Explore Pilates at New Downtown E.C. Studio
after more than a decade of teaching, local Liz Lubke opens E.L. Pilates
McKenna Scherer, photos by Andrea Paulseth |
I’ve said it once, I’ve probably said it twice, and I’m saying it again now: There’s just something about the Midwest and, specifically, Eau Claire, that draws folks in – and often back after they’ve left for a stretch of time. Take Elizabeth (Liz) Lubke for example.
Growing up in New Richmond, Liz took a leap for college, heading a couple of hours away to UW-Stevens Point to pursue dance. While there, she hurt her hip and back – and while that is no comfortable experience for anyone, as a dancer it was especially hard to deal with. Then a professor suggested she try Pilates.
“I started doing (Pilates) to help my injury, and it took away my pain,” Liz said. “When I graduated, there was a training program (to teach Pilates) and I fell in love with that work – mostly, with working with clients.”
“Pilates, first and foremost, is exercise – but it’s mindful exercise,” she explained. “It’s about the mind-body connection. You’re not just working out to work out or throwing your body around: You are controlling your movements, getting in tune with your body and moving in a way that promotes function.”
With more than a decade of teaching experience, including a two-year apprenticeship completed while living in Colorado and several certifications, Liz was just waiting for the right space to open her own studio. After returning to Wisconsin in the fall of 2019, she taught out of her home for a couple of years, but it didn’t take long to outgrow it.
Businesses have come and gone over the years at the corner of East Madison Street and Riverfront Terrace in downtown Eau Claire: Recently, Cast Iron Pizza has settled into larger storefront formerly occupied by Silly Serrano Mexican Restaurant (now located on Cameron Street) while the neighboring candy shop closed its doors. Two months ago, E.L. Pilates breathed new life into the space with its opening.
Host to four reformer machines and floor space for mat classes, E.L. Pilates is drenched in natural light thanks to the corner suite’s floor-to-ceiling windows. Liz offers one-on-one, duo, and group classes and sessions during the week with hopes to expand hours soon.
Discovering Pilates due to a previous injury herself, Liz said she has a special place for those living with chronic pain and seeking relief through Pilates. “Pilates focuses on bringing the body back to its anatomical neutral which might mean different things for different people,” she explained. “We’re trying to strengthen and work on the mobility of the joint from both sides of it, bringing yourself to a more neutral alignment.”
She emphasized her aim to create an atmosphere at E.L. Pilates that is truly welcoming to all, as Pilates itself can also benefit anyone. “There’s something here for everybody. I want people to feel empowered by taking care of and taking ownership of their body.”
“A body is not good or bad,” she continued. “Your body is. Maybe we have goals for fitness or health but there’s no judgement in where it is here. We continually meet our bodies where they are and can grow from there.”
E.L. Pilates offers first-timer discounts for people to get more comfortable with the movements before joining a group class or booking more sessions. Learn more about class options at elpilates.com.
Keep up with E.L. Pilates on Facebook and book a class at elpilates.com • E.L. Pilates is located at 331 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire • Reach out with inquiries at liz@elpilates.com
