Two of the most accomplished ladies I have ever had the pleasure of knowing are two Skin Bar NYC members-Katherine and Kimberly Corp. Today they are the brain power behind the one of the most popular, and in this writer’s humble opinion, the BEST Pilates studio in New York City. But, before these overachieving identical twins found success in the world of health and fitness, they were making waves in other fascinating ways I never knew. After college (they graduated from Duke University in 3 years) they spent several years working in Japan, did a stint with the CIA and fulfilled their life long passion of dance with a few seasons as famed Radio City Rockettes. Phew! Talk about well rounded. Finally all of these experiences, culminated into their true calling. Meet the owners of Pilates on 5th. I asked Katherine and Kimberly if I could feature them in this month’s “Skinber Spotlight”, a new addition to our regular monthly newsletter that highlights Skin Bar Members and their impact on our community.
Katherine and Kimberly graciously accepted and invited me to visit their studio. As I stepped out of the elevator and onto the penthouse floor of their prewar building, once the home of Astor Trust Co., I was greeted with an abundance of energy; clients and trainers stretching, balancing and bending in ways I haven’t been able to bend since I was three. The space is open and airy. The clean architectural lines and high ceilings reveal enormous skylights and a sense of openness that only comes from pre-war NYC architecture. Katherine and Kimberly have used these unique attributes to full effect.
Since opening their doors, more than sixteen years ago, Pilates on 5th has expanded to occupy the entire top floor. Pilates on 5th employs more than 40 instructors and expert trainers who educate the next generation of Pilates instructors in their trademark Cardio Pilates system. Over a decade ago, the Corp sisters grew a bit bored with the routine Pilates program they were teaching. Always the innovators, they took matters into their own hands and designed a new program, breaking the rigid rules of traditional Pilates training and making a more customized approach built around each individual client, their needs, their strengths and their weaknesses. CARDIOLATES was an immediate hit!
In addition to Pilates, Pilates on 5th offers CoreAlign, Mat Classes, CARDIOLATES Barres & Belles and their newest addition, SilkSuspension. Another trademarked enterprise that is already taking hold in over 20 countries. The system was conceived, developed and engineered from the ground up by the enterprising sisters. They even manufacture the suspension system used in SilkSuspension.
What is SilkSuspension you ask? You have probably seen the acrobatic moves of aerial silk performers on Instagram. Flying and twisting effortlessly, thirty to fifty feet above ground without a net, armed with only a length of silk. It is truly inspiring to watch the physical control and strength necessary to pull off such an amazing display of grace. And as we watch these spectacles in amazement, most of us can’t imagine ourselves flying dangerously high above the ground. Thanks to SilkSuspension you can. Placed a few feet off the ground, SilkSuspension makes it possible to train the same way the acrobats do, but in a safe setting. SilkSuspension increases joint and core stability by isolating muscles rarely used. This takes the phrase, “muscles I never knew I had”, to a whole new level.
Watching trainers work with their clients in the studio was truly amazing. One client I spoke to started SilkSuspension classes to improve her balance and a fella I spoke to told me he does it to strengthen his core. Whatever your reason for visiting Pilates on 5th, chances are you’ll keep returning for the variety offered to their clientele. And the offerings are abundant, ensuring you never get bored. If you reach your peak with your Pilates training, break through with SilkSuspension. Are your mat classes getting a little blasé? Switch it up with a new challenge and focus on your core with CoreAlign. The best way to enjoy it all is with an all access pass. Check out the Pilates on 5th website to get started. You won’t regret it.
Our “Skinber Spotlight” is a new feature in our monthly newsletter. The Skin Bar NYC newsletter is published every month and read by thousands. We are featuring Skin Bar NYC members who are making an impact and setting the trends for others to follow. If you or a member you know is an entrepreneur, community leader, nonprofit, athlete or someone who is just plain RAD! We want to know. You or someone you might know, may be the next feature in our “Skinber Spotlight”. Send your nominations to matthew@skinbarnyc.com