Connie Winstead, Pilates Instructor

I have been a student of Pilates for over 10 years, and after retiring from Duke decided to become certified to teach Pilates Mat classes as one of my “post retirement adventures”. In the spring of 2007 I was certified to teach level I mat through the Pilates Certification Center in Raleigh and began teaching classes at the Durham YMCA in Sept. 07. Since that time I have taught classes at the YMCA, UNC Medical Center Employee Recreation, Hollow Rock Racquet Club, the Chapel Hill Senior Center and Empower Fitness. Over the past 2 ½ years I have also taken additional certification classes in Pilates with the Band, Pilates with weights, Pilates on the ball, Pilates and anatomy, Pilates with the fitness circle and Pilates Level II mat. I like my classes to have VARIETY!



I enjoy teaching students who are new to Pilates, focusing on teaching proper form and helping them develop a strong foundation for more intermediate and advanced movements. The hardest part of teaching level I classes is gauging the level of intensity for a range of abilities, trying to challenge students, but not overwhelm them and stress muscles that are working in new ways. My goal is to create classes which allow students to progress at their on pace, to learn how to modify movements to accommodate their own strengths and problem areas, and to infuse them with excitement about what Pilates can do to improve their flexibility, posture and strength.



I love to be outdoors as much as possible and have been an avid cyclist and hiker, doing several multi-day long distance bike trips each year and have done 3 short section hikes on the Appalachian Trail. I am lucky to have a wonderful group of women friends who share my enthusiasm for exercise and outdoor adventures and I also belong to the Carolina Tarwheels Bicycle Club, which has provided me a great group of cycling friends so riding every weekend has become the norm for me. Through the Tarwheels and my cycling friends, I have learned all the great bike routes in Durham and surrounding counties. I try to do a variety of exercises every week, including Pilates, weight training, walking, jogging, and cycling. For me, exercise and being outdoors is energizing and uplifting and good for both the body and the spirit.

I am currently teaching on-going classes Thursday mornings at the YMCA American Tobacco Branch, Monday & Thursday afternoons at the Chapel Hill Senior Center, and Monday afternoons at Empower Personal Training Studio,Durham.