Dr. Lori-Ann Jackson has combined physical therapy and Pilates to create Solara Pilates and Wellness.

“What sets us apart from other traditional fitness organizations and classes is that we focus on the whole body, including the mind. We facilitate mind/body connection and strongly emphasize deep breathing,” she said. “As a society, we tend to always be in fight or flight. Deep breathing and mind/body connection pulls you out of that and you are able to better manage stress and day-to-day living and also facilitate functional strength for everyday life.”

Located on Thompson Drive in Gabe’s Plaza, Solara Pilates and Wellness held an open house and ribbon cutting Friday. The event was attended by representatives of the Harrison County Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Administration and city representatives, including Mayor Robert Matheny. Mayor Matheny officially welcomed the new business to Bridgeport before the ceremonial ribbon was cut.

A Doctor of Physical Therapy with 15-plus years’ experience and certified Pilates instructor, Jackson shared the inspiration behind Solara.

“I started doing Pilates a couple years ago because I was having some chronic pain issues. I got to the point that I felt if I didn’t do something to feel better by my mid-40s, I wasn’t going to be able to walk,” she said. “I was introduced to Pilates, and it has been a gamechanger. I had vast improvement in my chronic pain management. As I headed down my wellness journey and focused on longevity, I saw there was a need in Bridgeport – a gap – and, I felt like as a physical therapist, I was able to apply what I know about physical therapy to a Pilates setting and make improvements in people’s lives.”

Group classes include traditional Pilates mat classes, Pilates and Bar class combination, Pilates sculpting, Pilates/Yoga fusion, and Reformer Pilates utilizing a specialized machine that offers a full-body workout.

Solara also offers private, customized sessions.

“They are individualized, depending on what the person is wanting. Someone may come in who has never done Pilates before and wants to find their neutral spine, learn how to breathe and learn basic movements,” Jackson said. “Or someone more seasoned may want to work on more advanced movements you would see in classical Pilates settings.”

Other private sessions concentrate on women’s pelvic health, spinal health for those with sedentary jobs/lifestyles or athletic and sports specific wellness.

To learn more about Solara Pilates and Wellness, visit the website HERE  where you can make an appointment, book a group class and learn about membership packages.