardless of age or body type, STOTT PILATES empowers both men and women to cultivate optimal strength, flexibility, endurance, and posture without excessive muscle bulk or joint strain. The perfect complement to cardiovascular exercise, athletic training or rehabilitation, STOTT PILATES can help you tone your body, feel revitalized, and move with ease.

 

Seven Pilates Principles

 

Breath

Mindful breathing enhances mind-body awareness, refines muscular control, and creates mindful movements by grounding your focus in the present moment. Enhancing the effectiveness of each exercise.

 
 
 

Pelvic Placement

Proper muscle activation provides crucial support for your pelvis and lumbar spine, promoting stability and alignment.

 

Rib Cage Placement

 Aligning the thoracic spine ensures resiliency in breath function, allowing for efficient and effective respiratory control.

 
 
 

Scapular Movement and Stabilization

Explore the intricate relationship between shoulder blades and arm movements, gaining a deeper understanding of scapular dynamics.

 

Head and Cervical Placement

Monitor the position of the head and neck to avoid tension and optimize alignment.

 
 
 

Lower Body Mobility and Stability

Integrate the lower chain for functional movement and control.

 

Mind, Body, Soul Connection

When one is focused on breath and movement, this stills the mind in the present moment. This offers a unique opportunity for your body and soul to connect, allowing your body to communicate its innate wisdom.

 

Team

Michelle Maynard

Meet Michelle Maynard, a dedicated fitness professional with a degree in Recreation and Health Education from the University of Victoria. Michelle’s journey in the fitness world began in 2008, and she holds various certifications including BCRPA certified Pilates Instructor, Pre-Post Natal Instructor, Weight Trainer, and Fitness Instructor. While Michelle enjoys teaching various modalities, her heart belongs to Pilates. She values its inclusivity for all body types and its emphasis on proper alignment and strengthening stabilizing muscles. Her teaching style is welcoming and approachable, designed to get you moving and keep you motivated on your path to better health.

Regina Flueck

Regina Flueck has always been passionate about movement. From ballet classes as a child to her involvement in athletics and gymnastics as a teen, Regina’s love for staying active has been a constant. As an adult however, Regina began to experience shoulder and neck pain due to an increasing amount of desk work and studying. Hearing about the benefits of Pilates, she joined her first Pilates class and never looked back. In 2012 she decided to turn her passion into a career, with the goal of helping others with muscle pain. In 2014, she became a fully certified STOTT PILATES® instructor. Since then, Regina has expanded her expertise through courses in various modalities, such as Thomas Hanna Somatics, Feldenkrais, Eric Franklin Method, and Integrative Human Gait Theory. In 2020, she faced the challenge of fibromyalgia, which she successfully overcame with holistic treatments. Regina’s personal experience fuels her dedication to helping others overcome pain and physical limitations. She’s here to support you on your journey to a pain-free, healthier life.

Janelle Kirzinger

Janelle is a Balanced Body certified Pilates instructor and has been teaching classes and private lessons since the beginning of 2018.  After taking her first Pilates class, she knew that this was exactly what she was looking for and that it would be the perfect compliment to her Kinesiology degree.  Her love of Pilates grew as she began to understand how this form of movement offers the opportunity to challenge your body and clear your mind.  Janelle believes that any type of physical activity you choose should be fun and enjoyable to make exercise feel less like work. She works to create a welcoming environment to help everyone feel comfortable and teaches classes meant to help you feel stronger and more mobile by helping you to improve how you move in and out of class.  As a life-long learner, Janelle is always searching for new opportunities to expand her knowledge and she is currently pursuing a Diploma of Acupuncture. Having just moved to Victoria at the start of the year for this program, Janelle is excited to join the Studio Seven community to share her love of Pilates and movement with.

Talina Barsalou

Talina Barsalou has built a lifelong connection to movement and wellness. From team sports to the artistry of baking, her wide-ranging experiences have shaped a thoughtful and holistic approach to health. While earning her Business Degree at UVic, Talina began her fitness journey with her first certification through the YMCA—an early step that sparked a deep passion for mindful movement.

Since then, she has earned multiple Functional Fitness certifications, completed two Yoga Teacher Trainings, and achieved full STOTT PILATES® certification. In 2021, Talina took the next step in her journey, training to become an Instructor Trainer. Mentored by exceptional educators in Victoria, Vancouver, and Toronto—including the renowned Tessa Crofton—she has continued to deepen her practice and her teaching.

Whether working one-on-one with clients ranging from rehabilitation to sport-specific conditioning, leading group classes, or guiding aspiring instructors, Talina finds joy in helping others discover the power of Pilates and movement to transform body and mind.

Tessa Crofton

Tessa Crofton, the founder and director of West Coast Pilates and Health Inc., is a respected figure in British Columbia’s Pilates community. With a deep passion for movement and physical health, Tessa’s journey began as a certified personal trainer, group fitness leader, and strength trainer. In 2000, she became an Instructor Trainer specializing in STOTT PILATES®, and in 2015, she earned the title of Lead Instructor Trainer. Tessa’s expertise also extends to being a certified ZEN.GA Instructor Trainer for Merrithew Health and Fitness, as well as holding certifications with BCRPA and Canfitpro as a Fitness Instructor Specialist. Her diverse clientele includes physiotherapy patients, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts, either on their road to recovery or working to enhance their athletic performance. Tessa enjoys working with clientele of all ages and abilities on the pillars of active living and active ageing, which include core strength, flexibility, balance, and co-ordination. Tessa’s passion for learning and her dedication to enhancing lives through movement and health has made her a sought-after teacher and Lead Instructor Trainer.

Sarah Mason

Sarah is a certified yoga and Pilates instructor who is passionate about helping people move better- and feel better doing it. 

Sarah believes movement doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful—and that it can (and should) feel good. Her classes focus on building strength, stability, and body awareness, all while leaving space for exploration and play. She's especially passionate about how Pilates can help prevent injury by tuning into the little things—like posture, breath, and core connection.

After teaching in Nova Scotia and now on Vancouver Island, Sarah’s thrilled to be part of the Studio Seven community. Her goal is to help you move with more freedom, confidence, and joy.

FAQ

  • Pilates is a full-body, low-impact workout that promotes strength, stability, flexibility, posture, balance, body control, awareness, and alignment, ultimately helping you move with greater ease and fluidity in everyday life.

  • STOTT PILATES® is a contemporary approach to Pilates, distinguished by its foundation in modern exercise science and rehabilitation principles. It is a highly adaptable method that can be customized to accommodate your diverse needs, whether you’re seeking rehabilitation, injury prevention, or simply looking to maintain your overall fitness. STOTT PILATES® builds upon the original Pilates repertoire and principles, continually evolving and incorporating the latest research and best practices in the field of exercise and movement science.

  • Pilates offers a wide range of benefits, including improved core strength, enhanced flexibility, better posture, and reduced risk of injury. It's an excellent choice for overall fitness and well-being.

  • Specialized equipment is used to enhance workouts and promote overall fitness. This equipment includes a Reformer, Tower, Cadillac/Trapeze Table and Stability Chair. This type of equipment uses springs to create controlled resistance, supporting muscle development, flexibility, and overall body conditioning. They are designed to offer a safe and effective way to enhance your Pilates practice while minimizing stress on the joints.

  • A typical Pilates session at Studio Seven Pilates is 50 minutes in length.

  • Yes! Pilates is known for its ability to alleviate and prevent back pain. Our certified instructors can tailor exercises to address specific issues and promote a healthier back.

  • While Pilates may not be as high intensity as some workouts, it can contribute to weight loss when combined with a healthy balanced diet and consistent exercise routine, as it enhances muscle tone and overall fitness.

  • The frequency of Pilates sessions depends on your fitness goals. Many clients find benefits with 2-3 sessions per week. Consistency is key to seeing results.

  • Yes! Pilates can be adapted for pregnancy. We will soon offer specialized prenatal Pilates classes which will be led by experienced instructors who can modify exercises to suit your changing body.

 Have more questions?
We’re here to help!

Give us a call or send us an email, and our team of experts will be happy to assist you on your Pilates journey. Your well-being is our top priority.