Ariel Hernandez is the owner and director of Fusion Fitness Pilates and Personal Training in Lake Mary, FL. With experience in dance and gymnastics and more than 10 years tenure as a Master Pilates Teacher, Hernandez has expanded his training methods to include rehabilitation and fitness trends. His certifications include step, stick, yoga, spinning, powerflex, power pump, jump rope, box board, kickboxing, funk, hip hop, strip aerobics, body sculpting and interval training. Hernandez has been a Master Teacher for PHI Pilates for more than seven years.

A big question I commonly get from students and teachers alike: What kind of Pilates equipment do I have in my home studio? Well, I actually have several pieces, but one of my favorites is the Arc. It’s lightweight, portable, versatile and inexpensive. I believe it’s a must-have piece for any studio.

My favorite move on the Arc?

Anyone who has done Pilates has some favorite (and “unfavorite”) exercises. An instructor can tell what turns clients on—they emit excited murmurs and get into position quickly; and what turns them off—those resigned sighs and hesitation. At my studio, Leg Circles are a favorite move. Most of my clients love to do them and say they feel good on their back, legs and hips.

Ariel Hernandez breaks down the Hundred and gives you tips on how to explain exercises to clients and students!

“How do I keep my Pilates practice fresh?”

“I’m getting bored.”

I hear this all the time, from people who do Pilates on their own and even from instructors.

by Ariel Hernandez
Quite a few of you have asked me to blog about how I keep clients coming back to my studio two, three and even four times a week, especially during these challenging economic times.
This is a topic that’s near and dear to my heart because the very first Pilates studio I attended charged [...]

“How did I discover Pilates?” My clients often ask me this question.

I took my first Pilates class on a dare when I was 17. I had a friend who was in the Miami ballet company, and he was in great shape. He dared me and I said, “Okay, I’ll try it.” …

In my mind, body awareness goes right along with coordination.

For some people, body awareness is challenging; for others it’s second nature. I truly believe that the better your body awareness and coordination are, the better your “everything” is…