The Fort Experience
We believe that Pilates is the path to a fuller, more satisfying physical existence. We believe that being in control of your body helps you to be in control of your life. And best of all, we believe that you can start anytime.
» Why Pilates?
Pilates is for everyone.
Movement positively changes lives. Pilates practice will lead to a stronger, more active and healthier life, whether you are just beginning and are looking to feel better or you’re an athlete looking to improve in your sport. Pilates really is for everybody. This system of exercise is multifaceted and begins with learning to breathe properly. Focus on correct movement strategy is key; so if someone has been sedentary, pilates foundational movement is the place to begin. Like any other strong structure, the body and mind are strengthened level by level. Pilates is used by specialists and therapists to help people recover from injury or surgery because it is a proven and safe practice. Commitment and consistency will get you there. Joseph Pilates said, “In 10 sessions you’ll feel the difference, in 20 you’ll see the difference, and in 30 you’ll have a new body.”
» 5 Important Facts
Today, we benefit from the teachings passed on through the Pilates Elders and Master Teachers who trained with them. As the Pilates Method develops we continue to benefit in all the ways Joe dreamed we would, and more!
PILATES IS NOT A VERSION OF YOGA
PILATES IS FOR EVERYONE
PILATES LEADS TO FLEXIBILITY
PILATES IS A FULL-BODY WORKOUT
PILATES IS LOW-IMPACT ON JOINTS, HIGH-IMPACT ON RESULTS
» Specialty Fitness Instruction For Every Client
Individualized and Customized Personal Training time for each person — each of whom are looking to improve themselves mentally and physically. We format and design each session based on needs present and informed goals.
Each session is designed with these benefits in mind…
Experiencing benefits of mind-body awareness
Defining and setting a course toward attaining personal goals
Noticing positive impact in your physical body, sense of wellbeing and mindset
“I invented all these machines… it resists your movements in just the right way so those inner muscles really have to work against it. That way you can concentrate on movement. You must always do it slowly and smoothly. Then your whole body is in it.”
- Joseph H. Pilates
Our Expert Instructors
Every instructor on our team brings their own style, experience, and dedication to helping you reach your goals. Each one is passionate about sharing the power of Pilates and committed to guiding you toward strength, confidence, and balance—both in and out of the studio.
Jennifer Bohn
Owner & Certified Pilates Instructor
I’m Jen, a Certified Pilates Instructor with 10 years of experience teaching classes and private sessions. I originally earned a BA in Political Science & an MS in Clothing, Textiles & Merchandising, and spent years working in the Fashion Industry. After experiencing burnout, I decided to shift gears & begin Pilates teacher training- and it turned out to be the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve always been active. I ran marathons for years, and over time I traded my love of running for a passion for Pilates and functional strength training. Teaching brings me so much joy, and I truly love supporting clients of all ages and backgrounds on their movement journeys.
Anna L. Valle
Founder/Pilates and Fitness Professional
Anna L. Valle is the founder of Rivers Run Pilates and Specialty Fitness. She is a Certified Pilates Instructor, Fitness Professional and former professional dancer. She maintains National Certification in Pilates through Balanced Body Pilates, Personal Training Certification through AFAA and Fitness Nutrition with NASM. Other notable certifications are; Definitive Barre Fitness, Progressing Ballet Technique for Dancers, CTMaxx Cognitive Fitness and more. She maintains ongoing continuing education with industry leaders and master trainers.
Sarah K.
Certified Pilates Instructor
Client Wellness Coordinator
Sarah, originally from California, began studying dance at 8 years of age. She always loved to dance and grew up in a home where exercise, sports and activity was of high value. She went on to dance in college and earned a BFA.After going on to dance professionally, she eventually moved to Australia. There, she taught dance and gymnastics for several years. She also completed training in multiple fitness modalities including Group Fitness, Barre Fitness and Pilates Teacher training and certification. She has been teaching Pilates and Barre Fitness for more than 10 years and is passionate about what she does!
Michele L. Wright
Certified Pilates Instructor
Exercise has always been a huge part of my life. I always believed working out had to be hard and strenuous – no pain no gain was my mentality. Pilates not only changed my life but it has given me fitness gains I used to only dream about. Since making pilates the core of my fitness routine, not only have I crushed my fitness goals but I’ve healed all pain and limitations in my spine. I fell so in love with Pilates and decided to become a Pilates instructor! I cannot wait to share pilates with everyone I meet. I love that Pilates is healing and versatile. Pilates is for novice to elite; for the young to the advanced ages. I’ve never found anything that compares.
Mary Chris Sanders
Certified Pilates Instructor
In college, I was on the varsity cheer squad, at the University of Florida. Go Gators! In 1990, I came home, needed to move, and my back was tight, painful and overworked. I felt nothing but pain in that area of my body. No modality of exercise or massage brought relief, until I found Pilates. This is where my body began to heal. I became more mindful and my soul settled. During this season, I also began training to become a professional Pilates Instructor. Circa 2004 completed Pilates apparatus training and started teaching in Fort Myers.
Maya Fisher
Marketing Coordinator - Pilates Instructor in Training
Growing up in Orlando, Florida, I was always immersed in sports and movement, especially through playing soccer. After several injuries and concussions during high school forced me to step away from the field, I found a new passion and outlet in Pilates, which became foundational to my recovery and well-being. I am currently pursuing my comprehensive Pilates certification while serving as the marketing coordinator. This dual role allows me to combine my passion for dynamic movement with strategic communications. I leverage my growing understanding of wellness principles to support our studio's marketing initiatives, helping to connect other clients with transformative fitness experiences.
Ready to Make a Change?
Let us help you with your personal fitness goals. We consider it a privilege. Whether you are an active-ager or a budding athlete, pilates personal training is for you.