Health & Fitness
Home Page Photo: Beyond Pilates; Above: TRAIL Blazers, courtesy of Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation; YMCA, Photo courtesy of YMCA of Mitchell County Facebook page
Health and Fitness News
By CML Staff
New Beyond Pilates Mindful Movement Physical Therapy Locations in Boone & Blowing Rock
Beyond Pilates is a compassionate, client-centered movement studio. They take a mindful approach to Pilates and physical therapy allowing them to meet you where you are now and guide you to where you want to be. With two beautiful locations—the flagship studio at Carriage Square in Boone and a satellite location at the picturesque Westglow Spa in Blowing Rock—Beyond Pilates offers tailored, results-driven movement sessions for “every body.”
Founded by Nicole Shipley on the belief that mindful movement is key to long-term health, Beyond Pilates integrates classical Pilates with modern, evidence-based approaches. With certified Pilates and Redcord practitioners, plus an in-house doctor of physical therapy, they work collaboratively to support clients at every stage of their wellness journey—from addressing acute injuries and managing chronic pain to increasing strength and vitality and improving athletic performance.
In addition to private and small group sessions, their studios offer specialized programming in pelvic health, pre- and postnatal support, and more. Their physical therapy is designed to help clients with:
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Back pain
- Joint replacement
- Spinal pathologies (herniated discs, stenosis, spondylolisthesis, etc.)
- Scoliosis
- Pelvic floor dysfunction
- Hypermobility
- Other systemic conditions (MS, POTS, Lyme disease, etc.)
Just voted Best of the Best for 2025, Beyond Pilates’ donation-based Community Care Classes make weekly movement accessible for everyone and helps them give back to the larger Watauga County community.
Whether you’re exploring Pilates for the first time, deepening your practice, increasing physical fitness, or addressing a nagging injury, Beyond Pilates provides a welcoming space to elevate health and happiness. For more information, visit beyondpilatesfitness.com.
New YMCA Coming to Spruce Pine
Get ready, Mitchell County—a brand-new YMCA is here! Opening in June in the former Pinebridge Center, the YMCA of Mitchell County brings energy, connection, and opportunity like never before. This cutting-edge facility is more than a gym—it’s a community hub designed to inspire healthy living and strong families.
Members will enjoy:
- A 6-lane Olympic short-course pool
- A children’s splash pool
- Strength and cardio equipment
- Group exercise and functional training studios
- Locker rooms, office spaces, and more
Plans are already in motion for basketball, pickleball, volleyball courts, and an indoor walking/running track to follow.
As a branch of the Williams YMCA of Avery County, membership includes access to both locations, plus thousands of YMCAs nationwide. Members can also enjoy drop-in childcare, unlimited fitness classes, and discounts on youth programs, swim lessons, and more.
Everyone is welcome at the Y—they offer affordable rates and financial assistance, and some people may even qualify under their health insurance benefits.
“The YMCA is committed to providing everyone the opportunity to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life,” says CEO Trey Oakley. “We’re thrilled to open this space where individuals and families can grow, connect, and thrive.” Photo courtesy of YMCA of Mitchell County Facebook page
Grandfather Mountain and Cranberry Middle School Launch TRAIL Blazers Program
Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, recently partnered with Cranberry Middle School in Avery County to create the TRAIL (Teaching Responsibility And Inspiring Leadership) Blazers program.
At the school’s request, the program features a series of hikes progressing in difficulty throughout the school year, with a goal of nurturing students’ skills in confidence, leadership, planning, team building and trail etiquette. As the students gain these skills, they can apply them on and off the trail, taking on more responsibility in naturalist exploration, navigation and safety.
Mast General Store and Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation have partnered to provide all the necessary gear that the students will need for the hikes. At the end of the program the students can keep the gear to use on their own adventures.
While Hurricane Helene disrupted the initial program last school year, organizers and partners intend to implement the full program for the ’25-’26 school year. Grandfather.com