Nancy Hodari

How a Lawyer Built Michigan's Premier Pilates Studio

I was practicing law and raising four active children when a nerve injury led to my third back surgery. After surgery, my doctor proclaimed the procedure a huge success — then almost as an afterthought added that I'd have to walk with a brace. Physical therapy left me frustrated. I started investigating alternative therapies and discovered Pilates.

I worked with Khita Austin out of her basement in Ann Arbor, followed by the legendary Romana — Joseph Pilates' disciple — in New York City. In her thick Romanian accent, she said: "Take off that brace and let's get you moving in a new way." I quickly realized Oakland County would not miss another attorney — but that it badly needed a Pilates training studio.

Serendipity, luck, good timing — a company then called STOTT Conditioning was launching a new international program and I obtained the first license in the US. In 1997, a trademark lawsuit temporarily prevented us from using the word "Pilates." A 2000 federal court decision declared that Pilates — like yoga and karate — is an exercise method, not a trademark. We were then free to teach STOTT PILATES®, also known as "the Ivy League of Pilates Education."

Equilibrium opened with two instructors. One was Canadian — so I put my lawyer hat back on one last time and got her a work visa under NAFTA. Fast forward: two locations, 25+ certified instructors, and I'm still as passionate about Pilates and my studio family as ever.

We Don't Beat You Up.
We Build You Up.

Forget the non-stop press about athletes, movie stars, and models who do Pilates and look amazing coming to and from their workouts. At Equilibrium, you'll find all kinds of people bonded by their love of movement.

Our team is friendly and approachable. We don't insist that you "feel the burn." We teach you to move more efficiently, with less pain and less stress.

"Come in and try Pilates. I promise you will leave feeling a little taller, a little stronger, and a lot happier."

— Nancy Hodari