ABOUT

Feel the Flow

Welcome to Smile and Flow Pilates, a premier pilates practice nestled in the heart of Bellevue, Washington. At Smile and Flow, we specialize in offering personalized pilates experiences tailored to your needs, whether you prefer in-person sessions or the convenience of online classes.

Our Mission is simple: To help you feel better and safeguard your movement for life. We firmly believe that sustainable and consistent practice is the cornerstone of achieving lasting results. That's why we offer a variety of options to suit your lifestyle, including private pilates classes for personalized attention and group pilates classes for a supportive community atmosphere.

At Smile and Flow, we understand that pilates is not just a workout - it's a journey towards improved well-being and mobility. That's why we encourage you to join us, along with your friends and loved ones, on this transformative path to better health and vitality.

Meet Your Instructor

Melissa Brooks, NCPT

Welcome to the "Meet Your Instructor" section of our Pilates journey. Let me share my story and the ethos behind "Smile and Flow."

My journey into the world of movement began in my youth, ignited by the thrill of cross-country running at the age of 12. This passion for movement propelled me through countless running events, embracing the joy of cycling along the way. The great outdoors became my playground, a space for freedom and exploration. However, as the years unfolded, so did a series of injuries, leading to a critical juncture where running was no longer an option, and surgery loomed as a daunting possibility.

In search of an alternative, I turned to Pilates, a decision that marked a turning point. Pilates not only offered a respite from injuries but became a cornerstone of my physical wellbeing, enabling me to engage in running and cycling with renewed vigor. This transformation was evident as I took on the formidable Lead Challenge in Leadville, Colorado, a testament to endurance, where participants face a series of grueling events at high altitude. My unwavering commitment to Pilates was pivotal, ensuring I remained injury-free and resilient throughout the training and the challenge itself.

The ethos of "Smile and Flow" became profoundly meaningful during the last leg of this challenge, the 100-mile run. Inspired by the remarkable Katie Arnold, who championed this mantra to secure her victory in her debut 100-mile race, "Smile and Flow" encapsulates the essence of embracing each moment with positivity and grace, regardless of the hurdles. This philosophy not only carried me through the race but has since been woven into the fabric of my teaching and practice.

Smile and Flow Journey

Pilates has been transformative not just for me but also for my father, who found in it a path to recovery and mobility post-stroke. This shared journey underscores the universal applicability and benefits of Pilates, making it a central element of our lives.

As a certified Pilates instructor with comprehensive training from Balanced Body, I am committed to fostering holistic wellness and mindful movement. My approach is grounded in the belief that a dedicated Pilates practice can significantly enhance one's quality of life, warding off injuries and ensuring lasting mobility.

In my classes, the principle of "Smile and Flow" is ever-present, guiding us to:

Attune to our bodies, embracing mindfulness and awareness.
Heed the cues, integrating them into our practice for optimal alignment and efficacy.
Embrace the breath, using it as a tool to extend and fortify our bodies.
Cultivate community, sharing the journey with like-minded individuals.

While group classes offer a collective energy, private sessions provide a tailored experience with personalized guidance, ensuring that your Pilates journey is as unique as you are. Joseph Pilates famously said, "In ten sessions, you'll feel the difference; in twenty, you'll see the difference; and in thirty, you'll have a new body." This is the transformative power of Pilates, a journey of renewal and discovery, guided by the principles of "Smile and Flow." Join me in this journey, and let's embrace the flow of life with a smile.