Science Meets Soul
The Science of Pilates
Pilates is a rejuvenating practice that immeasurably improves posture and alignment by conditioning the body and bringing awareness to the core (the deep abdominal and back muscles). Pilates’ unique ability to activate the body’s supportive musculature, dynamically stabilizes the spinal column and pelvis structure, helping clients to alleviate physical discomfort and improve functional movement. Clients experience improved strength, posture, and quality of life.
No two bodies are alike.
We Celebrate Individuality
Our classes are client-driven and immersive. We use carefully chosen Pilates props and focused, full body movement to create entirely unique strengthening exercises for each client, every class. Skilled in recognizing imbalanced movement patterns, we teach you to reorganize how you sense your body, resulting in better alignment, increased flexibility, and a sculpted physique.
“The Mongoose Bodyworks method reorganizes the neuromuscular system to work with efficiency and grace. As a result, your body grows stronger and you become healthier, happier, and more clear-headed.”
Halle Clarke, Founder
Intelligent Care
Our reputation is well established: physical therapists, orthopedists, and surgeons frequently refer patients to Mongoose Bodyworks for the treatment of complex conditions. Our wealth of knowledge, comprehensive training, and holistic approach makes us the studio of choice for those experiencing any of the following: scoliosis, pre- and post-natal, osteoporosis, post-rehabilitation, arthritis, hypermobility, spinal pathologies, stenosis, spodylothesis, spondylolisthesis, disc pathologies, degenerative disc disease, rotator cuff injuries, knee and hip replacements, neck and cervical spine issues.
(Pilates is not a substitute for medical care.)
The Mongoose Bodyworks Collective
Mongoose Bodyworks instructors are seasoned professionals with unrivaled training and a deep understanding of anatomy and biomechanics. We are highly experienced, and our education runs the gamut of somatic disciplines, including Pilates, yoga, dance, massage, reiki, and energy work. This advanced skill set informs our work with clients, so as best to elevate your fitness practice, address dysfunction, and alleviate any pain. By nourishing the mind / body connection, we guide you to achieve lasting improvements to your physical and mental wellbeing.
Halle Clarke, NCPT
Born in New York City, and raised in the hamlet of High Falls, New York, Halle recalls a carefree childhood in motion: “My body and movement were my connection to the world. My career as a dancer and as a movement educator is an extension of that immersive mind/body connection.”
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Her extensive knowledge is manifold and interdisciplinary: Ballet, Modern Dance, Pilates, Biomechanics, Idiokinesis, Alexander Technique, Feldenkrais Method, Cranial Sacral Therapy and others. Halle sees a full roster of loyal clients and treats for a multitude of conditions.
A noted teacher’s teacher, Halle also regularly instructs physical therapists, yoga teachers, and Pilates teachers, helping them to deepen their respective understanding of biomechanics, and hone their teaching skills.
“Halle’s ability to work so in depth…
with your particular issue by way of clear, meticulous explanations and encouraging mental concentration teaches me something new about my body and what I am capable of every session. I take it with me through my day and feel aligned, balanced and in control.”
Grace Gummer, Actor
Kathy S.
Level: Senior
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It is her goal to work specifically with clients, tailoring each session to their needs and desires, while pushing them through perceived limits to increase body strength and awareness. She knows how important it is to work both global and local muscles, and she believes that once you understand and correct postural alignment, everything else falls into place.
“What I love most about Pilates is that the journey is simply the destination. You may feel immediate results but stick with it and the progression to greater strength and health is assured.”
Cathy’s movement background is in modern dance, ballet and choreography. She currently enjoys swimming, short distance running, yoga and is always looking for new challenges. Cathy lives in New York City in the East Village with her Staffordshire Pitbull mix, Cherry.
Mikayla S.
Level: Expert
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Fortunately, she met a movement teacher who reshaped her perspective about movement training for actors and formally introduced her to Pilates. Through this teacher and the core principles of Pilates, she began building a disciplined movement foundation that opened up her body for her work as an actor. After graduation she continued doing Pilates, started weightlifting and running, and became certified, so she could give the gift of the freedom, healing, and fun she found through Pilates to others.
“I take a detailed, biomechanics-oriented approach, but I like to balance that by creating an environment where clients can feel the freedom to ask questions, laugh, have some fun, and be creative. Pilates changed my life, and Pilates has also challenged me to trust my body and to try (safe!) things that otherwise would have scared me.
I enjoy interacting with people in a one-on-one environment. I love helping people manage pain, recover from injury, or even teaching clients who just want to learn the Pilates Teaser. I love helping people achieve their goals. “
Heather D.
Level: Expert
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“My specialty is blending yoga concepts with Pilates and applying these ideas to back pain and scoliosis. My sessions are cohesive, focused and challenging. I help clients achieve comfort where they are physically, and encourage them to move forward.”
New to Mongoose Bodyworks?
We are delighted to offer new clients an introductory package
of three private sessions.
