Bonnie Crawford – Instructor – Intension Pilates

A new Pilates studio is coming to Pointe-Nord, bringing together expert instruction, a welcoming atmosphere and a passion for helping people feel stronger and more confident in their bodies.

Intension Pilates is set to open its doors this December, offering classes for every level — from beginners taking their first steps into Pilates to experienced practitioners and athletes looking to take their training further.

At the helm is, Bonnie Crawford, a STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer whose own journey began in professional ballet and has evolved into a career dedicated to movement, health and education.

A Passion for Movement That Started with Ballet

With a background in professional ballet, Bonnie has spent much of her career exploring how the body moves, adapts and performs.

She began teaching Pilates in 2007, toward the end of her dance career, and soon discovered a particular interest in working with people recovering from injuries or managing chronic conditions.

That passion led her to Concordia University, where she completed a degree in Clinical Exercise Physiology, further expanding her understanding of the relationship between movement, exercise and health.

In 2024, Bonnie became a STOTT PILATES® Instructor Trainer, adding mentorship and instructor education to her work. Her expertise and dedication were recently recognized when she was named the 2026 Merrithew Rising Star Instructor Trainer of the Year.

Pilates for Everybody

One of the things that makes Pilates so appealing is its versatility.

“Exercise is an investment in long-term health,” she explains, and Pilates is one of the most adaptable ways to make that investment.

Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from an injury, looking to improve your fitness or training at a competitive level, Pilates can be tailored to meet you where you are.

Its focus on postural alignment, core strength and controlled movement can help you build strength and body awareness while feeling more in control — without necessarily leaving you completely exhausted at the end of your workout.

Small Classes, Personalized Attention

Jumpboard

At Intension Pilates, quality instruction will be a priority. Group classes will be limited to 12 participants, creating an intimate setting where instructors can provide meaningful guidance while maintaining the social energy of a group class. For those looking for even more individualized support, private and semi-private sessions will also be available.

The studio will offer a wide variety of classes and levels, including:

• Beginner through Advanced Pilates
• Barre
• Athletic Conditioning
• Jumpboard

There will also be opportunities for Pilates instructors to continue developing their own skills through STOTT PILATES® instructor training courses offered at the studio.

More Than a Workout

The vision for Intension Pilates goes beyond simply creating another place to exercise.

The goal is to create a space that feels warm, comfortable and inviting — a place where you can come for your favourite class, connect with others and perhaps stay for a coffee or a catch-up with a friend afterward.

At the centre of that experience is a commitment to exceptional instruction.

The studio is proud to offer the STOTT PILATES® method, a Canadian-developed approach that has earned international recognition for its focus on anatomical principles, alignment and mindful movement.

Why Pointe Nord?

For Intension Pilates, Pointe-Nord felt like the perfect fit. The community is vibrant and growing, and the studio is excited to become part of that momentum. Its convenient location, ample parking and proximity to the REM also make it easily accessible — not only for Nuns’Island residents, but also for commuters travelling through the area.

The hope is to become a place that people can easily incorporate into their daily routines, whether they’re coming from home, work or somewhere in between.

Think Pilates Isn’t for You? Think Again.

If you’ve ever thought you weren’t flexible enough, coordinated enough or “fit enough” to try Pilates, there’s good news: you don’t need any of those things to get started.

Pilates is accessible to everyone. The key is simply finding the right class for your goals and experience level.

For beginners — or anyone working around an injury — a private session can be a great place to start. It provides an opportunity to learn the fundamentals, become familiar with the equipment and build confidence before joining a group class.

As the founder puts it: “No coordination or flexibility required!”

Opening Soon

Intension Pilates is aiming to open in mid-December, with a full class schedule planned for January.

The studio’s website, IntensionPilates.ca, is coming soon, with registration information and the class schedule to follow.

Whether you’re a longtime Pilates enthusiast, an athlete looking to complement your training, or simply curious to see what Pilates can do for you, Intension Pilates is getting ready to welcome you to Pointe-Nord.

Stay tuned for the opening and registration details!