Find flexibility and balance at TerraLuna
Lynelle Lyons-Wilson wants Hamilton and its neighboring communities to know she and TerraLuna Pilates and Massage are ready to meet guests where they are on their wellness journey. In addition to being the owner of TerraLuna, Lyons-Wilson is also the sole Pilates instructor and a licensed massage therapist.
The name TerraLuna, derived from the Latin words for “earth” and “moon,” are hugely important to the philosophy and ambience of the Pilates and massage studio.
“Part of my spirituality, and part of my philosophy, is being rooted in the Earth, finding support in and connecting with community and nature,” Lyons-Wilson stated. “And it’s also about reaching for something: a goal, a dream, and reaching for the future.”
“I’m the only person here, so this is my baby,” Lyons-Wilson continued. “This is my dream, this is my studio. My job is to welcome you and support you in your journey.”
Core strength
Before TerraLuna, Lyons-Wilson earned her Ohio State Medical Board license in 2002 and found her niche in the field of massage therapy. It was during that time that she had to undergo surgery for ACL repair, which subsequently caused lingering constant pain in her knee and hamstrings. More than two years after her knee surgery, Lyons-Wilson discovered Pilates while living in Cincinnati. Working with a Pilates instructor on a Reformer machine allowed Lyons-Wilson to not only strengthen her knee and hamstrings, but she also discovered and developed a balance that has been previously non-existent.
“I’ve been doing Pilates for 17 years on and off, and I’ve just loved it,” Lyons-Wilson shared. “I’ve always loved how ergonomically correct it is. The focus on physiology, correct body alignment, good technique, good posture. Pilates’ power to rehab injuries or heal people, help people, and strengthen people. And that so perfectly dovetails with being a licensed massage therapist.”
After moving to Hamilton in 2010, Lyons-Wilson continued her Pilates instruction at a studio in West Chester. It was there that she was encouraged by the studio owner to make the leap from Pilates student to instructor in 2020. Once certified, she was able to teach Pilates in addition to her work as a massage therapist.
“Earning my Pilates Teaching Certificate has deepened my understanding and appreciation of the potential for Pilates to heal the body from the inside out,” Lyons-Wilson explained.
When the owner of the West Chester studio informed its instructors and guests that they were going to close the studio in 2021, Lyons-Wilson and countless others were faced with no other place to go.
“Sadly, that [West Chester] studio closed last fall, which was really the impetus of thinking ‘Where do I go next? What am I going to do?’” Lyons-Wilson said.
As a Hamilton resident and newly-certified Pilates instructor, Lyons-Wilson saw an opportunity to bring Pilates to her community.
“Hamilton needs this, Hamilton wants this,” Lyons-Wilson recalls thinking at the time. “”The wheels started turning last summer and I thought, ‘I’m just going to do this. If I don’t try this, I’ll always regret that I didn’t try.’ And you never know until you try something to say ‘Yeah, that works.'”
Both timing and opportunity played a major role in the months-long journey Lyons-Wilson began to bring TerraLuna to fruition.
“The pandemic was a big upheaval for a lot of people over the last couple of years, but it was also a time to say if you’re going to try something new, maybe now is the time,” Lyons-Wilson stated.
Wellness defined by you
TerraLuna is located at 3rd and Dayton Street in the former Ohio Casualty building. Upon entering the studio, five Reformer machines are available and each can be modified to suit each guest. Since the studio’s grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 21, Lyons-Wilson has met many guests who had never used a Reformer machine before. Although the Reformers may seem intimating at first glance, Lyons-Wilson takes great care to explain every part of the Reformer and how it, paired with additional Pilates props, can be used for small or big movements to improve core strength and flexibility. And so far, the Reformers, as well as the free introductory for first-time guests, are a hit.
“More than half of the guests who signed up for an introductory class have already signed up for a second class,” Lyons-Wilson exclaimed.
As more and more people are pivoting from at-home pandemic exercise regimes to in-person, onsite fitness classes, Lyons-Wilson finds inspiration in her conversations with guests and community neighbors.
“People did such creative things [during the pandemic] and I am just in awe of all of the fitness instructors. Like, Leesa [Terry], who runs Studio Undefined around the corner from me, she started doing online classes. And I’m in awe of the transitions that happened during the pandemic.”
At this time, Lyons-Wilson is focusing on building the Pilates segment of TerraLuna, with the hope of offering massage therapy services in the very near future. New and recurring guests can view all Pilates class offerings and book directly with Lyons-Wilson after creating an online account through the TerraLuna website. Beyond the introductory class, guests can sign up and pay a $29 flat fee for 50-minutes classes such as Beginner’s Reformer, Group Reformer, StretchLates, Foot Strap Focus, Athletic Reformer, and Jump Board.
Guests also have the option to take private classes with Lyons-Wilson in lieu of the standard group format, but the one-on-one instruction will cost a bit more.
Anyone who is interested in learning more about TerraLuna can visit their website, and stay up-to-date on developments and events promoted on their Facebook page.