ENHANCE, EMPOWER & EVOLVE

YOUR MIND, BODY & SPIRIT THROUGH MOVEMENT

NEW MEMBERS

Are you a first-time client looking for a special offer? Look no further! Our New Client Special has everything you need to get started. Click the button below to unlock exclusive deals and discounts that will make your experience with us even better. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity!

Ready to get started? Great! We've got all the information you need to make the most of our services. We're here to make the process easy and hassle-free. Start your journey with confidence. Don't wait any longer - click now to learn more!

GETTING STARTED

Ready to take your fitness journey to the next level? Want to get to know our Essential Movement instructors? Click the button below to get to know them better and discover how they can help you achieve your goals. With their expertise and personalized approach, you'll be on your way to feeling your best in no time.

MEET THE TEAM

GROUP CLASSES

We offer Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced level classes in Mat, Reformer, Tower & Chair.

PRIVATE &
SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS

We offer one-on-one, duet and trio sessions for a more tailored training experience for you and/or your small group.

PRIVATE GROUP
CLASS EVENT

We love party details and will tailor the experience for your group by customizing the workout, playlist and more!

TEACHER TRAINING PROGRAM

We offer a comprehensive program based on the original method created by Joseph Pilates. You will learn how to teach all skill levels and body types in a safe and effective way using Classical Pilates apparatus

CLIENT SPOTLIGHT!

  • A picture of Karen Ash and Stuart Browning at Essential MVMT studio for April client spotlight.

    “I had always loved Hot Yoga and when diagnosed with breast cancer I was not able to continue. That was 7 years ago and I had wanted to get back to doing some sort of exercise besides walking. While walking I met my sweet new neighbor Stuart. She explained that she was opening a Pilates studio and I really wanted to support her but had never even thought of trying Pilates before. So, when she opened, I thought I might just go a few times and call it a day. To my surprise I love it!!! That was a year and a half ago and I'm still going at least 3 times a week. I had some issues with swelling/tightness in my arm due to the cancer but now with Pilates I no longer have those issues. I have met some amazing women (now friends) and love seeing them every week for the workouts. I really enjoy the variety of classes and trying new things. My family know that on my Pilates days do not ask me to go anywhere as I am not giving that time up. No matter if you are new to Pilates or been doing it for a while everyone at Essential MVMT makes you feel like family.”

    -Karen Ash

  • A picture of Jodi Bloomston, Client Spotlight for the month of May and Stuart Browning, Essential MVMT founder.

    “Essential MVMT has changed my life. I had been sedentary for many years and was hesitant to try Pilates. I have always thought of Pilates as something for super fit women. I’m so thankful I gave it a chance. Since my first class in January, I have loved every minute. The flexibility I have gained is amazing and the way I feel, overall, has made me a believer. The studio, the instructors and the atmosphere are top notch. I have always felt encouraged by everyone there and it’s the best decision I have made for me. I encourage everyone to try it. We deserve doing things for us and this is something you can do for you, for the rest of your life.”

    -Jodi Bloomston

  • A picture of Erica Wilbanks, client spotlight for the month of June and Stuart Browning, the founder of Essential MVMT.

    “I’m a mom of three. Two that are two and under. My body has been through so much change in the past three years and I felt like a stranger inside of it. I knew that I needed a change but I wanted to be strategic in how that happened. I looked into several types of fitness programs and gyms all while slowly collecting data of pros and cons before I tried anything. My biggest priority was finding a workout routine that was physically challenging but also healthy and gentle on my mental health. Being a stranger in my own body, I wanted something that could help me not only heal it but reconnect with it. My quest led me to Essential in January. After my four trial visits, I was hooked and I’ve been coming ever since. I love how Pilates has a focus on mind and body connection. Through the instructions and cues given during exercise, I have been challenged to be present in my body and in my mind. This practice alone has made a tremendous difference in how I show up in my everyday life. Pilates has also helped me reconnect with my body and appreciate it for all it can do. My entire experience has been amazing. From Stuart, the staff of women, and the other studio members, I have always felt welcome and supported. I’m so grateful to the gift that Pilates has given me and hope to make it a life practice.”

    - Erica Wilbanks

  • Becky Reeser Sager's Photo, Client Spotlight for the month of July

    “Stuart and friends are the best. I have accomplished more than 200 classes with these peeps, and it has changed my mobility and strength in such great ways. If you want to improve your posture and core strength, this is the place.”

    -Becky Reeser Sager

  • Photo of Laura Smith, Client Spotlight for the month of September, right side a photo of Stuart Browning owner of Essential MVMT Pilates studio located in Birminghan, AL and on the left side, photo of Anna Rumore, Pilates Instructor at Essential MVMT

    "I had heard of Pilates for years, and knew it helped build your core for balance. I even had a relative teaching Pilates at private studios around Birmingham. Did I have any idea what Pilates was? NO!

    Not Until Fall 2021 when my sweet and talented niece, Stuart Elizabeth, opened Essential MVMT Pilates Studio! This was my chance to get myself into shape by: strengthening my core, decreasing my lower back pain, becoming flexible, improving my posture, and increasing my energy level to live a healthy lifestyle as I age.

    As I watched my parents fall in their late 80s, I realized I had no intention of this happening to me! Plus, l suffered with L4 and L5 thinning discs and needed to strengthen my lower back muscles to help with the discomfort, so I did not have to continue taking medication. Pilates has been a game changer for me and something I can continue to do as a daily routine forever!

    The best thing about going to the studio is spending time with my niece and all the wonderful new friends I have made over the last several years! What a blessing this has been to be a part of such a wonderful group of ladies I can call my family."

    -Laura Smith

  • "I have never felt so alive and at peace in my body and soul as I feel at Essential MVMT! Two years ago, I was pushing my body with cross fit and high impact workouts all while making a career change, and while I felt like I was checking all the boxes, I wasn’t fulfilled. I had never done Pilates before, but I decided to try a class, and it has changed my whole outlook on exercise! Stuart is such a bright light in every class, and the people at this studio are truly a blessing in my life. I even had my 30th birthday party at Essential MVMT! Now, I get to workout with friends and family - yes, even my mom has joined! I look forward to these classes each week, and you will too!"

    - Elizabeth Pittman

  • "I joined almost exactly a year ago! I needed to do something different for my health and have always been told that pilates is good for strength, toning and core work. It is close to home so I emailed Stuart to see if they could help me!

    I have had some injuries and wanted to make sure that EM was right for me. I took advantage of private lessons and then the new client special and was hooked. Everyone is so supportive and encouraging!

    What I did not know at the time I joined was that I would find a support system of other members and instructors that I look forward to seeing multiple times during the week. Even when I am tired and worn out from the day, I look forward to being at Essential Mvmt.

    Since joining I have lost weight and gotten so much stronger. Both my physical and mental health have been impacted in the most positive way.

    Without sounding completely cheesy, the staff and members of EM have been an integral part of my life and I would not trade it for anything!" 💕”

    -    Andrea Pound (right)

  • Photo of Stuart Browning (left), owner of Essential MVMT studio at Vestavia Hills Birmingham and Regina Dillard (right), the client spotlight for the month of February.

    How long have you been a member?
    I've been a member for 1 year and 3 months.

    What motivated you to get started?
    I always wanted to try Pilates and read that is was great for the body and stretching. My knees wouldn't allow me to do bootcamp exercises and I just got bored going to the gym.

    What are some positive changes you’ve noticed because of having a consistent exercise routine?
    My knees don't feel stressed anymore. I'm noticing my waistline getting a little shape and overall more strength in my body. I've also noticed how my sleep and breathing has changed for the better.

    What’s your favorite class and why?
    Not going to hold me to just one! LOL :) Barre improves my body's strength. Cardio does exactly what it says! And I like how Tower works every bone in the spine, and challenges the stability you have by stretching to see how far you can go without moving the waist. I also learned what a sitz bone is!!! (laugh!)

    What advice would you give someone considering starting a fitness journey? {i.e.yoga, pilates, barre}
    1. Have a plan
    2. Self-Discipline
    3. Consistency

    What is the toughest obstacle for you to overcome in sticking to your health and fitness routine?
    SELF-MOTIVATION. But I realize how far I've come on this journey, so why give up on myself with all the hard work I've put in!

    Thank you to the entire Essential MVMT family! Love yall! <3

    -Regina Dillard

  • A photo of Elizabeth Ward, the client spotlight for the month of March

    "Being new to the Vestavia Hills community, I was nervous about starting something new but I had seen amazing reviews about the studio and gave it a try. The environment was so clean, positive and focused on mindfulness with movement. I joined after only three classes and have been a member since October.

    Prior to joining, I had been doing private PT for injuries sustained during the birth of my second child. I’ve been able to stop routine PT and go on an as needed basis because of the results that I’m getting from Essential MVMT and the amazing instructors at the studio.

    I love every class but Mat challenges me the most and I’ve been setting small Mat goals at home. Since I’ve started Mat at home, my children get right in there and try to imitate what I’m doing. It’s a joy to share this experience not just with other women in the studio but now my own children!

    New things can be hard, but I’d encourage anyone who has ever wanted to feel empowered by what you can do with your body to try Pilates with this amazing team. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me and my little family!”

    -Elizabeth Ward

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY…

  • “Amazing class with Stuart! Love the gorgeous studio! It smells lovely too. A wonderful way to start the day!!”- AMY

  • “Stuart is a professional in every sense of the word. She knows how to push you and she knows when to let you have that off day. She knows pilates and movement better than any instructor I have encountered in a long time -- and I have taken pilates for 15 years at different places. She brings joy, grace, enthusiasm and love to her "work". If you know pilates or would like to try it—Essential MVMT is your ticket.” - KIM

  • “The instructors are fabulous! The environment is relaxing and so clean. The classes cater to all skill levels and the app is great for keeping track of classes and updates to the studio. Highly recommend!” - ELIZABETH

  • “That class was amazing. Loved every second of it. I’m a beginner and the instruction was perfect and encouraging.” -CHRISTINA

  • “Essential MVMT is the most incredible space for Pilates no matter your level. Stuart has created an amazing and encouraging environment. She is the best Pilates instructor (and quite honestly group fitness instructor) that I’ve ever had the pleasure of taking a class from. I’ve followed her through a few different studios throughout the years. Can’t recommend here enough!!!” - REBECCA

  • “This has been my first experience with Pilates, and I have been very pleased. Stuart is warm and sets a gentle, authentic tone to her classes. She has made me feel comfortable, encouraged, and wanting to come back. I have always been intimidated by Pilates, but this has been an experience where I have changed my mind.” - ANNA

  • “Essential MVMT is one of my favorite places to be. Stuart is extremely knowledgeable about Pilates but is also kind, encouraging, positive and a joy to be around. I have gained so much strength since starting classes in January and have met some of my favorite people through the classes. I only wish I had more free time so that I could attend more classes”.- GWEN

  • ”Stuart knows her stuff! I've done pilates before but it had definitely been a while... she helped me dust off the cob webs and feel confident on the reformer. I left the class feeling encouraged and ready for the next!” - LAURA

  • “The beginner reformer class was absolutely great! Stuart was super informative and helped with form when needed. Her studio is beautiful and I look forward to coming back again!” - KATIE

  • “Essential MVMT is such a beautiful studio, & Stuart is a wonderful instructor! Very encouraging and motivating. I took a class yesterday & am feeling the soreness today! Highly recommend!” - LINDSEY

  • “I take private lessons. I think Stuart is very knowledgeable about her Pilates Practice. She make you feel very comfortable and she cues in a excellent manner!” - SHARON

  • “I had the best experience at Essential MVMT...it was the perfect blend of intentional movements that were challenging and also amazing stretches that made me leave feeling so much better!”- KELLY

  • “I took my first class today with Stuart! Loved it so much and felt very welcomed as a newcomer. Looking forward to this new health journey!” - JODI

  • “Upbeat, but I felt like the instructor was seriously trying to teach us the basics and get the most out of us (even though it was a beginners class). The facility is spotless; everything started on time and ended on time. It all felt very professionally approached.” - LISA

  • “As my first time taking a class, I was really pleased with my experience! I have not taken Pilates in a really so long, so I took a basic mat Pilates course with Katie. She was so helpful and kind throughout the entire time. I really enjoyed the small class number, too. I’m really looking forward to my next class!”- ALLIEMARIE

  • “I've been taking Pilates classes at Essential MVMT since Stuart opened the studio! It's fabulous! I'm always surprised when class is over that we've worked out for an hour.”- VAL

  • “My first class at Essential…it was AMAZING!! Stuart is very knowledgeable abt all things pilates and cued the class where just the smallest little change made the move more challenging and correct!! Can’t wait for my next class.” - NIKITA

  • “Stuart is a great instructor! She pays close attention to all the students in class and gives very helpful corrections. The workout is low intensity, but you can really feel it working your muscles. I think it's a great class for people of any fitness levels.” -KATHERINE

  • “I have recently eased myself back into working out after having my last two kids. I knew I needed some form of movement and exercise but I had a lot anxiety about getting started. I’ve only attended five classes so far but I’m so glad that I have. The instructors are positive and kind. I always feel so encouraged when I’m there. The atmosphere of women is positive and uplifting. I’m looking forward to continuing my health journey at Essentials MVMT.”- ERICA

  • “So glad Stuart opened a studio in Vestavia. All of the classes are great, particularly tower and cardio sculpt. Such great instructors and the studio is welcoming - all ability levels are accommodated.”- KAREN

  • “Tish led us through a reformer based flow, adapted for the mat. There were plenty of modifications for more or less intensity. I’d never done variations of rowing, kneww stretches, or stomach massage on the mat before. I loved this class!” -SARA

  • “One of the best decisions of my life was walking into your studio. I absolutely love it! Getting better everyday.”- JODI

  • “The community, the atmosphere, and the classes are all phenomenal!! The instructors are so knowledgeable and make class fun. The studio is a beautiful space to focus on yourself for one hour. The classes have been safe and challenging, so I can stay healthy even throughout pregnancy. LOVE every minute I spend at Essential MVMT!” -LAUREN

  • “This was the first Pilates studio I’ve been to and I’ve had the best experience! Friendly instructors, very beginner friendly, and just overall good vibes. Highly recommend if you’ve been wanting to try out this studio!”- PAOLA

  • “Tish introduced me to Pilates! Her great knowledge and clearly communicated instructions, helped heal my lower back pain and learn how to engage my core! Forever grateful!!!” -ELIZABETH

  • “I’m so grateful to have found Essential MVMT! Taking classes here has been instrumental in regaining my strength after struggling with various health issues. Stuart and team are caring and supportive, and have made the studio a welcoming place for women of all ages, wherever they are in their fitness journey!” -OLIVIA

  • “I highly recommend anyone who loves Pilates or is wanting to try it out for the first time to try Essential MVMT!! I used to do Pilates a couple of years ago and wanted to get back into it. With the help of the fantastic teachers and owner I feel so welcome and at home. I also feel I am being challenged in each class. I love to say that after each class I feel a “good pain” because I have gotten an excellent workout but also can feel and see the results. I started attending classes about a month ago and I am already seeing results not only physically but mentally. I want to get up and go to Pilates because of how much I love the feeling after the workout. I started out doing two classes a week but after two weeks I am now doing 3-4 classes a week!” - EMILY

  • “Completely new to pilates and feel so comfortable learning here! Great instructors and great group overall!” - KELLY

  • “My experience was great. I enjoyed the combination of using the mat with weights and the reformer. The teacher was kind and very accommodating as well.” -CHANEL

  • “Couldn’t recommend this place enough!After having a baby in 2020 I went through a drastic health and wellness change in my life. I felt like I didn’t align with commercial gyms, and had a hard time really enjoying exercise - it all felt like a chore and it made me feel really lost and unmotivated within my fitness journey..I started looking up pilates studios to try something new, and I’m SO happy that I found Essential MVMT. I feel like I finally found my “place” and look forward to every single session. I always leave feeling amazing, in tune with my body, and more confident in my Pilates practice. Stuart and her team are absolutely amazing at not only teaching, but making you feel welcome and accepted. I am now totally hooked on Pilates and never looking back! Thank you Essential MVMT team for creating such a beautiful space and community!” - KELSIE

  • “Very nice Pilates studio and great trainers! I would definitely recommend it. There are various levels of classes, so if you're just starting or experienced at Pilates, they have a class for you” -JENNIFER

  • “Anna does an amazing job coaching each member of the class through movements and truly guides each participant into challenging their body. Great class and fabulous teacher!” - ELIZABETH

  • “Tish has an amazing amount of Pilates knowledge and gives the best cues and explanations of the exercises. Love all the Essential MVMT fam!” -ANGELA

  • “Anna was amazing and helped me really learn how to engage my core on each exercise. I feel motivated to keep it up, and I’m confident that these classes will help me to not only become stronger, but to starting living and feeling better overall!” -HALEY

  • “We love Tish!! She is a great teacher and challenges us to use the proper technique to get the most out of our workouts. Her classes are also a lot of fun. We really have a great time and feel stronger and happy at the end of class. 💪🏻💪🏻” - JANA

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