Redfield discusses her love for Pilates.
At her Pilates studio, Stacey Redfield works with clients ranging in age from 15 to 85. Unlike other workouts, Redfield says Pilates covers strength, flexibility and balance, and most clients find the practice enhances their lives or allows them to maintain an active lifestyle as they age. Read on to discover more reasons to love Pilates as well as inspiration for embracing healthy habits throughout the day.
Describe your personal philosophy when it comes to overall wellness.
I don’t believe that pushing the body to its limits through aerobic exercise or heavy weightlifting is the optimal approach to wellness. Instead, I advocate for a method that emphasizes understanding and working with the body’s natural systems, such as balance, coordination and strength. This approach prioritizes the development of functional movement patterns, as our bodies ultimately cease to thrive not because we stop looking good, but because we stop functioning. The goal is to cultivate and maintain a body that lasts a lifetime, rather than one that merely endures until it sustains irreparable damage.
How did your wellness journey begin?
My fitness journey started back in the ’80s with the Jane Fonda workout. I was totally obsessed with Rachel McLish and Muscle & Fitness magazine, hitting the gym to try and get her body. But as I got older and had kids, I started to notice that my fitness routine was doing more harm than good. Everything changed when I took my first Pilates class in 1999. It was a real eye-opener to find out that after all those years in the gym, I had zero core strength! From that day on, Pilates became my thing, and I haven’t set foot in a gym since.
What do you love about Pilates?
Pilates is corrective by nature, so it is capable of restoring the physical structure. It works with the basic anatomical programming that we all are born with. For me, it just makes sense.
Tell us about your journey to opening your own Pilates studio.
I opened my Pilates studio in my home in 2001. Back then, Pilates wasn’t well known in the Lehigh Valley—few people had even heard of it so I started small. Within less than a year, I found myself with a waiting list of over 100 people. That’s when I knew it was time to expand into a larger space. I moved into a warehouse space in Bethlehem and have been in that location for almost 25 years.
Talk about your decision to offer small group exercise classes, allowing you to provide personal attention.
Pilates is truly amazing, but it’s important to remember that the machines and exercises aren’t magical on their own. Understanding the anatomy of how the body moves and knowing what specific corrections need to be made is essential— and it’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each individual has unique needs, and I love tailoring sessions to ensure everyone receives the personalized attention they deserve.
Describe your morning routine. Is there anything you simply can’t start your day without?
Coffee! My day kicks off at 7 a.m., with my first class walking in the door at 8 a.m. Fortunately, I live in my studio, so it’s an easy commute.
What are a few healthy habits you try to practice throughout the day?
I am just as committed to maintaining my health and wellness as I encourage my clients to be. In my work, I actively engage with clients by working out alongside them, demonstrating exercises and ensuring proper form and breathing techniques. With a packed schedule, it can be challenging to find time to sit down for a meal, so I often need to remind myself to eat. Throughout the day, I might have some fruit, a handful of nuts, and then an early dinner. My focus is more on the portion size, specifically the ounces of food, rather than calorie intake.
What’s your favorite meal to make at home?
I cook at home 99 percent of the time, and this time of year, I’m all about soups! They’re healthy, comforting and there’s just something so cozy about a hot bowl of soup on a chilly day.
What are your favorite eateries and restaurants to visit in the Lehigh Valley for a good meal? What do you order?
I love grabbing my favorite coffee smoothie from Toastique. We’re also addicted to the Spicy Seafood Soup and the Wayno roll from The Other Fish. If we're in the mood for pasta, Tre Scalini is our go-to, and yes, I can't resist splitting a cheesesteak from Hang Over’s Cafe’s food truck!
Is there anywhere locally that you love to shop for grocery items?
I mainly shop the farmers markets and plan my meals around what is available seasonally. It’s also a great way to support your community and local farmers.
What’s something that you love to indulge in?
I have discovered the Korean spa in Edison, NJ. The salt scrub is amazing! Totally worth the drive.
Where are some of your favorite places to visit in the Valley?
Crewy Woo for gifts, Anet at Natural Reflections keeps my face from falling apart and Lara Bly when I need something cute to wear.
How do you relieve stress?
When I feel overwhelmed with too much on my plate, I take a step back, slow down and do something that takes patience. Cooking, cleaning or knitting clears my head, grounds me and brings me balance.
What’s your approach to balance?
As a Libra, balance is at the core of who I am. My husband and I pray together daily to help us keep perspective, live in the moment and remain grateful for all that we have. We believe in taking time to truly enjoy life—travel, explore new places, connect with people and embrace new experiences. Life should be multifaceted and lived fully.
How do you stay motivated?
My clients, family, friends and my love of life keep me motivated. I face each day as a new adventure. What can I learn today?
Who is someone you look up to?
I have so many role models to thank for touching my life in a variety of ways, but I believe that I have learned the most from my husband, David.
Do you have any advice for those looking to prioritize their wellness this holiday season?
Wellness goes beyond just what you put into your body—it’s about your essence, the energy you carry and how you connect with others. When you shift your focus from obsessing over food or drink to truly being present for the people around you, you’ll find that your body responds in ways you never expected. It’s about balance and intention. By bringing positive energy into each moment, you’ll feel a thousand times more at ease and alive in your own skin.
Do you have a personal mantra that you’d like to share?
A very wise Pilates teacher named Kathy Grant once said, “You get to control one thing in life. That’s you. If you cannot control you, then you control nothing.” This statement resonates deeply with me and serves as a constant reminder of the power of self-awareness and personal responsibility. It underscores the idea that our ability to navigate life’s challenges begins within. When we learn to master ourselves—our thoughts, actions and reactions—we unlock the potential to shape our experiences and influence the world around us.
670 E. North St. #202, Bethlehem | 610.814.0603 | staceyredfield.com
Published as “Living Well With” in the December 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
