Kim Witzberger Pilates
“Change Happens Through Movement, and Movement Heals”
~ Joseph Pilates
My name is Kim Russell, and I am a Nationally Certified Pilates instructor serving the communities of Apex, Pittsboro, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. I am dedicated to empowering clients of every age and physique to build foundational strength, move with greater fluidity, and foster heightened body awareness. I gladly accept clients across all levels of experience, from novices to advanced students, and look forward to guiding your practice
Interested in Taking Pilates Classes?
While Pilates is frequently perceived as a contemporary fitness trend, its origins are rooted in rehabilitation and restorative healing. Developed by Joseph Pilates, the method was initially designed to facilitate the recovery and mobility of injured soldiers and dancers. Throughout his life, he continuously refined his techniques through hands-on work with diverse physical conditions and injuries. The Pilates method was never intended for superficial aesthetics; rather, it was carefully engineered to promote holistic healing, optimize movement, and cultivate intrinsic strength.
Acting as a fine-tooth comb for your physical health, Pilates uncovers the subtle physical imbalances typically overlooked by traditional fitness routines and methodically addresses and improves them through consistent practice. This distinction is what truly sets the method apart: rather than merely making you stronger, it fosters a deep mind-body connection to develop complete, balanced strength across both large and small stabilizing muscles. The Pilates practice serves to restore your body to its optimal state of mobility, strength, and balance.
Let’s Move Together
I am currently offering group classes at Pilates en Pointe in Apex, NC and Club Pilates in South Chapel Hill in Chapel Hill, NC.
*Control is a barre inspired workout that takes the concepts of Pilates to standing with a low weight/high rep focus
**Cardio Sculpt is a high intensity cardio challenge that utilizes the jumpboard and is excellent for the impact required to maintain bone density
Mondays at Club Pilates South Chapel Hill:
8am Reformer Flow 2
9am Control* Level 1.5
10am Reformer Flow 1
11am Reformer Flow 1.5
12pm Reformer Flow 1
Tuesdays at Pilates en Pointe:
8am Reformer/ Mixed Equipment Level I
9am Reformer/ Mixed Equipment Level II
Wednesdays at Club Pilates South Chapel Hill:
8am Cardio Sculpt**
9am Reformer Flow 1.5
10am Reformer Flow 1
11am Reformer Flow Level 2
12pm Reformer Flow Level 1.5
Privates/Semi-Privates
For faster improvements, specific goals or injuries that need to be addressed, more challenges beyond what group classes can offer, or just a more personalized and attentive experience, private Pilates classes are an excellent option. I have private time slots available at each location. In-home private sessions are coming soon, so stay tuned.
Meet Kim Russell, NCPT
I’m a passionate and creative instructor with over 2,000 hours of experience teaching this timeless practice. While I am classically trained, my teaching style is a mix of classical and contemporary. I love using the equipment and the foundations of Pilates to be creative so that you never get bored repeating the same exercises. I originally learned Pilates as a client of Kara Salerno, a Stott and Balanced Body trained teacher, professional dancer, and studio owner in Apex. After seeing the growing need and interest that the community has in Pilates, I decided to begin teacher training through Polestar Pilates, the world renowned comprehensive training program led by Brent Anderson PT, PhD, OCS, NCPT, and leading industry expert. I hold a national certification (Nationally Certified Pilates Instructor, NCPT) through the National Pilates Certification Program, an organization that strives to hold Pilates teachers to a high standard through testing and required educational credits to maintain their certification throughout their career.
Outside the Pilates studio, I live in Pittsboro, NC and am a mom to three wild and wonderful boys who keep me active, humble, and inspired every single day. I am also a proud cat lover and a former registered nurse with 7+ years of experience working with the elderly. I bring that same care and dedication to improving the lives of others from my nursing background into every class and every session I teach. A fellow colleague describes my teaching style as warm and supportive. I would love the chance to work with you!
How Pilates Can Help
The benefits of Pilates extend well beyond the development of core strength. Frequently, clients initiate their practice with a specific objective, only to experience profound, unexpected improvements in their overall physical and mental well-being.
Furthermore, Pilates requires a synergistic relationship between the mind and body. Each movement demands precise control, deliberate pacing, and concentrated focus. Over time, this discipline cultivates a robust neuromotor connection. This heightened somatic awareness is instrumental in mitigating the risk of falls and injuries as we age, ultimately allowing you to feel more grounded, confident, and comfortably aligned in your own body.
A DEDICATED PILATES PRACTICE CAN HELP:
Alleviate lower back discomfort
Enhance postural alignment and mechanics
Significantly improve balance and coordination
Promote mental clarity and sustained focus
Increase overall muscular strength, with an emphasis on the core
Support and maintain healthy bone density
Optimize rotational mobility for athletics, such as golf, tennis, and pickleball
Fortify joint stability for individuals managing hypermobility
Address diastasis recti healing in postpartum
Maintain healthy spinal movement when osteoporosis is present
Increase overall lung capacity and breathing mechanics
Strengthen the feet and ankles and optimize their mobility to help prevent future fall risks
And more!
Pilates For Every Body
Pilates is for everyone. It holds the power to improve the life of each and every person. I get asked all the time, “I have [any physical condition from tennis elbow to POTS] do you think Pilates could help me?” And the answer is always a resounding “YES!” Simply put: Pilates is for anyone who has a body and wants to improve it. Modifications can be offered for every exercise, so no matter your age, fitness level, or past injury, you can begin safely and get real results
Many of my clients come to me after an injury from another type of workout, like heavy lifting or high intensity training. They love that Pilates is low impact but still challenges them in new ways. I have worked with pregnant clients all the way through their due dates to support smooth labors with minimal pregnancy discomfort. I have a client who has seen improvements in his tennis ability due to significant improvements in lower body alignment. Another client who has used my classes to gain better posture and body awareness in her rowing practice.
Pilates for Scoliosis and Spinal Health
Movement is medicine! If you live with scoliosis or kyphosis, you may feel like most workouts are not appropriate for you. The good news is that with a trained professional, you can be taught how to maintain healthy movement while still mitigating future pain and injury risks. I hold a certification from ScoliActive which trains fitness instructors to modify exercises for various scoliosis curve types, kyphosis, and other spinal conditions.
Real Results From Real Clients
My clients tell me about the changes they feel. Better posture. Stronger tennis serves. Steadier balance. A deeper awareness of how their body moves through the day. I have also watched clients make real progress with lower body alignment over time. These are not quick fixes. They are lasting changes built through steady, thoughtful practice.
Kim is an excellent instructor who explains the intricacies of Pilates in a straightforward and easy to understand manner. Her classes are lively, fast paced and fun. She provides hands on corrections for those who need it and gladly shares her expertise. You walk out feeling rejuvenated, stretched and ready for more!
Marguerite W.
“Working with Kim has been one of the best things I’ve done for my rowing. Her instruction has significantly improved my strength, flexibility, and body awareness, and those benefits have translated directly to better posture, core stability, and overall efficiency on the water. Every session is engaging and motivating, and her deep understanding of authentic Pilates shows in the way she teaches.”
Ceceila S.
“Kim is a terrific Pilates instructor. Training with her has helped me develop many different muscles. I’ve felt noticeably stronger and more stable overall. She pays close attention to detail and makes sure my form is correct so I get the best results from every exercise. Kim also customizes each session based on specific areas that need improvement. For me, that included improving leg alignment. If you’re interested in Pilates, I highly recommend Kim as an instructor.”
Siddhant P.
“I have been taking classes with Kim for several years. She motivates and watches you carefully, and provides feedback and modifications if you need them. She always brings something new to her classes. She is a great instructor.”
Martha M.
“Pilates with Kim has been such a positive experience for me. I’ve been working with Kim for the past year and a half, and she has helped me learn, improve, and grow stronger with every session. She is incredibly knowledgeable, encouraging, and always knows how to challenge me while making me feel supported.
Since starting Pilates with Kim, I’ve become more toned and stronger, but even more importantly, I’ve gained so much confidence in what my body can do. I’m so grateful for her guidance, patience, and encouragement. Kim has truly made Pilates something I look forward to, and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to get stronger, more confident, and feel great in their body.”
Mollie C.
“I had such a wonderful experience with Kim for my one-on-one Pilates session! She was incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and encouraging. She asked right up front if there were any areas I’d like to focus on, and she really delivered. She chose specific exercises for my body, and paid close attention to my form. She explained each movement clearly, and offered helpful adjustments that made a noticeable difference. I felt challenged without ever feeling overwhelmed, and I left the session feeling stronger, energized, and more aware of my body.
You can tell that she genuinely cares about her clients and takes pride in what she does. I would absolutely recommend a private session with her to anyone, whether you’re completely new to Pilates or have been practicing for years. I’m already looking forward to my next class!”
Ashley T.
I’d love to meet you!
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