About Us

About Us

Kristen Avila

Owner, Certified Pilates Instructor

Originally from South Florida, Kristen moved to Texas in 2016. When she found Pilates she was amazed at the changes she immediately felt and saw in her body. She decided to start the rigorous 700 hour-plus Romana’s Pilates International Teacher Training Program and completed certification under the guidance of Katie Puder and Amanda Owens in Dallas, TX. Kristen enjoys traveling to learn from senior and master instructors within the organization to continuously further her education and training.

Prior to teaching Pilates, Kristen was a high school math teacher and cheerleading coach. She incorporates her hands-on learning approach from the classroom, as well as her knowledge of movement from her coaching experience, into her Pilates practice. Kristen and her husband, Omar, are proud to live in New Braunfels with their two dogs, Lulu and Cash.

Ginny Tschirhart

Certified Pilates Instructor

Ginny Tschirhart, originally from Atlanta Georgia, completed her Classical Pilates Certification through Real Pilates in New York City. She started her comprehensive Pilates training while she was a Modern Dance major at Texas Christian University where movement patterns, bone structure and fascia were explored and studied together. Through studies with the Center for Mind-Body Medicine and Dan Leven Institute, she brings in the knowledge of the nervous system, trauma and the emotional body to create a safe place for her clients. She strives to meet clients where they are, hoping to help her clients find deep and new ways to connect to their bodies. She hopes her clients find joy in the challenge of Pilates and the freedom that comes from a strong body.

About Pilates

History of the Method

The Pilates method of exercise, originally named “Contrology”, was invented by Joseph H. Pilates almost 100 years ago and what he described as, “complete coordination of mind, body and spirit.” This system of over 500 exercises uses spring-based apparatuses, invented by Mr. Pilates himself, to help strengthen and stretch the body with proper support, as well as help to improve coordination, flexibility, balance, and control. The Pilates system of exercises centers around the following 6 principles that are present in each exercise: Control, Centering, Concentration, Precision, Breath, & Flow.

Originally from Germany, Mr. Pilates and his wife, Clara, taught “Contrology” from their New York City studio starting in the early 1920’s. Romana Kryzanowska, one of Pilates’ students, was chosen to continue to teach his method and it quickly spread throughout the world. Romana’s Pilates International was created to provide the highest quality instruction and Teacher Training Program available, from some of the most highly sought out Pilates instructors in the world.

The Studio

The Only Gratz Studio in New Braunfels, TX

We are fully equipped with all Gratz Industries apparatus, as originally designed by Joseph Pilates. Gratz Industries is the original manufacturer of Pilates apparatus and the industry’s established source for authentic equipment. Private sessions make use of a variety of apparatus including: Reformer, Cadillac, High Chair (AKA Electric Chair), Small Arm Chair (AKA Baby Chair), Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, and Pedi Pole.