Mat Pilates ATX Building Community in South Austin and Beyond

From a South Austin Pilates Studio to Neighborhood Community Center

Four years ago this fall, I launched my first mat Pilates “reformer on the mat” workshop series at Pilates South Austin on Brodie Lane, around the corner from Bowie High School. Leading my own class, I realized that I am a lifelong cheerleader. When I was a teen, being a cheerleader felt awkward (too much attention). Now I am at home when I am encouraging others to show up for themselves, be a part of a team, do their best that day, keep their eyes on their goals, and have fun.

Reformer on the Mat Workshop at Pilates South Austin, 2022 - Mat Pilates and “bands” – it’s a thing.

When the Brodie Lane studio announced its closure, I was heartbroken. The owners had supported me for a decade, giving me the opportunity to complete my comprehensive, 450-hour Pilates teacher training. The seeds planted at Pilates South Austin and B Pilates grew into Mat Pilates ATX. Today, our mat Pilates classes have found a wonderful home at the Circle C Community Center on La Crosse in Circle C Ranch.

Four years later, I'm honored to support the South Austin community as a Pilates instructor and business owner. Mat Pilates ATX proudly sponsors local educational and community organizations that bring people together for a shared purpose—whether athletic, creative, competitive, expressive, or a combination of them all.

I’m with the Band, Marching to My Own Beat

In 2026 we renewed our commitment to the fine and performing arts in Austin public schools including sponsoring the James Bowie High School Marching Band, affectionately known as the Bowie Outdoor Performing Ensemble (“Bowie OPE”). (Funny name, I know.) We were an OPE band/winterguard family, and I love that Bowie OPE honors the unique combination of skills and abilities coming together so creatively on the gridiron: brass and wind instruments, percussion, and the “sport of the arts” known as color guard. 

We also made a sponsorship donation to the Crockett Cougar Band at Crockett High School, a music program that is the heartbeat of South Austin.

I love some silly word play, like “BANDtober”, to describe the chaos of October’s marching band season with football games (“Friday night lights”) and weekend band competitions, lovingly supported by dozens of band parents! Parent pit crews, I see you.

From the Sidelines to the Pilates Studio

Also in 2026, we are proud to sponsor Bowie Cheer. When my kids attended Bowie, I volunteered for Bowie PTSA including two years co-chairing its annual event, Bulldogs & Hotdogs. As a co-chair, one of my jobs was to coordinate with Bowie Cheer and Band to create the back-to-school atmosphere and school spirit – and I have to say, event planning is hard but that part was easy. The section leaders, captains and faculty always went above and beyond to do their part. Both band and cheer build pride and unity while honoring the traditions of James Bowie High School.   

Long hours for band directors -- with a view.

Supporting these organizations invests in their students' opportunities to train and compete.

Cheering for My Students

I want to shine a light on my students’ commitments to their activity. One of my newer Pilates students has been cheering since she was in elementary school. This summer before she started high school, she invested some of her summer vacation time in Pilates. Twice a week, she committed to doing Pilates to build a stronger core, refine her proprioception and body awareness, and find her solid “arm-back” connection that better supports her tumbling skills. She learned to love the Pilates jumpboard! We even played with “old school” giant green and gold pom-poms.

I've taught young athletes who play football, basketball, and volleyball; dancers; and cheerleaders. Teaching teens is an absolute delight – at its heart, learning and doing Pilates means paying attention to and playing with their strengths while refining their movement quality and improving our mind/body connection. With consistency, focus and intention, Pilates cultivates physical and mental stamina and refines and improves how they control our bodies.

Leading the Way: Championing Communication in Austin

Beyond our sponsorship commitments to public school programs and families, Mat Pilates ATX is a repeat sponsor of Women Communicators of Austin (WCA) events. WCA is a one of the largest and most diverse professional organizations in Central Texas, one that’s championed Austin women in journalism, media, marketing, and every other creative and communication role since 1929. Its annual professional development event called Get Smart, held at KMFA 89.5 FM, brings together women leaders across private, nonprofit and public sectors. 

A longtime member and former WCA board member, I retired from my 25-year public relations career in 2020. I am still a communications professional as a business owner who teaches and coaches others. At its heart, the art of teaching Pilates and coaching change means listening to what people want and offering them new skills to get there. I coach them to commit to what they want and how they want to feel, then teach them how to make it a habit.

Creating physical change might ask us to change on the inside, too. My students get the benefit of exercise and more; they improve their positive self-talk about what they want and what’s possible. Through Pilates, we cultivate a mind/body relationship that strengthens our bodies and improves all areas of life: our health, our livelihoods, and our relationships with ourselves and others. 

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