After teaching Pilates for more than a decade at various studios and fitness centers throughout the Greater Phoenix area, Jill Keats decided it was time to open her own business.

While visiting the town, she found the perfect location, a vacant former Curves studio on Avenue of the Fountains. Although the business had a “soft” opening in October, Keats only recently began promoting the group classes and private instruction.

“I work with active and mature adults who want to keep fit, strong and flexible as they age,” said Keats.

She described Pilates as a “method of exercise and physical movement designed to stretch, strengthen and balance the body.”

When the exercises are performed precisely and routinely, Keats said the benefits include increased lung capacity and circulation, core strength and flexibility, particularly of the back and abdominal muscles and improved posture and balance.

Initially Keats was attracted to Pilates at a YMCA gym.

“The exercises were hard at first, but achievable. With regular attendance, my posture and body awareness evolved, my muscle tone and strength increased, and my well-being and confidence skyrocketed.”

At the age of 50, she decided to pursue teacher certification. She acquired Level 1 teacher certification and also is certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America and Yogafit.

“I have taught students from the age of 20 to 90 years old,” said Keats. “Pilates is doable for all types of bodies.”

If new to Pilates, students begin learning the language and how it applies to body movement. The studio has five reformers, eight towers and four MVE chairs for maximum versatility. Light weights from one to five pounds are available for workouts.

Hourly classes are scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m., Monday through Thursday. A separate afternoon session is held from 4 to 6 p.m.

Students have a variety of payment options beginning with an $85 monthly membership to a $160 package of 10 classes. Private chair or reformer classes range from $55 per lesson to $325 for a package of eight.

Keats and Judy Wright teach the classes. Wright recently relocated from California where she was the fitness director at a retirement community. She said she enjoys working with active older adults in balance training.

Interested students can register for classes online at JillKeatsPilates.com.

The studio telephone number is 480-656-9636; Keats’ cell number is 814-673-3864. Wright can be reached at 949-338-2715.

An open house with demonstrations will take place during the Great Fair, Feb. 22-24.