Core Connections
A Pilates-Yoga Immersion for Modern Living
You know that core stability is fundamental to wellness, but it's so much more than just strong abdominal muscles. Perhaps you've experienced moments of true stability, feeling grounded yet light, strong yet flexible. Core Connections is designed to deepen your understanding of core stability while exploring its profound impact on physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
With instructors Karen Best and Jen Randle, this transformative program integrates Pilates, yoga, and recent research in neuroscience and habit formation, offering a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern science for practitioners at all levels.
Registration is now open for the 2025 Core Connections Immersion. Click the Download Brochure button below to have a convenient overview of the program.
If you have any questions, call 410-720-4340 or email us at info@columbiayoga.com.
Connecting yoga, Pilates, and life
About This Program
This innovative 3-weekend immersion draws from the rich traditions of Pilates and yoga while integrating modern research in neuroscience and habit formation. The program emphasizes practical applications for both personal practice and professional development, making it ideal for seasoned instructors, dedicated practitioners, and curious beginners alike. Throughout the immersion, participants will explore the intricate connections between core strength, mental resilience, and personal growth.
Why Choose Core Connections at the Yoga Center of Columbia?
To understand the deep connection between physical core strength and mental resilience
To learn evidence-based approaches to movement and habit formation
To discover how core stability impacts overall wellness and daily living
To develop practical strategies for maintaining core health in our modern, digital world
To learn advanced breathwork practices and their effects on body and mind
To understand fascia's role in movement and overall health
To earn Continuing Education credits through Yoga Alliance (21 hours) and with ACE Fitness (2.0 CECs)
To integrate Pilates and yoga principles for a comprehensive approach to wellness
To develop a sustainable personal practice that fits modern living
Eligibility
This program welcomes participants of all levels, from beginners to advanced practitioners. While some movement class experience (yoga/Pilates) is helpful, it is not required. Our supportive environment ensures that each participant can grow and learn at their own pace.
Topics and Activities
Integration of Pilates, yoga, meditation, and mobility techniques
Evidence-based approaches to habit change and body conditioning
Advanced breathwork practices and their neurophysiological effects
Exploration of fascia's role in core stability and functional movement
Practical strategies for adapting core and breath work into modern life
Journaling and reflection practices
Partner work and group discussions
Guided meditations and body awareness exercises
Physical practice sessions combining Pilates and yoga principles
Exploration of mind-body connection through neuroscience lens
Required Reading
Required reading materials are not included in the cost of tuition. You may purchase textbooks at the Yoga Center or wherever you buy your books. Please support small businesses when you can.
The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler Buddha's Brain by Rick Hanson
You will receive training materials and assignments to help deepen your knowledge and home practice.
Dates and Times
Saturdays and Sundays 12:30 PM - 4:00 PM
September 20-21
October 4-5
November 8-9
Registration process and refunds
Submit registration form with $100 deposit. You may register and pay deposit online or download and print the application and return in person or via mail.
The program fee is $720 (Early Bird: $620 until August 1, 2025) including your deposit. Payment in full or arrangement for payment plan is due seven days prior to the start of the program, September 20, 2025. Contact the Yoga Center of Columbia for payment arrangements.
Full refunds (minus the non-refundable deposit of $100) will only be granted until September 20, 2025. After September 20, refunds will only be considered in cases of medical emergency.
Instructors
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Karen Best
she/her
Pilates Specialist, Stretch to Win LifeStretch Instructor, ACE instructor, Certified Sports Conditioning Specialist, Certified Behavioral Change Coach, BAKaren's classes are rooted in tradition and informed by modern sports medicine and mindfulness. She understands working one’s way back from injuries, the challenges of making time for oneself, and the difficulties of making good habits last. Karen is passionate about encouraging the mind-body connection, and creating a nurturing, healing, and fun space for her students at their own personal level.
Karen has been teaching many different styles of fitness and movement classes since 1986. Her first learning in Pilates was in the early 1980s from Jean Sabatine, who learned from NYC dancer Jerome Robbins, who learned directly from Joseph and Clara Pilates. For the past two decades at the Yoga Center of Columbia, she has focused on Pilates. After feeling the effects of her dance performance career, time, and osteoarthritis, Karen developed her specialty Mobility Stretch classes for joint relief and comfortable movement. Karen is available for fitness expert interviews and consultations for journalists as well as public speaking. To contact Karen, email samira@samirashuruk.com
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Jen Randle
she/her
MA, E-RYT 500, YACEP, Comprehensive Balanced Body Pilates Instructor
Jen found her practice when she suffered a serious back injury that required emergency surgery. During her recovery, she felt blessed and energized by the healing benefits of daily meditation and yoga which were critical to her physical and mental improvement. She began teaching in 2007, and in 2013, and again in 2021, she completed her 500 hour advanced certifications both at the Yoga Center of Columbia. Jen is also a Balanced Bodies Pilates teacher with over 500 hours of comprehensive certifications including Principles of Movement, Anatomy, and Mat 1-3. With a bachelors in English Education and Philosophy and a masters in Modern Studies Jen enjoys integrating poetry and philosophy into her classes. Jen is also the director of the advanced teacher training YTT300 at the Yoga Center. Jen's classes help clients to find strength, confidence and restoration in movement.