We are pleased to introduce the newest addition to Swan teaching staff, Pilates instructor Alaina Mallory. Drawn to the Pilates method out of "pure curiosity", Alaina continues to share her passions for human physiology, increasing body awareness and developing and maintaining muscles you might not even know you have. Check out her #SwanQ&A and meet her in the studio on Monday evenings and Wednesday mornings!

Can you tell us a bit about your philosophy of teaching, what interests you about the body, and any influences that have shaped your practice and your teaching?

Always give your best, whatever your best is today and you will always have a reason to be proud of your effort. I enjoy the exploration of how the different parts of the body relate to one another. I am often amazed how the tweak of alignment can make so much difference in muscle recruitment.

What are you reading or watching at the moment?

So You Think You Can Dance

What is your favorite bone or muscle and why?

Sternocleidomastoid. It's fun to say!

What is your go-to prop when teaching? What is your favorite exercise to do with that prop?

Magic Circle. I love doing arms overhead. It is a deceptively challenging exercise and very effective for working shoulder stabilization.

Action movie or romance?

Depends on the weather.