So, how’s everyone doing with those New Year’s resolutions?  We’re one month into 2014.  Has that fitness routine gone a bit wayward?  Well, don’t be discouraged!  A new business has come to town just in time to save you!!

Emily Miranda-Thompson is a local resident and Mom, with has an extensive background in Pilates, yoga, and personal training.  She grew up and attended school in Puerto Rico, (so she speaks fluent Spanish), got her business degree, and worked in Manhattan for a Fortune 500 Company.  Throughout all of that, however, she always built fitness into her life, and loved personal training.  So when it was time for a change, she was ready!

Over a 10 year period, Emily completed well over 1,000 hours of training with well known programs in the New York City area, earning certifications in personal training, Pilates, yoga and indoor cycling, and is recognized by various national organizations.

Emily and her husband moved to Westfield in 2008, where she and her husband live with their three children.    “What makes this area special are the people,” said Emily.  Everyone looks out for each other and their kids.  If it weren’t for such a supportive group of clients and friends, I never would have been able to launch this business. Located above “Creative Kids” at 300 South Avenue in King’s Plaza in Garwood, ample parking is available in the lot.   The fully equipped studio houses expertly trained  instructors who are ready to provide Pilates, yoga, barre fusion, and strength classes, along with nutrition and lifestyle coaching.

Emily has attracted clientele from Westfield, Cranford, Mountainside, Scotch Plains and other towns in the area.  They span all ages and have a wide range of fitness goals.  “For people looking to tone their abdominal area, build lower back strength, or improve balance, no approach is as effective as Pilates.  Yoga is a uniquely effective way of integrating exercises that strengthen the body while at the same time increasing flexibility.  And yoga doesn’t just improve your physical health.   It is an extraordinarily effective way of calming the mind,” said Emily.

And the classes are delightfully affordable.    “A 10-pack of Pilates, Barre, or Yoga classes, is just $15/session,” explained Emily.  “No initiation fees or monthly charges.” What a great way for the “uncertain” or skeptical to give it a try with some friends without any worries!

Liz Swinicki of Cranford said “What makes Moxie different from anywhere else I’ve trained is the one-on-one attention you get.  You’re not in some impersonal big box gym.  Classes are small, and instructors take time to come up to you individually, and correct your positioning.  You get so much out of every workout. And not for nothing – the parking is so convenient!

Said Josie O’Brien, another Westfield mom, “I’ll run into people around town and whether it’s a guy getting ready for a triathlon, a woman recovering from an injury, a parent whose teen is looking for a leg-up in sports, or someone just looking to get fit, they’re all saying the same thing:  “Are you training at Emily’s studio, Moxie?”

Emily also found time to hook up with Hilltop Bicycles for Women, which helped her follow through on her passion for long distance cycling, which she has done for much of her adult life.

For more information, check out the website at Moxie Pilates and Yoga