Business Details
19 Years
experience
Your Premier Pilates & Physical Therapy Studio in Miami
Pilates in the Grove was founded in 2007 by Christa Gurka, a physical therapist with a vision to create a wellness community that transcends traditional fitness. Our studio combines Pilates, physical therapy, and teacher training to empower individuals through personalized care. With over 200 years of combined experience, our team of certified instructors and physical therapists delivers tailored programs that address individual needs. We prioritize holistic health, integrating movement principles, injury prevention, and recovery.Our two award-winning locations in Coconut Grove and South Miami offer small-group classes, private sessions, and comprehensive training programs. We emphasize community, education, and innovation, ensuring clients receive expert guidance in a supportive environment. Our approach merges classical Pilates with modern biomechanics, fostering long-term wellness and client confidence. We maintain rigorous health standards and flexible online options to accommodate diverse lifestyles.
Services
Pilates Classes
Physical Therapy
Teacher Training
Online Pilates
Private Sessions
Semi-Private Sessions
Group Classes
Mat Pilates Training
Physical Therapy Services
Pilates Workshops
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 200+ years of combined experience in Pilates and physical therapy.
- Our instructors hold post-graduate degrees and specialized certifications.
- We provide personalized programs tailored to individual health goals.
- Two award-winning Miami locations with rigorous health and safety standards.
- We integrate classical Pilates with modern physical therapy techniques.
Associations and certifications
- NCPT
What people say
Caring, knowledgeable, and always fun
Pain greatly diminished after first session
Moving painlessly and feeling like one unit
Improved core strength and mobility
Supportive and knowledgeable instructors
Services
Pilates Classes
Our Pilates classes strengthen and lengthen muscles through reformer and mat exercises. Certified instructors guide small groups (8 or fewer) in full-body workouts that improve posture, balance, and core strength. Classes cater to all skill levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners, using resistance equipment and props for tailored results.
Physical Therapy
Licensed physical therapists address pain and mobility issues through hands-on manual therapy and Pilates integration. Services include injury recovery, dry needling, and preventive care. Treatment plans focus on holistic healing, targeting root causes like hip asymmetry or posture imbalances. Sessions combine therapeutic exercises and personalized home programs for lasting relief.
Teacher Training
The NCPT-approved 450-hour Comprehensive Teacher Training covers mat, reformer, and equipment-based Pilates. Curriculum includes anatomy, special populations, and business strategies. Graduates qualify for certification exams and gain skills to teach diverse clients. Small classes and mentorship ensure mastery of classical techniques and modern applications.
Online Pilates
Access on-demand Pilates classes and live-streamed sessions from home. Programs include beginner mat courses, advanced reformer workouts, and physical therapy-guided routines. Subscribers receive weekly updates, modifications for injuries, and expert instruction. The platform supports flexible scheduling with downloadable resources and progress tracking tools.
Private Sessions
Customized private sessions design individualized Pilates programs for specific goals. Certified instructors assess movement patterns and create progressive routines using reformers and props. Sessions focus on injury rehabilitation, prenatal care, or advanced fitness, with real-time feedback to refine technique and maximize results.
People
Christa Gurka
Founder
Christa Gurka, MSPT, NCPT, founded Pilates in the Grove in 2007. With a background in physical therapy, she pioneered a wellness model combining Pilates and injury recovery. Her leadership emphasizes community-driven care and evidence-based practices.
Dr. Kelly Vara
Physical Therapist
Dr. Kelly Vara, DPT, NCPT, specializes in integrating physical therapy with Pilates. She leads teacher training programs and develops curricula for special populations. Her expertise in manual therapy and biomechanics enhances client recovery and performance.
Dr. Marvin Hayag
Physical Therapist
Dr. Marvin Hayag, DPT, OCS, NCPT, brings orthopedic expertise to Pilates-based rehabilitation. He focuses on postural correction and injury prevention, combining clinical knowledge with movement therapy to optimize client outcomes.
Teri Seier Moore
Instructor
Teri Seier Moore, NCPT, specializes in advanced Pilates choreography and teacher mentorship. With a dance background, she designs dynamic classes that blend classical techniques with creative movement patterns for enhanced engagement.
Claudia Villarreal
Instructor
Claudia Villarreal, NCPT, teaches mat and equipment Pilates with a focus on accessibility. Her 20+ years of experience inform adaptive teaching methods that accommodate diverse physical needs while maintaining technical precision.
Questions
What Pilates equipment do you use?
We use reformers, cadillacs, chairs, barrels, and props in our classes. All equipment meets rigorous safety and sanitation standards for effective full-body workouts.
Do you offer physical therapy without insurance?
Yes, we provide private-pay physical therapy. Many clients submit receipts to insurance for reimbursement. Our direct access model allows faster, personalized care without insurance restrictions.
Are virtual Pilates classes effective?
Yes, our online platform offers live-streamed and on-demand classes with real-time instructor feedback. Programs include modifications for injuries and progress tracking to ensure results from home.
How do I choose between private and group classes?
Private sessions offer personalized programs for injuries or specific goals. Group classes (max 8 students) provide community interaction with individualized attention from certified instructors.
What certifications do your instructors hold?
Our team holds NCPT certifications, doctorates in physical therapy, and specialized training in Pilates equipment, special populations, and injury recovery techniques.
Can beginners attend Pilates classes?
Yes, we offer Pilates 101 courses and new client specials for beginners. Instructors provide modifications to ensure safe, effective workouts for all experience levels.
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