Essex Pilates - Centerbrook, Connecticut

Diane B.

I love working out with Celeste at Essex Pilates. She provides very clear and easy to follow instructions that ensure that you get a safe and challenging workout. She knows and watches her students carefully so that she can provide suggestions and accommodations for any injuries or strengths. I have taken many classes in person with Celeste for years and each class is well planned and tailored to the students. I always looked forward to going. At this time, I have been taking Celeste’s virtual classes and they are just as great as in person (well almost- I am ready to get out!!)! If you are new to Pilates (or barre or any class offered at Essex Pilates) or you have practiced for years, you will benefit from and enjoy the classes here.

Kim K.

Celeste is one of the most knowledgeable fitness professionals I have ever met. Being a personal trainer I have high expectations and Celeste did not disappoint. My body has become stronger, my movement patterns have greatly improved and I have an extremely strong core thanks to Celeste! I have known Celeste and taken classes from her for at least 12 years. Every class is tailored to meet each student's specific needs. When you take a class with Celeste you know she cares. She wants to improve on each student's quality of life. I'm an Essex Pilates and Wellness student for life!!!!!

Barbara T.

I’ve been going to Essex Pilates for over five years. Celeste is a master teacher who pays close attention to her students and takes the time to understand their strengths and vulnerabilities. Classes are small and the exercises are varied and appropriately challenging. It’s a good workout and I finish feeling wonderful.
Working with Celeste has improved my muscle tone, stamina and balance. An added plus, she’s an entertaining teacher so classes are fun.
Highest marks all around.

Sandy M.

I began taking classes with Celeste at Essex Pilates very soon after my hip replacement surgery. That was 5 years ago. Celeste is a highly knowledgeable and careful instructor. Her classes are challenging and at the same time she is fully aware of any problems you might have physically and addresses them. During this time of Covid 19 she has been teaching her classes virtually and hasn't lost any of her expertise in keeping her students engaged and looking forward to the next class.

Lorraine F.

I have been going to Essex Pilates for nearly 13 years! I can not say enough about Celeste!! She is professional, talented and laser focused on my overall well-being. I continue to attend private sessions twice a week during this pandemic via zoom/FaceTime. Celeste has kept these sessions interesting and full of variety. I admire her dedication to her craft and her unbending commitment to me and her students always, and especially during these crazy times!

Abby V.

I have been working with Celeste at Essex Pilates for about a year now. I am taking both mat classes and private lessons (using the equipment) and I LOVE them both. I have always struggled with back pain and she has helped me tremendously to regain stability in my low back and improve my posture. I am learning to activate my muscles properly and am finally feeling a connection to my abdominals!

I feel stronger, more stable and more confident when bikini season rolls around. I plan to continue with her for a long time- thank you so so much Celeste! 🙏🏼

Sue C.

A former student of Celeste Etlinger while residing in CT, I have since been able to continue training with her virtually from my current residence in FL. What an incredible blessing during the pandemic.

Celeste Etlinger is a thoughtful and talented practitioner and teacher of Pilates. She truly cares about the health and well-being of each and every student. She consistently seeks information and feedback from her students.

Most impressive to me is the individual feedback she provides to students during virtual training sessions. Far too many Pilates instructors demonstrate the proper form of exercises during class, thereby getting their own workout, with little, if any, attention to their students. Not so, Celeste. Using the Zoom app, she frequently zeroes in on individual students to assess their form and provide constructive feedback and encouragement. Moreover, during classes her cues are detailed and provide useful information regarding the proper form and purpose of each exercise. Finally, Celeste has an easy rapport with her students, frequently injecting humor, so that classes are fun but always infinitely challenging.

Bathsheba P.

Celeste really knows her stuff when in comes to Pilates! She knows just how to cue you to hold or move different body parts to get the most out of her virtual Pilates classes. Give them a shot. You’ll be glad you did!