Post updated July 2021

*Note: Fitness instructor and Winsor Pilates founder Mari Winsor passed away on April 28, 2020. She was an inspirational and foundational leader in the popularization of pilates. This interview was done with her several years ago.

Mari Winsor: Famous for Pilates, A Teacher At Heart!

Pilates expert Mari Winsor has a reputation. She is, of course, the creator of Winsor Pilates. She is also a businesswoman, a renowned pilates teacher, and an extremely fit baby boomer woman with a committed following of high profile clients.

But the truth is that when you exercise with her Winsor Pilates workout dvd series (check pricing on her popular Winsor Pilotes: Ab Sculpting DVD here) , her presence is warm but strong, patient but insistent. Sort of like – yeah – that favorite teacher you had! Mari Winsor took some time to answer some questions for us about pilates, staying fit in midlife, and how she celebrated that milestone birthday…for Mari Winsor, age is all relative!

Q. How is Winsor Pilates different from traditional Pilates, and what led you to develop this highly effective take on the traditional?

A. I was trained in Pilates by Romana Kryzanowska. She was Joseph Pilates Protege and took over his studio when he died in 1968. She taught by his side for forty years. She certified me in 1992 to teach the Pilates method. I am also a teacher trainer for her organization. Winsor Pilates is what I learned from her with my own twist on it. It is pretty much the same work. I am not sure what traditional Pilates is…when you perform Pilates exercises correctly, you get fabulous results!

Q. What are the benefits of Winsor Pilates techniques for baby boomer women before, during, and after menopause?

A. Maintaining good posture, staying strong and flexible, and improving balance are all important benefits to doing Pilates as we age. Improving circulation is essential for good health. Having toning and firming benefits on top of all that isn’t bad either!

Q. For women fifty and over who are new to this type of exercise, where do you suggest they begin? Do you also recommend diet or lifestyle changes?

A. Anyone – no matter what age – can do my dvd’s. If there is an exercise that is too difficult there is always a modifier one can follow. If you need to lose weight as well I recommend a walking regime of 20 minutes 4 times a week and watch your diet. Try and stay away from sugar and starch.

Q. Unlike many instructors, your style of teaching on your DVD’s could be described as “warmly professional”. Do you think your approach to teaching offers a different type of appeal for at-home users?

A. I never script a dvd – it is always fresh and different. I can never prepare what I am going to say because I am not an actress, I am a teacher. It is important to help people feel comfortable, and feel that someone really cares about what they are doing. I speak from my heart and I hope that reaches your living room a little easier. Laughing once in a while is not bad either! I only hope I can motivate people to take better care of themselves and feel better.[
Q. Can you share your insight on how to stay motivated when working out at home?

A. When you start seeing results, you will be motivated to continue no matter where you work out. In the comfort of your own home on your own time is great, and very convenient.

Q. You look absolutely amazing. How did you celebrate your 50th birthday?

A. Thank you for the compliment! For my 50th I had a huge bash…I just turned 61 and my husband and I had a romantic getaway in the San Ynez Valley. Both were great!

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