Pilates &

08/27/2026

I’m often asked, “Which one do you use?”

Which foam roller? Which mat? What do you use for recovery? What about skincare, tech or the everyday things that simply make life easier?

So I’ve put my recommendations in one place: the ShannonSmithLiving Amazon Store.

Inside you’ll find:
• My Pilates Studio
• Movement, Recovery & Sleep
• Skincare & Haircare
• Healthy Pantry & Home Essentials
• Dental Care & Oral Health
• Tech I Use
• Books, Ideas & The Achievable Plan
• Everyday Basics & Travel

These aren’t random finds. They’re products I actually use, have purchased and feel comfortable recommending.

My filter is pretty simple:
Would I buy it again?

If the answer is yes, you may just find it in the store.

Read the new blog post to see what’s inside, or visit my ShannonSmithLiving Amazon Store to browse my recommendations.

https://www.pilatesand.com/shannonsmithliving-amazon-store/

08/25/2026

In the latest Pilates & newsletter, I'm sharing some of the ways we're making it easier to find the right place to start — and keep progressing:

🍂 New fall classes designed around what I've been hearing and observing in our community
🦴 Mobility & Recovery, Bone & Balance, and Strength & Stretch/Flow
✨ Private Assessments for a more individualized starting point
📓 A free The Achievable Plan Daily Planner during the first week of September, while supplies last
🍁 An October Theory Quarterly Reset in the works
🛍️ And my new Amazon Storefront — a collection of the Pilates props, books, everyday essentials and other things I actually use to make healthy habits and everyday life a little easier

Because healthy living isn't about doing everything perfectly.

It's about reducing the friction, creating supportive routines and repeating the small things that work.

Start where you are. Make the next step easier. Repeat what works.
Read the latest Pilates & newsletter.

https://mailchi.mp/0e9ce765c9c8/fall_2026-17577054

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08/21/2026

What’s in my home studio - and is it worth it? Foam Roller, Part3

Another Amazon purchase. This time, it’s the OPT 36” EVA Roller - but there is an important difference.

It’s only 4 inches in diameter. Compared with the more common 6-inches roller.

Why did I buy it?

08/19/2026

Fall has a way of feeling like a fresh start.

Before filling the calendar or setting another goal, take a moment to notice where you are now.

What’s working? What needs more attention? What would you like to feel different by the end of the year?

Reflection helps us understand where we are. Intention gives purpose to where we go next.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. Just choose what matters next—and take the first small step.

Move. Reflect. Plan.Sustain.

08/17/2026

You don’t have to wait until you’re stronger, more flexible or “in better shape” to begin.

You begin with the body you have today.

Maybe your balance has changed. Maybe something feels stiff. Maybe you haven’t exercised consistently in years. Or maybe you’re already strong and ready for a new challenge.

There is no perfect starting point.

There is simply your starting point.

Start where you are. Then build from there.

08/15/2026

Summer may be winding down, but there's still time to build momentum.

In this edition of the Pilates & Newsletter:
✨ The Pilates & community is sharing great feedback on Sunii Energy Gum—including more sustained energy without the coffee jitters.
💪 We're exploring movement patterns in class and how improving the way we move can build strength, mobility, and confidence for everyday life.
🎯 As we finish the summer session, I invite you to reflect on one thing you'd like to achieve from your time on the mat. Share it with me—or with the community—and let's support one another.
🍂 Fall registration opens online the evening of August 11, with classes beginning the week of September 8. Your favourite sessions are back, along with new small-group offerings and Friday private assessment packages.
🏡 If you're building a home practice, check out my new short video series about creating a home Pilates studio and choosing equipment that's truly worth the investment.
🚶 And don't forget to join us every Friday at 8:30 a.m. for Walk & Reflect—rain or shine.

Let's finish the season with more energy, better movement, and a clear intention for the months ahead.

https://mailchi.mp/1801d3cd7a1e/mid-august-update

08/12/2026

What’s in My Home Studio? - The Budget- Friendly Foam Roller

In my last video, I showed you the foam roller I use regularly. But do you need to spend that much to get a good roller?

Not necessarily.

This is a budget-friendly roller from Yes4All, and it has most of the features I recommend.

It’s 36 inches long, standard density and made from closed-cell or EVA foam, so it should hold its shape well over time.

So what’s the difference?

Primarily, the surface and price.

The roller I showed you previously has a textured surface, which I like because it gives you a little extra grip-especially if you’re wearing loose clothing.

This one has a smooth surface. For most exercises, that’s really not a problem.

The other big difference is the price. This roller costs about $30 less-and it comes in a range of pretty colors if you want something other than black, grey or blue.

Would I buy it?

Yes.

If you’re looking for a good basic foam roller for your home practice and don’t want to spend a lot, this is a good budget-friendly option.

Because when you’re building from a home Pilates studio, you don’t necessarily need the most expensive equipment. You need equipment that’s well made, versatile and that you’ll actually use.

https://amzn.to/4zggXeA

08/12/2026

What’s in My Home Studio…and Is It Worth It? - Foam Rollers

There are a lot of different foam rollers out there-different sizes, densities and price points-but you really don’t need anything complicated.

For a good basic roller, I recommend a standard-density, 36 inch foam roller made from closed-cell or EVA foam.

Why closed-cell? Just like the Pilates mat I showed you in my last video, it’s durable. It holds its shape better over time and doesn’t break down as quickly with regular use.

You’ll also see rollers with either a smooth or textured surface. Either works. I actually like a little texture because it can help keep you from sliding around especially if you wear loose clothing.

The roller I’m using here is from Merrithew/ STOTT Pilates. I’ve had it for years, it has held its shape and I regularly use it in my own practice.

Would I buy it again? Absolutely.

If you’re building a home Pilates practice, a good 36-inch foam roller is one of the first pieces of equipment I’d add after a quality mat.

08/11/2026

Summer may be winding down, but there's still time to build momentum.
In this edition of the Pilates & Newsletter:

✨ The Pilates & community is sharing great feedback on Sunii Energy Gum—including more sustained energy without the coffee jitters.

💪 We're exploring movement patterns in class and how improving the way we move can build strength, mobility, and confidence for everyday life.

🎯 As we finish the summer session, I invite you to reflect on one thing you'd like to achieve from your time on the mat. Share it with me—or with the community—and let's support one another.

🍂 Fall registration opens online the evening of August 11, with classes beginning the week of September 8. Your favourite sessions are back, along with new small-group offerings and Friday private assessment packages.

🏡 If you're building a home practice, check out my new short video series about creating a home Pilates studio and choosing equipment that's truly worth the investment.

🚶 And don't forget to join us every Friday at 8:30 a.m. for Walk & Reflect—rain or shine.

Let's finish the season with more energy, better movement, and a clear intention for the months ahead.

https://mailchi.mp/1801d3cd7a1e/mid-august-update