Editor’s Note: We connected with Dr. Francine Finucan, a Classical Pilates Instructor and retired Chiropractor, to learn more about how she’s helping residents and visitors with private Pilates training at her home studio. Call 607-621-8285.
Francine, please introduce your practice. My practice name is Pilates With Francine. I offer private Pilates instruction in my home Pilates studio in Rotonda. It’s a great alternative to traditional studio training since I can offer clients maximum privacy and convenience in terms of their schedule.
What’s your credentials in Pilates and Chiropractic Care? I had a busy and satisfying 20-year career as a Chiropractor mostly in upstate New York until I retired. I graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College located in Kansas City and completed advanced training in applied kinesiology, acupuncture and nutritional analysis. I also earned my certification in Power Pilates and Peak Pilates. I’m an enthusiastic advocate for Classical Pilates because I knew how helpful it is for all facets of personal health. My practice allows me to continue helping clients while leveraging my experiences and related training in physical medicine and chiropractic sciences.
What are some of the benefits of Pilates training? Pilates offers low impact full body and core training that enhances our physical, mental and emotional health. It’s a reliable way for adults to become stronger, more balanced and more confident as they age and cope with various challenges. It’s also great for enhancing your posture. The six principles of Pilates reveals the key benefits. They include breathing, centering, concentration, control, precision, and flow. Every session I teach embodies all six of these core principles.
What does your home studio offer in terms of equipment? My studio features a reformer machine, Wunda chair (great for arm and leg strength) and mat. These are the essential tools of an integrated Pilates practice. The Classical method I teach adheres closely to Joseph Pilate’s original approach as the founder of Pilates. Pilates was an innovative German-born physical trainer, writer and inventor. He used his impressive insights about human movement to overcome asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever to become a competent gymnast, diver and skier. His wife, Clara, developed the popular Pilates Method after he passed away in 1967.
Do you offer a program or ongoing training support? I offer one-hour classes, monthly membership and a six-month package of classes for clients focused on an important goal.
What brought you to the Englewood area? I moved here full time in October 2020 although I’ve been visiting Florida for over 50 years. I’ve taught many classes in the area at the YMCA and some of the area’s yoga studios. I still do classes although my main focus is supporting individual clients with private training at my home studio.