Enjoy small-group, mat-based fitness classes in the Como Park neighborhood.

Green Garden Fitness

Classes in my backyard studio have begun! I’m currently offering Mat Pilates, Barefoot Strong Balance Training, and Stick Mobility.

The current schedule is:

Monday 6:00 a.m. This class is offered by request. If two or more people request it for a given week, I’ll put it on the schedule.

Monday 8:45 a.m. Mat Pilates (with some of the other formats mixed in)

Tuesday 6:00 a.m. Mat Pilates

Tuesday 8:45 a.m. Mat Pilates (with some of the other formats mixed in). This class is currently full. Let me know if you’d like to join the wait list.

Wednesday 6:00 a.m. For now, a mix of formats, depending on who happens to be there!

Thursday 6:00 a.m. Barefoot Balance Training, with a rotating mix of props and equipment

Thursday 8:45 a.m. Mat Pilates (with some of the other formats mixed in). This class is currently full. Let me know if you’d like to join the wait list.

Saturday 8:45 a.m. Barefoot Balance Training, with a rotating mix of props and equipment

Note: In order to simplify rescheduling, all classes now go by the same name: “Class (Mat Pilates, Barefoot Balance, or Stick Mobility),” but we’ll continue to follow the schedule listed above in a general way. Because the classes are small, what we do in a given class tends to depend on who is attending the class, rather than being set in stone in advance!

To schedule a class, click the “Book” button on the scheduling link below. You’ll see a calendar with the dates when classes are offered in bold. Click on a given date, and you’ll see what times class is offered that day, and then you can click the time to schedule. When you schedule, you can either pay by PayPal or choose the “Pay Later” option to pay with cash or check when you come to class.

If you cannot attend a class you’ve signed up for, please reschedule at least 24 hours before the class is scheduled to begin. You can reschedule through the website yourself, or let me know that you need to reschedule and I will do it for you. If you miss a class for whatever reason without giving at least 24 hours notice, you will need to pay for the class. I recognize that there are times when you don’t know 24 hours in advance that you won’t be able to attend. In order to make up for such an occasion, I will keep track of classes attended and give you a free class after every 10 classes you’ve attended (or that you’ve paid for, if you happened to need to miss a class with less than 24 hours notice given). You can use the free class for yourself or give it to someone else!

If there’s a day or time that’s not on the schedule that you’d like to see a particular class offered, get in touch with me through email (abigaillpelham@hotmail.com), and we’ll see if we can make it happen! I hope to see you in the studio soon!

—Abby Pelham Instructor

Not ready to sign up, but have a question? Send me an email at abigaillpelham@hotmail.com

Mat PIlates

Mat Pilates is a mind-body exercise system that focuses on strengthening and lengthening the body through exercises that strengthen the abdominals, improve stability of the pelvis and hips, strengthen and mobilize the spine, and improve shoulder stability and mobility. It’s practiced on a mat in a variety of positions, with or without props like foam rollers, soft balls, and elastic exercise bands. Mat Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise that is suitable for most people.

Barefoot Strong

Barefoot Strong focuses on improving balance through “foot to core sequencing,” synchronizing the engagement of the muscles of the foot and the deep core. The exercises are mostly performed standing on one foot, either in static poses or dynamic sequences. A special textured mat is used to stimulate the sensory nerves in the base of the foot, allowing the foot to communicate more effectively with the brain to improve balance. Barefoot strong is low-impact and is suitable for people at a wide range of fitness levels. In both Pilates and Barefoot Strong, exercises can be progressed or regressed to provide the right level of challenge for each participant.

Stick Mobility

Stick Mobility “is a training system designed to help you move better by improving your mobility, stability, and strength. The system uses the Stick Mobility Training Stick as a simple and flexible tool used to create tension, leverage, stability, and body awareness.” The deep stretching made accessible by the sticks feels amazing!

About Me and Green Garden Fitness

After dreading gym class in school, as an adult I discovered group fitness classes and found that I could actually enjoy exercising! I started going to classes regularly, and enjoyed it so much that I decided to become a teacher. From 2016 to 2020, I taught group fitness classes at the YMCA, and now I’m excited to be teaching small group classes in my own little studio! I’m certified in Mat Pilates through Balanced Body and also hold certifications in Group Exercise and Personal Training.

My studio is in my back yard, converted from a garage and put to better use! The studio will comfortably hold four participants per class. The small size allows for individual attention, while at the same time providing the energy and fun of a group class.  Classes cost $15 per person per session. All equipment is provided.