Article written by Kristin Kleimann
 
If you’ve ever noticed the building located at 1776 S. Jackson Street, just off Colorado Boulevard and Mexico Avenue, you might have assumed it was an apartment building. In actuality, the Executive Club office building happens to house the longest functioning pilates studio in Denver, Pilates Esstentia: in business since the 1980s and in this location since 1991. In 2015, Peace of Mind Pilates moved to share the same space.
 
Sabra Blacklock of Pilates Essentia, and Marisa Oldefest of Peace of Mind Pilates, are the two women business owners behind the cooperating pilates studios. Marisa and Sabra first worked together several years ago when Marisa taught at Sabra’s Pilates Essentia studio. After a break for Marisa to raise her family and begin the Peace of Mind Pilates home studio, the two joined forces to work again collaboratively in one convenient location. 
 
The shared studio houses a varied range of pilates equipment including two Cadillacs, three chairs, five reformers, five spine corrector barrels and one high carrel. The back of the studio includes space for mat classes. 
 
Of course, it is these caring and passionate women business owners, Sabra and Marisa, who are key to the longevity, success, and devoted client following behind the boutique studio.
 
Sabra Blacklock
“Sabra is a master teacher who is able to not only teach the fundamentals, but can also address specific issues. She is AWESOME.” - Client Testimonial
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Sabra Blacklock has over 27 years of pilates experience. She was trained in the Fletcher Pilates Method by Ron Fletcher and studied and worked at his studio in Los Angeles as a pilates apprentice. She is a certified Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Teacher and Senior Professional Fletcher Pilates Teacher. She was also a part of a trio of women who put together the original teacher training for the Fletcher Pilates Company.
 
Sabra combines pilates with neurological and pain management elements with a goal to help clients get back to living life free of chronic pain. As she explains, “Our focus is around the education piece: how your body is supposed to be functioning, how it IS functioning, and bridging the gap to get clients to an optimal place.”
 
Marisa Oldefest
​“I have taken Pilates with Marisa for over 11 years.  When I first started, I had no idea what Pilates was, much less the benefits that would be gained. I was only looking for help for my balance and health. With Marisa's patient teaching and guidance, I have knees that keep working and balance to my body. Even though I am facing knee replacement surgery, my knees have gone on working better than the doctors have believed. I know that having Pilates has helped me build up my knees for the surgery and it will help in a quick recovery.”- Client Testimonial
 
Marisa is a Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Teacher, Qualified Fletcher Pilates Teacher, Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Aroma Touch Technique Practitioner and a trained ballet and modern dancer.  She has been teaching Pilates for over 20 years. Her focus is making pilates accessible to all age ranges (from teens to seniors) as well as pilates for pain management. As Marisa explains, “While we offer classes for all ages and fitness levels, our specialty really is working with injured clients and helping them get back to their fitness goals in a safe way. Our clients tend to stick around, and that speaks for itself.”
 
Classes and Staff
The boutique studio offers the best in Fletcher Pilates Method instruction. Classes run for 55 minutes and you can choose between mat or equipment classes. They also offer groups classes, duet classes, and private sessions. 
 
“In 10 sessions you will feel the difference. In 20 you will see the difference. And in 30 you will be on your way to having a whole new body.” -Joseph Pilates
 
The studio staff are very experienced and combined, offer nearly 90 years of pilates experience. 
 
Special Events
On the third Thursdays of the month the studio hosts a “Pilates and Pinot” event where you can come participate in pilates and enjoy a glass of pinot after. Once the weather warms, the studio will be hosting a “Pilates in the Park” event which will be a pop-up mat class in either Observatory Park or Dinosaur Park on Mondays at 12:30pm. 
 
Sabra and Marisa look forward to helping you use pilates to change your body, mind, and spirit!
 
Contact Information
Website: Check www.peaceofmindpilates.com for exact dates and times and to schedule a session. They are currently offering specials for new clients.
Location: 1776 S. Jackson Street, Unit 100. Denver, CO 80210
Phone: 303.525.7491
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