WAPilates
May 2018 | Houston, Texas
“WAPilates has committed and dedicated our studio and our teachings for our clients and students, to the Traditional Method. I chose Gratz for the studio when I felt for myself how the keeping of Joseph Pilates original designs truly connected the body to his work. To see our clients get on and experience the Gratz for the first time, to see the light bulb moments and to see them push and challenge themselves more as they got stronger and felt the connections with the Gratz has been truly wonderful.”
Hilary Opheim,
WAPilates
STUDIO
WAPilates was opened by Hilary Opheim in 2005 and is located near downtown Houston, Texas in the Washington Avenue Arts District. It is the first Pilates studio in Houston to be a fully equipped Gratz studio. The studio is 3,100 sq. ft and has high ceilings with a cluster of chandeliers that welcome clients into the serene and open space. When you enter you will see the “wall of Joe” as clients have christened it, 4 huge framed photographs of Joseph Pilates by I.C. Rapoport. Specializing in private sessions for clients and small group classes for them to take their Pilates deeper, WAPilates is dedicated to teaching the Traditional Method.
PEOPLE
Hilary Opheim, Owner/Director
Hilary Opheim opened WAPilates in January of 2005 to create a space that was supportive, friendly and a positive environment for clients and teachers, a community sharing their passion of Pilates. Hilary has been in the fitness industry in Houston for well over 25 years and was trained by John Gossett, in Houston, Texas.
Her positive attitude in teaching and care of clients has kept them coming to her, some of them for over 17 years. Along with teaching clients she also created the WAPilates Teacher Training Program, a PSAP Approved School to share that passion of Traditional Pilates with those wanting to teach.
In 2015 she created Pilates has Heart to raise money and awareness for Women’s Heart Issues and Cancer Awareness for Texas Heart Institute to honor client and friend Terri Dome. Texas Heart Institute is now a partner for the event and 100 percent of the proceeds go to Texas Heart Institute. This event is held every February and in 2018 will be in its 3rd year.
“I enjoy continuing to learn and grow as a teacher and student of Pilates. It is such a journey and I enjoy every moment of it.” - Hilary Opheim
Kim Humrichouse, CE Program Teacher
Kim Humrichouse has been teaching Pilates in Houston for well over 16 years and has been at WAPilates with Hilary Opheim for 10 years. Kim was trained by John Gossett in Houston, Texas and got introduced to Pilates as a ballet dancer with the Louisville Ballet, Tulsa Ballet and Nevada Dance Theatre. She also holds a BA in Psychology.
“One of the best things about teaching Pilates is that I get to see how much better people feel after their session.” - Kim Humrichouse
Scott Minard, CE Program Teacher
Scott Minard is a professional cyclist, USA Cycling certified coach and discovered the benefits of Pilates as a client. He was trained by Hilary in the WAPilates Teacher Training Program and also holds a bachelor degree in History and Education and in 2016 started pursuing his Masters degree in Sports and Human performance.
“I love watching students understand the movements and sharing the feeling of accomplishment.” - Scott Minard
WAPilates Teachers
Amanda Knox
Amanda Knox came to WAPilates as a client and fell in love with Pilates and what it did for her. She was trained by Hilary Opheim in the WAPilates Teacher Training Program while holding down a full time job, getting engaged and planning a destination wedding. She left the corporate world to follow her passion of teaching Pilates.
“I love working with different people and helping them feel stronger in their bodies.” - Amanda Knox
Amber Krueger
Amber Krueger was working full time in sales when she found Pilates. She was trained by Hilary Opheim in the WAPilates Teacher Training Program
“The journey of Pilates is constant, there is always more to learn from yourself and your clients.” - Amber Krueger
Astrid Celis
Astrid Celis was a Pilates student for years and found it gave her confidence and a better understanding of her body. She was trained by Hilary Opheim in the WAPilates Teacher Training Program while working full time as an Engineer. Originally from Venezuela she is fluent in both English and Spanish.
“I enjoy being a student the most in my Pilates journey.” - Astrid Celis
All teachers are also PMA Certified
EQUIPMENT
WAPilates is a fully equipped Gratz studio with 3 Cadillacs, 6 Reformers, 2 Wunda Chairs, Ladder Barrel, Spine Correctors and small barrels, Pedi Pull and also smaller apparatus such as foot correctors and neck stretchers.WAPilates changed to Gratz after years of other equipment, in her continued journey of Joseph Pilates work, Hilary found with the Gratz equipment the why and how of his teachings finally made it all come full circle. The design of the equipment and the springs help you feel more connected throughout the entire body. It becomes the full body work that Joseph Pilates intended. The clients immediately had light bulb moments on exercises they had been doing for years. The Gratz Equipment opened up the challenge of the work for the clients and they saw how their bodies changed and how much stronger they got very quickly. They seemed to be more willing to challenge themselves and the confidence within them started to shine in every session.
LOCATION
WAPILATES
2000 Edwards Street
Houston, Texas 77007
Phone: (281) 352 - 5791
Email: info@wapilates
Website: www.wapilates.com
Hilary OpheimHilary Opheim
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