IM=X is a blend of multiple fitness techniques based on Pilates and other fitness concepts that was developed by Elyse McNergney, a Columbia graduate and trained exercise scientist, who based her programs on years of research and practical experience.
Elyse founded IM=X Pilates with the primary goal of helping people get fit and revolutionizing the way back care is treated. She left the Chicago area for Manhattan in the late 1980s, while in the recovery from aplastic anemia and being told by her doctor that she may not be alive in 6 months. Elyse defied the odds of only a 33% chance of survival and was on her odyssey to creating the IM=X Pilates, Tower, Cycle/Tower, Barre, Platform and Spinal Fitness programs.
She was introduced to Pilates while choreographing and performing on a scholarship at a professional NYC dance studio. She began her journey by obtaining a Master’s in Movement Science from NYU. In 1992, under the tutelage of Romana Kryzanowska at The Pilates Studio, she completed a traditional Pilates Certification. While completing her 600+ apprenticeship hours to get her certificate, she also enrolled in a 2-year Alexander Technique course.
Elyse was very gratified by helping her many clients achieve their fitness goals with a combination of Pilates exercise and Alexander Technique postural therapy. Her customers varied from professional athletes looking to improve their flexibility and strength to others that were looking to cure their severe back pain. During this period, she felt there was a missing component to make it easier for her clients to understand the movement and science behind it all. Subsequently, in 1994, she married her practical teaching experience and education to develop and create the initial IM=X Pilates certification programs. Elyse efficiently streamlined the workout and upgraded IM=X with the latest and safest exercise workout science to deliver a more enriching workout experience. Pilates traditionalists at first scoffed at her idea of changing up a fitness program that was over a century old. Elyse, being a contemporary Exercise Scientist, disputed their traditional ways and is now recognized as a leader at the forefront of a movement to re-invent and reconstruct the way Pilates was originally created.
Always the fitness trailblazer and at the forefront of the boutique fitness movement, in1998 Elyse opened her first IM=X Pilates studio and teacher training center on Seventh Avenue in Manhattan. The location was one of the first boutique fitness studios in the country offering group reformer classes. Up until then, most Pilates workouts were offered one-on-one in private settings. While not the largest space, she developed a devoted following of clients and launched into training what is now tens of thousands of instructors that have completed one of the many IM=X certification programs.
In 1999, Elyse developed the IM=X Pilates Xercizer, an updated version of the Pilates reformer. Built of steel and aluminum, the Xercizer is one of the best and most durable reformers on the market for group training. Many of the original models built 20 years ago are still in service today. IM=X continues to build and assemble the Xercizer in the United States.
In 2003 Elyse started and developed the IM=X Pilates and Fitness Franchise, one of the first boutique fitness franchises. The first IM=X franchise location opened in the California Bay Area (and is still open to this day, under new ownership and in a new location). Elyse continued to add to her initial certification and continuing education curriculum and now IM=X offers 10 industry-leading certifications to their franchisees – all tuition-free. Over the years, the IM=X Pilates and Fitness franchise has grown to include 35 locations from coast to coast. Today, IM=X is one of the leading Pilates Franchises offering a comprehensive established solution for instructors and entrepreneurs to open their own business and become their own boss. The next chapter begins with you. If you are interested in a fun and rewarding career in fitness, the opportunity to improve your community and change lives, franchising with IM=X Pilates may be a good fit for you. To learn more, visit imxpilates.com