Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pilates & Barre Studio in Shelter Island Heights
Founded in 2004 by Suzette Smith, Shelter Island Pilates is a premier wellness studio dedicated to transforming lives through Pilates, barre, and mindful movement. Our team of certified instructors brings decades of combined experience in dance, rehabilitation, and holistic health, offering personalized sessions that prioritize body alignment, posture correction, and mental well-being. With state-of-the-art equipment and a growing online library of over 200 classes, we cater to clients of all levels, from beginners to professional athletes. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our rigorous instructor training programs and partnerships with leading institutions like the Kane School of Core Integration and the Pilates Method Alliance.We emphasize a nurturing environment where each client's unique needs are met with customized care, blending physical conditioning with spiritual growth. Our Shelter Island and Sag Harbor locations provide accessible, high-quality fitness solutions, while our virtual platform ensures flexibility for clients worldwide. By integrating advanced techniques such as Thai Yoga Massage and neuroscience-based rehabilitation, we empower individuals to achieve lasting strength, grace, and holistic wellness.
Services
Private Pilates
Barre Classes
Online Pilates
Mat Pilates
Stretch & Roll
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- Certified instructors with 20+ years average experience in Pilates and rehabilitation
- State-of-the-art equipment for personalized biomechanical correction
- 200+ online classes accessible 24/7 from anywhere
- Specialized programs for postural rehabilitation and cancer recovery
- Award-winning founder with expertise in dance medicine and holistic healing
Associations and certifications
- Kane School of Core Integration
- Pilates Method Alliance
Services
Private Pilates Session
Customized Pilates sessions using state-of-the-art equipment for individualized biomechanical correction. Our certified instructors provide real-time feedback to improve posture, core strength, and movement efficiency. Ideal for clients seeking accelerated progress through personalized attention.
Barre Classes
Dynamic classes blending Pilates, ballet, and functional training for total-body toning. Low-impact sequences build strength, flexibility, and balance while improving muscular endurance. Suitable for all fitness levels with modifications available for beginners and advanced participants.
Online Pilates Library
Access to 200+ on-demand classes ranging from 30-minute express sessions to full-hour workouts. Content includes Pilates, barre, stretch therapy, and restorative practices with options for varying intensity levels and specific muscle groups.
Mat Pilates
Traditional mat-based Pilates focusing on core stability, spinal alignment, and mindful movement. Classes emphasize breath control, precision, and body awareness to enhance functional mobility and prevent injury through controlled, low-impact exercises.
Stretch & Roll
Combines Pilates principles with myofascial release using foam rollers for muscle recovery. Sessions end with crystal bowl meditation to reduce stress and improve circulation. Designed to alleviate tension while maintaining strength and flexibility gains.
People
Suzette Smith
Founder & Lead Instructor
62-year-old founder with 40+ years dance and Pilates expertise. Survived breast cancer in 1995, integrating healing practices into Pilates instruction. Holds Master of Education degree and certifications from Kane School and Pilates Method Alliance.
Kelly Sheppard
Senior Instructor
Certified through 600-hour comprehensive program with advanced training in anatomy and rehabilitation. Specializes in Pilates for orthopedic injuries and neurological conditions. Holds Power Pilates and Pink Ribbon Program certifications.
Mary Henley
Senior Instructor
BASI-certified instructor with 15+ years experience. Specializes in adaptive Pilates for neurological conditions and rehabilitation. Holds advanced certifications in Fletcher Pilates and neuroscience-based pain management techniques.
Andrea Milnik
Instructor
20-year fitness veteran with certifications in Pilates, yoga, and aerial training. Combines martial arts principles with Pilates methodology to create dynamic, functional movement sequences that improve coordination and body awareness.
Hannah Sherk
Virtual Operations Assistant
Manages online platform operations and client communications. Coordinates virtual class scheduling and technical support while pursuing Pilates instructor certification.
Questions
What Pilates equipment is available in-studio?
Our studio features state-of-the-art reformers, Cadillac towers, and stability chairs for comprehensive Pilates training.
Can beginners attend group classes?
Yes, all classes offer modifications for different skill levels with instructors providing personalized adjustments.
What is the cancellation policy?
24-hour notice required for cancellations; missed appointments without notice incur full session charges.
Are virtual classes as effective as in-person sessions?
Virtual sessions maintain effectiveness through real-time form corrections and customized programming via Zoom.
Do you offer specialized programs for injury recovery?
Yes, our instructors have advanced training in rehabilitation Pilates for post-injury and post-surgical recovery.
What should I wear to class?
Form-fitting workout clothes and grippy socks are recommended for safety and proper movement assessment.
Reviews (4)
Harriet Reilly
Aug 15, 2021
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Illysa at SIPilates is a wonderful and charming teacher who has helped me overcome my hip misalignments and gotten me back into walking and cycling
by strengthening my muscles. I'm very lucky that Suzette brought me to her!
by strengthening my muscles. I'm very lucky that Suzette brought me to her!
Tiffany Rolfe
Jun 28, 2021
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Suzette and the team at Shelter Island Pilates and Barre are amazing. I first went to Suzette long ago when I was pregnant and then I moved to Shelter during the pandemic and started attending her zoom classes and then private sessions. She helped me get focused on my body again after such a long time of working remote on my computer. It alleviated my stress during such a crazy time. She is a living embodiment of how amazing you can look and feel as you age when you focus on yourself. Love her!
Laura Maniec
Aug 04, 2020
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Suzette & Shelter Island Pilates have helped me in so many ways. Throughout Covid-19, Suzette has been offering Zoom classes 3-4 X per week. She started them immediately once the pandemic hit and they have been a lifeline for the community and a chance for us to connect. She has helped me stay in shape, build muscle, strengthen and stretch and she has helped my mind stay grounded. She has a positive and spiritual nature that is beautiful and strong. I look forward to my classes with her.
Design Editor
Jun 30, 2019
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I think Suzette is the best in the business. She puts 120% of her energy into every class she teaches, and her technique is impeccable. Her foundation in dance provides a discipline and attention to form that is both helpful and inspiring. She also provides ways of thinking about and caring for your body that stay with you! Her studios are both incredibly gorgeous spaces. We are lucky to have her on Shelter Island!
