FITNESS FOR YOU: “We offer a very personalized program. It is very customized, with both private and group classes, with only three to four students in a group.” Nikki Cifelli, owner of Studio Nikki LLC Pilates & Fitness, is shown by the Reformer Pilates equipment, which is used for many exercises.

The New Year is upon us, and if improving your fitness level is on that list of resolutions, Studio Nikki LLC Pilates & Fitness in Skillman is just the place. Offering integrated services of Pilates, Redcord, breast cancer rehabilitation, and CoreAlign; it is an ideal format for exercise, toning, and enhancing general well-being.

“There are so many Pilates benefits,” explains owner Nikki Cifelli. “One is to help achieve better alignment (posture). You become stronger from the inside out by strengthening the core. It’s working not just the large muscle group but small muscles that protect the spine. It can help prevent back problems and injuries.”

With a background in physical therapy (PT), Nikki has a thorough understanding of anatomy. As a licensed physical therapist, she worked in Hamilton, and later managed the Pilates program at Princeton Fitness and Wellness before opening her own studio, first in Hopewell, and now at Blawenburg Village Square 376 Route 518 in Skillman.

“When I was treating my PT patients, I noticed that I was using Pilates, so I decided to take a Pilates course,” says Nikki. “I wanted to
incorporate Pilates as well as PT to improve fitness.”

Pink Ribbon Program

She was certified through the challenging Body Arts and Science Institute (BASI) and Pilates Institute of America (PIA). In addition, wishing to offer a program for post surgery breast cancer patients, Nikki became a Certified Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Specialist through the Pink Ribbon Program.

“This program is geared to help improve range of motion, including upper body exercises to enhance rehabilitation post surgery. I do not do rehabilitation itself, but help the patent with exercises.”

In pursuit of an even more balanced and fulfilling practice, Nikki received Redcord Active, Corrective, and Multi-Suspension certification from the Neurac Institute, and is a level 3 CoreAlign Instructor through Balanced Body Pilates.

As an Ironman Triathlete, Nikki especially understands the importance of maintaining a strong core. Having competed in numerous triathlons and marathons, she recognized the benefit of Pilates in improving endurance and muscle efficiency.

“Practiced regularly, Pilates can not only enhance strength and flexibility but also circulation and breathing. Coordination and balance often improve, and gains in bone density and joint health can be expected,” points out Nikki. “The gentle weight-bearing exercises can strengthen and build muscle without bulk and reduce risk of injury.”

Redcord, a suspension exercise utilizing body weight as resistance, can take fitness to a new level, she adds. It can improve strength, muscular endurance, balance, coordination, and core muscle stability.

Body Strengthening

In addition, Nikki explains that CoreAlign is a unique combination of cardio, mind/body, core, and total body strengthening, and is a wonderful complement to Pilates. “Many exercises are performed standing, bringing a functional aspect to training. It is an excellent form of exercise to improve balance, posture, and strength.

Students at Studio Nikki are all ages (10 to 83!),and include men, women, and children, of all backgrounds. They have a variety of goals, reports Nikki. “Some are fine, in good health. Others may have health problems, such as Parkinson’s, arthritis, or are recovering from injuries or surgeries. I’d say that 50 percent are healthy, and 50 percent have some type of condition. Some want to tone up, lose weight, and some just want to do something that’s fun with a friend.”

In the case of kids and young people, Nikki points out that they are often horseback riders, athletes involved in different sports, and frequently experience repetitive action situations.

“Pilates and the other programs can help with alignment and balance,” she explains. “One of the biggest athletic groups we see are golfers, and we work on strengthening the core. When the core is strengthened, breathing improves, and there is also improvement with digestive issues. When alignment is better, the whole body functions more efficiently.”

She adds that all levels of difficulty of the exercises can be adjusted to the student’s individual condition, needs, and goals.

Older students have a wide range of interests, she notes. “We have a husband and wife in their 80s, and their goal was to row on the lake. But that entails more than just rowing. It means being fit enough to get the boat on top of the car, and then off the car and into the water. Then they have to get in the boat and later out of the boat. They wanted to be able to do all that, and now, they can!”

Important Investment

Nikki offers a free introductory class to introduce new students to the program. “When I first meet with a prospective student, I’ll ask about their medical history and their goals. This is a time when the student can see if the program — Redcord, Pilates, CoreAlign, etc. — is a good match for them. This is an important investment — in your body and in your time. When going through the demonstration class, he or she is making an assessment of the program, and we can make an assessment of the student, evaluate their conditioning level, etc.”

In the beginning, Nikki recommends that students take two or three private classes to get the feel of the program. Eventually, she adds, “Most students come two to three times a week. Some come once a week, and that is better than not at all. However, if Pilates is their main exercise, then twice is better. Once is OK if they perform other exercises. I think they keep coming as often as they do because they feel so much better. The muscles feel stretched and elongated.”

In addition to Nikki, three other instructors are available, and there is a flexible pricing program. Payment can be made per single session or with a special package, which offers savings. Classes are 55 minutes.

Nikki is interested in her students’ well-being even when they are away from classes. “If people go on vacation, I can give them a set of three to five exercises they can do when they’re away. Something that is realistic for them and that they will actually do.”

She is very happy about the enthusiastic reception the studio has received. “I love teaching. I love it! Everyone is different, and the classes are different. The students become my friends, and in the groups, they become friends with each other. There is often a social aspect in the classes.

“It is very rewarding to help people become more fit, feel better, and be able to do more things because they have better fitness. I really look forward to the continued growth of the studio. I’ve taken great care in selecting the equipment and the arrangement of the studio. I want it to be an environment that people enjoy coming to.”

The attractive, spacious studio is open Monday through Friday 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday 8 to noon. (609) 273-4445. Website: www.nikkipilates.com.