Our Story

Welcome to Art of Pilates
Long Island

Art of Pilates Long Island is a studio where you can achieve and
discover the perfect balance of mind & body as one. We host our
classes in a small intimate group setting which ensures a
personalized workout with highly effective results.

Pilates is a safe and effective whole body workout for all ages and levels of fitness. The source of all movement in pilates flows from the center of the body creating strength and a sense of calm and well being. The Pilates Reformer is an exercise machine used to incorporate the Pilates exercise technique for a challenging and intense workout. Springs, leverage, and body weight is used as a resistance while performing movements targeting specific muscle groups. Workouts consist of controlled, flowing movements working your muscles through a full range of motion. The reformer adds increased resistance to the movement. By working to overcome this resistance, training results in increased fitness levels.

  • Corrects posture and alignment.
  • Assists in the prevention of osteoporosis and injury through resistance training.
  • Strengthens, tones and elongates all muscles in the body.
  • Increases range of motion and flexibility.
  • Achieves greater results than yoga or weight training alone.
  • Builds a stronger, leaner, and healthier body.
  • Develops core strength without adding bulk.
  • Improves posture and balance
  • Injury rehabilitation and prevention.
  • Pre and post-pregnancy abdominal strengthening.
  • Reduces stress.

OUR TEAM

Kathy Affrunti

Owner

Meet Kathy, a single mother who defied the odds and built a thriving Pilates studio, despite having no prior business experience or formal education.  What Kathy did have, was an unwavering passion and drive to succeed.

After facing financial difficulties, Kathy was determined to become self-sustaining and find a way to support herself. With a lifelong love of fitness and wellness, she decided to go into the Pilates industry. 

Kathy has worked tirelessly to create a welcoming and supportive environment for her clients at Art of Pilates.  She puts their needs above all else. “When you do what you love and make your clients and employees your number one priority, financial success is inevitable. Kathy’s dedication and passion has quickly paid off, as she now owns and operates two locations.

With the help of her instructors Kathy has built a loyal following and continues to strive for excellence in all she does.  “I love hearing the clients rave about the positive impact that Pilates has on their lives. It is what motivates me to provide them with the best experience possible!”

Kathy believes that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of following your dreams. 

Instructor

Tara Kavanagh

Instructor

Tara received her training at the Pilates Academy International in NYC. She first discovered Pilates while dancing and pursuing a career in performance. She began movement classes at an early age, continuing to Ballet, Jazz, Modern and Tap, and continuing to branch out to lesser known practices including: Mitzvah Technique, Feldenkrais, Danskinetics, Alexander Technique, and Delcrose Eurythmics.

Although Tara maintained an active lifestyle, she was obese. Determined to change, she lost 100lbs and continues to seek the best health options for her body, mind and spirit. It is her joy to help others discover their road to recovery. She is a natural born encourager and has a passion for helping people. Her life experiences inform her teaching style, which she desires to improve constantly.

Cyndi Frank

Instructor

Cyndi Frank is an experienced and dedicated Pilates instructor who is excited to join our studio. With her extensive training , 500 hours of intense training from a master Pilates instructor and the thousands of classes taught, Cyndi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her classes. She is well-versed in various Pilates apparatus, including the reformer,chair, springboard, Cadillac, and mat, allowing her to offer a diverse and comprehensive Pilates experience to her students.Cyndi’s teaching experience spans a wide range of settings, from group sessions to private lessons, corporate studios to smaller boutique-style studios. Her passion for Pilates shines through in her teaching, as she is genuinely committed to helping her students discover their full potential. Cyndi takes pride in creating a supportive and encouraging environment where individuals can push beyond their perceived limits and achieve their fitness goals. With her contagious enthusiasm and dedication, Cyndi is ready to inspire and guide our studio members on their Pilates journey
 

Gail Dipalma

Instructor

Aside from being a Horse Trainer & former VP in Office Furniture, Gail has several Fitness & Pilates Certifications, was certified through Polestar & has Physical Therapy experience. She has developed &/or managed programs for several top fitness companies.

Eliza Tappan

Instructor

Eliza received her mat and equipment Pilates training at the Kane School of Integrated Movement in NYC, where she continues to take training and education workshops to deepen her knowledge and understanding of Pilates, anatomy, and alignment. Informed by her experience as a dance artist, Eliza takes a mindful approach to Pilates in which she aims to lead clients to cultivate mental and physical presence to sense the internal shifts that she considers to be key elements of physical and mental transformation.

Instructor

Lorna Sophcleous

Health & Wellness Coach

Bio Coming Soon..

Claudia Weisman's​

Instructor

Claudia has been in the fitness industry for more than 30 years as a personal trainer, spin instructor, Yogi and Pilates instructor. Claudia is passionate about helping individuals reach their optimal health and wellness for longevity as well as functionality in life. She is a firm believer in Pilates as a key component to living this life style. Concentration, centering, stamina and imagination come into play in Claudia’s classes. Be prepared to work hard but within your range as she takes you to YOUR next level with each session.

Jennifer

Instructor

Jennifer delivers a classical approach when teaching the Pilates method in private and group sessions with an emphasis on form correction for maximum results. She received her Pilates comprehensive mat work and apparatus certification through PhysicalMind Institute. When she is not teaching she enjoys listening to music and hiking with her teenage son.