WHAT WE DO

Karena is a Classical Pilates Instructor at Pilates Athens and licensed Massage Therapist. Her skills, experience, and knowledge come together in the Pilates studio. With over 2 decades of experience as a massage therapist, movement and fitness instructor, as well as sports and fitness training, she has been led by a desire to understand the body through movement and healing.  Offering Traditional Swedish Massage, Aromatherapy, Trigger Point, Myofascial Release, and Hot/Cold Stone Massage for a therapeutic treatment experience.  "I enjoy sharing my enthusiasm for the Pilates Method.  Always taking a creative approach to keep workouts fresh, while also enjoying the touchstone of the Classical System." 

 "I am delighted time and again about how Pilates gets results!  You can find me teaching suspension pilates classes and our signature circuit class, Pilates Playground. Experience a welcoming and accepting environment, where you can be yourself. You do not need to be an expert at Pilates to move, learn, succeed, and be included. I love teaching private and semi private equipment sessions at the studio to all levels of ability from the new beginner to the most advanced. Showcasing our NEW STUDIO EQUIPMENT and classes schedule with SUSPENSION PILATES where even I am a beginner again! PILATES PLAYGROUND is where we enjoy a circuit class on all of the Classical Pilates equipment for a fun social experience.  Everyone is encouraged to work within one's individual ability and skill level while at Pilates of Athens."   

James is a Power Pilates fully trained Pilates instructor.  He has developed an impressive skillset as a hands on healer with Rolfing Structural Integration practitioner.  James continues to expand his knowledge with continual training.  Clients return time and again for a Rolfing Session with James, with continual results.  James has a passion for combining Pilates and Rolfing with his clients to get an integrated program for health and wellness. 

 James is  a committed mat class instructor with several classes each week.  Find him on our studio class schedule with Classical Mat.  Check out our current class schedule to join James or reach out to schedule your Rolfing SI session.

"I first had the opportunity to experience Pilates in 2005 at Pilates of Athens.  I had not anticipated so much relief by developing balance and core integrity through the Pilates method.  Old injuries and bad habits can be a challenge, Pilates is a large part of my solution.  My journey of the body began around 1997 with various forms of yoga practice. Letha Yoga's compassionate stretching system gave me a deep understanding of the body and the tools to promote ease.  The Power Pilates training system has expanded my knowledge of the body, and given me the necessary tools to share the classical Pilates work.  After years of receiving Rolfing Structural Integration, I have received advanced training to share Dr. Ida Rolf's visionary work with the Pilates of Athens community. through Rolfing,  It may help you increase your order of functionality and support in your structure."

It is true that Pilates really is a lifestyle.  It reminds me to incorporate good posture and use core muscles in everyday situations. I find that I am more aware of my body and make better choices when it comes to my diet also.

After struggling with back pain and pain management with medications, I was willing to try anything. I have known James for years and he had mentioned that Pilates had helped his seemingly hopeless back and hip pain. I tried a Pilates mat class with James.  When I finished I could stand up with ease and could bend down and touch my toes! I purchased a Pilates book from James and was able to continue my Pilates mat program at home. I am getting stronger everyday and now experience the benefits James had been talking about all these years.

 I am 88 years old and in good health. Over the past 30 years, a lumbar lamenectomy, hernia operation, prostate surgery and an emergency appendectomy slowed me down quite a bit, but it was pilates and an occasional visit to a terrific massage therapist that put me up-right again. I no longer do sports but pilates instructors Karena Kilcoin and James Skalsky have been a great help in keeping me active. It works for me.

Pilates has changed my body immensely over the years.  Pilates is the only exercise that has worked for me in creating a waist line. I am continually surprised and delighted in the body conditioning, pain management, improved posture, and vitality I receive from my regular Pilates practice. Once I started Pilates over 7 years ago, I have never skipped a week, and that is saying a lot about the enjoyment and benefits I have received. My favorite benefit I have received in practicing Pilates is improved self confidence!