PHIT Pilates Studio strives to offer quality instruction in the Pilates method of exercise in a clean, friendly, and non-competitive atmosphere. We believe everyone has the right to a good workout based on their own level of fitness and expertise. We respect our client's feelings and assist them in obtaining their goals with humor, happiness and hard work.

The exercise system called Pilates was developed by Joseph H. Pilates more than eighty years ago. It focuses on strengthening the deep core musculature of the abdomen and back by using low impact, stress-free movement.

Pilates is a series of exercises that assist in improving strength, flexibility, balance and body awareness. Unlike traditional methods of strength training, Pilates challenges many muscles in an integrated fashion to achieve a more overall strength. It is a total body workout with a focus on developing the strength and stability of your core, or as Joseph Pilates liked to call it, your powerhouse. This is the area between your shoulders and hips and includes all muscles of the abdomen and back as well as the shoulder and hip joints. With an emphasis on spinal lengthening and posture, you may actually stand taller after a session!

Susannah had her first Pilates lesson at the age of 14 when she was an injured ballet student. Her grandmother, who was also a dancer and studied Pilates with Joseph Pilates himself, introduced her to Pilates. Having danced professionally for 20 years, she credits Pilates with keeping her body healthy. "I practiced Pilates on and off throughout my career and steadily since 1994. I suffered from very few injuries and feel that it continues to keep me strong!"

In 1996, she began her Pilates training in New York City as an apprentice at the Peter Vaillancourt Studio where she stayed for four years. In 2000, Susannah returned to Connecticut and opened PHIT Pilates Studio.

"I feel that I learn something new from every client that walks through the door. Because of that, I become a better instructor and continue to learn and grow with every day that I am in the studio."

In addition to having Stott Pilates and IM=X Pilates certifications, Susannah is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Licensed Massage Therapist, and received a Gold Standard Certification from the Pilates Method Alliance. She is mother to Ava Li and Nola.

Jessica B. Fritz - senior instructor

Jessica has been moving and stretching her body since the first day she can remember. Certified in Pilates by Madeline Black in San Francisco, CA ,and certified in Yamuna Body Rolling, Jessica has been teaching for five years. A love of movement and a BFA in Dance combined with an interest in the mind-body connection gives her a deeper understanding of the pilates method.

Jessica's teaching background is varied and has included yoga, dance, and gymnastics among others. She's especially drawn to pilates because of the intricate details and subtlety of the work.

"But my favorite thing about coming into the studio is the opportunity to work so closely with people. Helping them to grow and make discoveries about their body that they wouldn't have been able to do on thier own inspires me each and every day."