Body Matrix PEC-Pilates~Gyrotonic~Movement

Body Matrix Movement PEC is  a Pilates and Gyrotonic studio located in downtown Picton, Ontario. Vivian Nickels offers expert instruction in Reformer and Mat Pilates, Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis, myofascial stretching and yoga.

 

The studio is dedicated to helping you achieve your wellness goals. Drawing from her experience across multiple health modalities including Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis, Pilates, Fildenkrais Method, myofacial stretching, dance and sports therapy, personalized sessions are tailored to your individual needs. With over thirty years experience as an instructor and a teacher trainer in Pilates and Gyrotonic, Vivian Nickels offers professional and calm guidance in helping clients feel good in their bodies. Whether just beginning your healthful journey, wanting to improve spinal articulation, flexibility and range of motion or enhance your fitness routine, come in and experience the transformative power of Pilates and Gyrotonic and unlock a stronger, healthier, more mobile you.

Vivian received her Pilates certification in the Anatomy,  Kinesiology and Sports Medicine Program from Alan Herdman, who opened the first Pilates studio in the UK. She taught Private and Group classes as well as teacher training at the Herdman and Stott Studios. She was one of the first instructors of Pilates in Canada. Her Toronto studio was home for performers, dancers and athletes. As doctors and physiotherapists discovered Pilates, they began to send their patients with chronic injuries and imbalances to Vivian.  Her continued education in Pilates includes courses and workshops in Upper and Lower Qudrant, Foot and Ankle Biometrics, Pilates Rehabilitation and Restorative Post Operative Exercises, Gait Analysis, Pilates Cadillac Workshop for Dance Rehabiliation and Pilates Wanda Chair.

Vivian was a pioneer in bringing Gyrotonic to Canada. Her initial Gyrotonic training was done in New York, and she continued her studies in Boston, Los Angeles and Montreal, with courses in Gyrokinesis for dancers, Spinal reading and diagnosis and Scoliosis and Shoulder Girdle workshops. She studied with Juliu Horvath, a former dancer and founder of Gyrotonic, at Long Beach Dance Conditioning in Los Angeles.  Vivian acknowledges the excellent teachers  she has worked with and has gone on herself to be a teacher trainer in Pilates and Gyrotonic, with her former students having opened studios both locally and across Canada  and the US. Her work with physiotherapists and doctors in sharing diagnostic assessments, case management and treatment planning has allowed her to deepen her practice. 

Vivian has expertise and experience in working with clients across a wide spectrum including dancers and actors, members of the Canadian synchronized swim team,seniors in recovery from hip and knee surgery and pre natal and post partum women. The Gyrotonic Method is recommended for injury and rehab issues, arthritis,scoliosis, sciatica, osteoporosis, repetitive strain injury and pelvic floor weakness, and also for athletes and dancers looking for extra mobility, back flexion ,body awareness and injury prevention.

Gyrotonic and Pilates Reformer classes are done on machines exclusively in the Picton studio. Gyrokinesis and Pilates Mat appointments are offered in studio or home sessions  can be arranged throughout the region.

Private and semi-private sessions are available and with package rate, seniors, dance students and Prince Edward County residents' discounts, exercise is affordable and accessible to all. Call for a free consultation to discuss your health journey and we can explore together how Pilates and Gyrotonic can help you feel embodied. 

[email protected]

416.561.9634

Prices

Starter Pilates Class

Starter Pilates Class

$40

per session

More info
Join our introductory Pilates class to kick start your fitness journey.

60 minutes

beginners

basic

Private and Semiprivate Pilates or Gyrotonic Class
Popular

Private and Semiprivate Pilates or Gyrotonic Class

$100

per session of 60 minutes

More info

60mins

enhanced

progressive

Single and Package Rates

Single and Package Rates

per 60 minute session

More info
.

60 mins

intense

expert

Class Discount

Class Discount

The studio offers a discount of 20% off of all group and private sessions for local residents of Prince Edward County. There is also a seniors discount and a reduced rate for dance students.

Contact

Send us an email [email protected] or text 416.561.9634 with any questions or to arrange an initial free phone consultation. We will discuss health and wellness goals and challenges, how we can address imbalances and prevent injuries, and work together in order to tailor an individualized programme to help you feel embodied and empowered. We will discuss options to respect your schedule and budget and if the studio isn't the  right fit, I will direct you to other professionals in the area.

Body Matrix PEC embraces all regardless of shape,size,age or ability. Members of the 2slgbtqia community are welcome and affirmed.

Body Matrix PEC is located in the traditional territory of the Anishnabek and Haudenosaunee Confederacy. The studio is grateful to our Kanyen’kehá:ka neighbours in the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory..

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Instagram

A kind review from a client who discovered gyrotonic and loved it! Here’s a recent article from Vogue about the benefits of the Gyrotonic method: https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/what-is-the-gyrotonic-method #princeedwardcounty #visitthecounty #gyrotonic#gyrokinesis #pictonontario @britishvogue @bodymatrixpecWhat is myofascial release therapy? Myofascial release therapy is a hands-on technique used to manage myofascial pain. “Myo” means muscle. “Fascial” refers to the connective tissue that covers and supports the muscles throughout your entire body. During myofascial release therapy, focus isn’t specifically on your muscles. The focus is on releasing tension in your fascial tissues. Why is myofascial release important? It helps to release muscle tightness or trigger points. Massage and using a foam roller are two of the best ways to do this. It’ll make all the difference when it comes to reducing that soreness that you get after an intense activity – be that from sports, a gym session, surgery, child minding, gardening or tech neck. One of my anatomy instructors gave a visual clue of a “ juicy” fascia , fluid and gliding rather than with restriction, tightness and tension.#myofascialrelease #myofunctionaltherapy #stressrelief#pec # princeedwardcounty #pictonontario #wellbeing @bodymatrixpec @experiencepictonReformer Pilates is an all round excellent way to improve flexibility, core strength and makes hips, back and glute muscles stronger. The Reformer Machine was developed in the 1940’s to reform the body, but it is also wonderful for stress management,mood,relaxation and when properly taught and supervised, reduces injury and recovery time. Slow and controlled movements create the practice with resistance coming from adjustable springs. It is a mindful movement but not only! The health benefits are real and clients feel taller, more toned and embodied.#reformerpilates#reformerpilatesinstuctor#pilates#mindfulness#intentionalmovement#bodymatrixpec#princeedwardcounty#pictonontario @bodymatrixpecUnfamiliar with Pilates and Gyrotonic but wanting to try a new approach to feeling strong and fluid in your body’s movements, come into Body Matrix PEC and enjoy our introductory offer. Email vivian.nickels@gmail.com to confirm and book the Introductory Offer. 4 private sessions of 60 minutes each for $320( $80 per session) Reformer Pilates and Gyrotonic included in offer. Feel free to call the studio at 416.561.9634 with any questions or to arrange an initial free phone consultation. We will discuss health and wellness goals and challenges, how we can address imbalances and prevent injuries, and work together in order to tailor an individualized programme to help you feel embodied and empowered. We will discuss options to respect your schedule and budget and if the studio isn't the right fit, I will direct you to other professionals in the area. #Pilates#Gyrotonic#PEC#Princeedwardcounty#visitthecounty#wellness#discoveron@ontariotravel #bodymatrixpec#healthyspine#spinalmobility@attractionsontThank you to all the wonderful people who allow me to work with them on their wellness journey. I feel privileged to do the work we do!#gratitude #wellness #gyrotonic #pilatesreformer #thecounty #princeedwardcounty #pictonontario #bodymatrixpec #SouthEasternOntarioGive the gift of movement this holiday season. Treat those you care about to Pilates and Gyrotonic sessions. Valid for six months, a block of five sessions is $475 and a group of ten is $900. A discount of 20% for all seniors, students and Prince Edward County residents. New to body work or looking to return to your practice, Body Matrix will support you in your wellness and self-care journey. Come in for some mindful movement . #pilates#gyrotonic#mindfulness#christmas2024#pec#princeedwardcounty#visitthecounty#supportlocal#smallbusinessdaysThe Benefits of Gyrotonic and Gyrokinesis as we age: FLEXIBILITY One of the first things that decreases as we age is range of motion. This can make it difficult to perform exercises and movement. The loss of this range is often the result of compression in the body over time – gravity and the usual wear and tear. But it could also be attributed to conditions such as osteoporosis and spinal stenosis. Gyrokinesis creates length and decompression through the spine, and the body, in smooth, fluid, and safe motions. This allows for a greater range of motion without discomfort and far less risk of injury. The end result is increased flexibility with more freedom, ease, and comfort. MOBILITY and GAIT Changes in gait and mobility challenges also appear in later years. When older adults lose mobility through the spine, they often lose the spiraling action of the spine that’s part of a healthy walking gait. Gyrokinesis addresses this by working through a series of rhythmic mobilizations for the spine while sitting stable on a stool. With mindfulness, the movements are gradually combined to create more complex spinal mobilizations. There may also be a decrease in foot and ankle mobility with age. In these situations, Gyrokinesis work includes specific foot and ankle exercises to bring awareness to that area and mobilize it. BALANCE Once the spine, hips, and shoulders are mobilized on the stool in a Gyrokinesis class, there is a progression toward standing work which mobilizes the hips, knees, ankles, and feet. #gyrokinesis#gyrotonic#movement #princeedwardcounty #wellness #quinteAn interview I did with Elle Magazine on the benefits of Gyrotonic: ohttps://www.ellecanada.com/beauty/health-and-fitness/benefits-of-ballet @ellecanada #gyrotonic #gyrokinesis #pilates #princeedwardcounty #pictonontarioThe Gyrotonic Method helps dancers increase range of motion, improve balance and breath control, increase strength , develops connection and awareness in the body in a 3 dimensional way with dynamic elongation. Having worked with many dancers, and wanting to promote healthy practice, Body Matrix Studio has a back to school Introductory Offer for students of dance. Any age, any dance school! Proof of enrollment is required and receive a 20% discount on all Gyrotonic Packages of 10,15 or 20 sessions. #dance#gyrotonic#balletI hope everyone had a wonderful summer, full of fun, spontaneity and movement. September might mean getting back into a routine or wanting to usher in new ones. The Fall Season means a new schedule at Body Matrix, with small group classes in Pilates, Gyrotonic and Stretching. I am committed to helping people find their path to wellness and am excited to offer new 10 and 20 Class Packages with great discounts. I am also offering Private Gyrotonic Sessions and for those who haven’t tried Gyrotonic, a beginners introductory rate. Come to the studio and try something new! The Studio is an open and welcome environment for everyone.Body Matrix welcomes all. Celebrating seniors and county residents, 20% off all group, duo and private sessions in Gyrotonic, Mat and Reformer Pilates. #princeedwardcounty #pec #pilates #gyrotonic #movement #wellbeing #visitthecounty #pictonontario #pilatestudio #visitthecounty #visitpec #explorepec

Testimonials

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If I could have packed Vivian up in a suitcase and brought her home with me, I absolutely would have. I spent 6 weeks in the county this summer and was lucky enough to stumble upon this studio where I joined in on a group class twice a week. I am recovering from a pregnancy-related injury to my lower back and Vivian was just incredibly knowledgable about the sorts of exercises and stretches I needed to do to engage the correct muscles instead of continually injuring myself. I've worked with two physical therapists postpartum and while they were both very helpful, the pilates classes ultimately provided me with the most pain relief. PEC is incredibly lucky to have someone with so much experience, training and empathy. I hope I can find someone even partially as wonderful now that I'm back home.

If I could have packed Vivian up in a suitcase and brought her home with me, I absolutely would have. I spent 6 weeks in the county this summer and was lucky enough to stumble upon this studio where I joined in on a group class twice a week. I am recovering from a pregnancy-related injury to my lower back and Vivian was just incredibly knowledgable about the sorts of exercises and stretches I needed to do to engage the correct muscles instead of continually injuring myself. I've worked with two physical therapists postpartum and while they were both very helpful, the pilates classes ultimately provided me with the most pain relief. PEC is incredibly lucky to have someone with so much experience, training and empathy. I hope I can find someone even partially as wonderful now that I'm back home.

If I could have packed Vivian up in a suitcase and brought her home with me, I absolutely would have. I spent 6 weeks in the county this summer and was lucky enough to stumble upon this studio where I joined in on a group class twice a week. I am recovering from a pregnancy-related injury to my lower back and Vivian was just incredibly knowledgable about the sorts of exercises and stretches I needed to do to engage the correct muscles instead of continually injuring myself. I've worked with two physical therapists postpartum and while they were both very helpful, the pilates classes ultimately provided me with the most pain relief. PEC is incredibly lucky to have someone with so much experience, training and empathy. I hope I can find someone even partially as wonderful now that I'm back home.

Pilates and Gyrotonic FAQs

What is Pilates?

Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on core strength, flexibility, and overall body awareness.

What is Gyrotonic?

Gyrotonic is a movement method developed by Juliu Horvath. It helps increase range of motion, improves strength and stimulates the nervous system. It allows joints to move fluidly through a natural range of motion without strain, jarring or compression. 

What is the difference between Gyrotonic and Pilates?

In broad terms, Pilates focuses upon stabilization whereas Gyrotonic focuses on mobility. The Gyrotonic system creates balance, efficiency, strength and flexibility. 

What is Gyrokinesis?

Gyrokinesis is a holistic approach to movement. The Gyrokinesis Method is practiced on a mat and a chair, without equipment. Regular Gyrokinesis practice helps promote a healthier and more supple spine as well as increasing range of motion and mobility. Gyrokinesis is adapted to fit the needs of all ages and abilities.

What is the price of Pilates and Gyrotonic?

A one hour private session , solo or as a duo, is $100. Ten sessions purchased  as a package,  and valid for four months, is $850. Five sessions purchased is $450, $90/session. Discounts are offered. A movement expert, with over thirty years experience in Pilates and decades in Gyrotonic, I haven't increased my rates in over 15 years in order to keep wellness, mobility and overall health, as affordable to as many people as possible.