Symmetry In Motion

January 2019

I was in Las Vegas for my friend’s birthday. I knew that Sin City was going to be filled with casinos, drinks, eating out, a lot of walking and late nights. However, that didn’t stop me from getting my pilates on. After doing a bit of research I came across Symmetry In Motion, located on the west side of the city. It would only be a 20 minute cab ride to the studio from where I was staying on the strip. Many of the studios I found in Vegas were more fitness based but I knew it was probably not what my body would crave while indulging during the week.

The Studio

It is in the rear of a business park and has three rooms. One room is the office, another houses the Cadillac and the last is the larger space storing the rest of the equipment. The studio offers private lessons as well as group classes. With only four reformers, you know that the attention given during group classes would be strong. I thought it was a perfect little oasis. They use Balance Body equipment, are a contemporary studio but I would say with a classical twist.

The owner

Tania was who I met with during my visit and she happened to be the studio owner, teaching for 18 years. Prior to beginning we briefly discussed my pilates history. She told me she wasn’t classically trained but she could’ve fool me. She has such knowledge, energy and a passion for movement that I wanted to absorb as much as I could. Throughout the lesson she would do thoughtful assists with stretching. It made me smile because it reminded me of someone from the other side of the country…Lori Shipp.

The Lesson

We started off on the Cadillac using the Arcus. I was thrilled because I didn’t have experience with this accessory. She had me moving to open up my hips and get warmed up. Shortly after, we moved to the reformer and continued with footwork. She gave me a classical repertoire with some challenges thrown in (here’s the contemporary side). I loved every minute of it. I was shaking, sweating, but still learning while doing things I was familiar with. As an example, during short spine she had me bring my legs to 90 degrees but then do more of a jack knife before curving my spine to bring my legs overhead.

At one point I was to do long back stretch. I was tired so instead of pushing through it she gave me some things to practice at home. She set all springs on and had me hold the plank but focus on not going into my wrists. I told her it can be difficult for me because my wrists have always been weak.

After the lesson ended we sat and talked with one another. I shared my experience at Momentum Fest in 2018, we discussed the classical vs contemporary styles of pilates, teaching and finding the right program, passion for movement and life. Tania has forever left an impression on my heart and I cannot wait to see her in Denver in June 2019!