The studio
Located inside a historic building on Main Street in downtown Northampton, Great River Pilates was founded in 2023 by Risa Harris with the goal of bringing the highest quality classical Pilates to her hometown. The studio is equipped with an array of authentic Pilates apparatus, making it a veritable playground for exercise, as well as a calming escape from the daily grind.
Why classical Pilates?
Classical, or authentic, Pilates is a system of full-body exercise invented by Joseph Pilates over the course of the early to mid-20th century. In a classical Pilates lesson, you will learn exercises that simultaneously strengthen and stretch, all while fostering greater control over both body and mind. The exercises are taught in a specific order, on equipment designed to Mr. Pilates’ specifications.
While the reformer is perhaps the most well-known piece of apparatus, Pilates invented many others, most of them spring-based. With such a diverse menu of equipment and exercises to choose from, each lesson will always be crafted to meet the needs of the individual being taught, and it will certainly never be boring. Performing the exercises in a specific order allows you to build skills through repetition, and then to build on those skills as you progress. A skilled teacher will always ensure that each exercise and apparatus choice serves your body and its needs.
Benefits of classical Pilates include increased strength and flexibility, better posture, diminished aches and pains, a strong mind-body connection, greater mental clarity, and more ease in everyday tasks and athletic pursuits.
Ready to get started?
Meet Risa
Risa Harris is a third-generation classical Pilates teacher and Northampton native. She moved to New York City in 2004, where she studied classical vocal performance at Mannes College of Music. She was introduced to Pilates while managing the front desk at a studio in Manhattan. She loved the challenge and variety of classical Pilates, as well as the fact that, after several months of practice, her chronic back pain disappeared. Convinced of the method’s effectiveness, she enrolled in teacher training. She was certified in 2014 by Morwen Banq, who was certified by Romana Kryzanowska, Joseph Pilates’ protege.
In over a decade of teaching, Risa’s clients have ranged in age from thirteen to eighty-five. She has worked with pre- and post-natal clients, those with osteoporosis, arthritis, joint replacements, knee and back issues, as well as everyday athletes in search of a challenge.
A devoted student of the Pilates method, Risa practices what she preaches and takes regular private lessons with Katie Yip of Paradigm Studio.
Wherever you are in your fitness journey, Risa will zero in on your body’s needs and challenge its strengths.
