Pilates Studio
at Posture Studio
Pilates Services
Our modern, biomechanics-based approach integrates Pilates with functional movement training, and therapeutic care to create lasting change. We work with clients of all ages—from elite athletes to those in pre- or post-rehabilitation. Practice Pilates in a studio with instructors who have years of education and experience who are dedicated to whole-body wellness with lasting results.
.The studio offers small-group Pilates equipment classes, one-on-one Pilates sessions and individualized strength training,
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Individual Pilates
Our Private Pilates Sessions offer one-on-one instruction tailored to you - whether you’re new to Pilates, returning from injury, or looking to advance your practice.
Individual sessions are ideal for learning Pilates from the ground up, refining an existing practice, or focusing on mastering specific exercises or learning more about working on specific Pilates equipment.
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Therapeutic Pilates
Therapeutic or Clinical PilatesPrivate Sessions provide focused one-on-one support for pre- and post-rehabilitation, including prenatal and postpartum care and are also ideal for movement retraining or gait analysis.
All Therapeutic and Clinical Pilates private sessions are taught by Carla Shifflett, Tara Fontenot or Rebecca Brown.
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Pilates Classes
Pilates Classes are designed around the individuals in the room - allowing each session to adapt to varying needs, goals, and abilities.
Classes range from beginner to advanced, led by experienced instructors who emphasize quality movement, safety, and thoughtful progressions. Equipment class sizes are limited to 6 participants. Mat classes are limited to 12 participants.
Why Pilates?
Pilates is more than exercise — it is movement education.
At Posture Studio, Pilates is rooted in biomechanics and designed to help you understand how your body moves. Rather than isolating muscles or chasing intensity, Pilates teaches coordination, alignment, breath control, and balanced strength.
Many aches and pains develop from repetitive movement patterns, postural habits, or compensation after injury. Pilates helps retrain those patterns by improving core support, joint stability, flexibility, and neuromuscular control. It builds strength from the inside out, creating a foundation that supports both daily life and athletic performance.
Our approach blends therapeutic precision with progressive strength-building, making Pilates appropriate for beginners, those recovering from injury, and experienced movers alike. Sessions are intentional and individualized, meeting you where you are while guiding you toward long-term resilience.
The goal is not just to work harder — but to move better, feel stronger, and support your body for years to come.
What is the Pilates Equipment?
Posture Studio is a fully equipped Pilates studio utilizing Reformers, Towers, Chairs, and the Cadillac, along with Arc Barrels, wall systems, and a full range of Pilates props. Each piece of equipment uses spring-based resistance to provide both support and challenge, allowing exercises to be adapted for rehabilitation, strength-building, or advanced performance.
The Pilates Reformer is the most widely recognized piece of equipment, but it represents just one part of the larger Pilates system. Its moving carriage and adjustable springs allow for full-body strengthening and movement retraining.
The Pilates Chair places clients in more seated and standing positions, offering a different type of spring feedback while challenging balance and functional strength.
The Cadillac and Tower systems require greater independent stability and control while supporting decompression, alignment, and progressive strengthening.
The equipment allows us to meet each person where they are. Springs can assist movement during rehabilitation or provide progressive resistance to build stability and coordination. Barrels and wall systems enhance mobility, postural awareness, and spinal articulation.
Who Can Benefit from Pilates?
Rehabilitation & Recovery
Postural imbalances
Joint stiffness and immobility
Recovery from injury or surgery
Chronic or persistent pain
Balance and coordination challenges
Neurological disorders
Lower back pain and spinal discomfort
Sciatica and nerve-related symptoms
TMJ dysfunction and tension patterns
Strength, Performance & Longevity
Athletic performance and cross-training
Core strength and stability development
Improved flexibility and mobility
Enhanced balance and coordination
Injury prevention
Prenatal and postpartum conditioning
Healthy aging and bone support
Anyone seeking greater body awareness and efficient movement
Meet Our Pilates Instructors
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Carla Shifflett
Carla Shifflett is the founder of Posture Studio and is fully trained on all Pilates apparatus. With over 25 years of teaching experience, she brings a thoughtful, integrative approach to her work, specializing in movement analysis and therapeutic Pilates in private sessions. Her Pilates classes range from advanced to rehabilitation-focused sessions, and she loves teaching all of it. Her teaching is grounded in precision and intention but she also enjoys having fun with the class. Deeply committed to mentoring her team and supporting each client’s long-term wellness, Carla cultivates a space for clients where growth, resilience, and lasting change can thrive.
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Tara Fontenot
Tara Fontenot, DPT, is certified in Pilates Reformer and has additional training on all Pilates apparatus. She teaches Clinical Pilates and functional strength-based Pilates classes that bridge rehabilitation and performance. She is passionate about empowering clients throughout their rehabilitation journey and beyond. Her approach focuses on identifying the root cause of pain, blending manual therapy, movement retraining, education, and dry needling to support lasting recovery. Known for her supportive and encouraging style, Tara helps clients feel confident and capable in their progress.
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Rebecca Brown
Rebecca Brown, DPT, is a Senior Level Pilates Instructor who is fully trained Pilates instructor on all Pilates apparatus. She offers private Clinical Pilates sessions, integrating her background in dance, Pilates, and physical therapy to support strength, balance, and confident movement. Her approach combines hands-on treatment, functional movement assessment, and individualized exercise to address the root causes of pain and dysfunction. Rebecca is passionate about helping clients return to the activities they love with improved alignment, control, and resilience.
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Jennifer Spratley
Jennifer Spratley is a Senior Pilates Instructor and certified Yoga instructor with nearly two decades of teaching experience in Charlottesville. Fully certified on all Pilates apparatus, she brings depth, precision, and warmth to both private sessions and group classes. Jennifer specializes in therapeutic Pilates and training for athletes, blending her background in Pilates, barre, and yoga to support strength, performance, and long-term resilience. She is known for her thoughtful instruction and heart-centered approach to teaching.
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Lizzie Coleman
Lizzie Coleman is a Senior Level Pilates instructor who is fully certified on all Pilates apparatus and holds additional certification in Stretch Therapy. A lifelong equestrian, skier, and tennis enthusiast, Lizzie understands the role Pilates and mobility work play in performance and recovery. She blends strength, alignment, and stretch-based techniques in both private sessions and group classes to support balance, resilience, and ease of movement. Her approach is precise and focused, specializing in all levels of teaching.
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Lisa Eller
Lisa Eller is a Licensed Massage Therapist with over 30 years of experience in dance and movement. She is certified on the Reformer with additional training in Mat, Tower, and Chair. She brings a deep understanding of anatomy, recovery, and functional strength to both private sessions and group classes. Lisa’s thoughtful, body-centered approach blends strength, awareness, and restoration to help clients move with balance and resilience. Her approach is thoughtful and caring.
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Nina Crawford
Nina Crawford is a certified Pilates Mat instructor with additional training in all Pilates apparatus. She began her Pilates journey in 2004 and later became a certified Power Pilates instructor, building on a lifelong connection to the Pilates world—her mother studied directly with Joseph Pilates. Known for her quick wit and focused instruction, she teaches private sessions and group classes that challenge strength, precision, and control while keeping the energy lively and engaging.
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Shannon Slovensky Wells
Shannon Wells is a Certified Pilates Instructor in Reformer and Mat and has additional training in all Pilates apparatus. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology from UVA. She is also certified in yoga and barre. Shannon blends her trainings to support pain-free movement, athletic performance, and long-term health. She teaches private sessions and group classes with a thoughtful, science-informed approach that emphasizes alignment, strength, and resilience.
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Marianne Harman
Marianne Harman is a fully certified Pilates instructor. She is the former owner of Blacksburg Pilates and founder of Wellness Adventure Retreats. With a degree in Exercise Science and certifications in strength and conditioning, functional movement, and Muscle Activation Techniques, Marianne brings a strong anatomical foundation to her work. She specializes in therapeutic and corrective exercise and athletic performance in both private sessions and group classes.

