Aloha! Rising Tide is a new Classical Pilates/Contrology studio in Kakaʻako, where we offer whole-body, corrective exercise, personalized for everyone. Using the original Pilates method as Joseph Pilates invented it, we prevent and overcome injuries and imbalances. As a malahini (guest) of Hawai'i, we also work to honor the healing 'ike (knowledge) of this
place—such as Kapaemahu Stones. If we mālama (take care) of bodies, we all can better mālama kaiāulu (community) and ʻāina (the land that feeds). Together, we can strengthen ourselves individually and collectively.
Amanda Millin contributed to the resin work in this replica and took the photo.
Why Classical Pilates?
Classical Pilates perpetuates Joe Pilates’s original method, which he called Contrology—the art of being fully intentional and in control of the body. It is best felt in your own body, and the results speak for themselves, but here are 10 key reasons:
Don't take our word for it. Come try!
1
Individualized Workouts
Every BODY needs different exercises to operate at its best. Joseph Pilates understood this and taught one-on-one or in small groups. Rising Tide is the same.
2
Corrective Exercises
Unlike other workouts, Classical Pilates is meant to correct poor posture, identify and address your specific imbalances, and teach efficient movement—without being competitive or judgmental.
3
Reduced
Chronic Pain
Acute pain is best left to doctors and physical therapists, but Classical Pilates prevents pain and compliments any care plan for long-term, pain-free movement.
4
Centralized Powerhouse
Babies and animals move from their “powerhouse” (aka core), but to adapt to modern society, we move from our extremities. Classical Pilates reminds your body how to properly move from your powerhouse, which includes the diaphragm, pelvic floor, glutes, side body, lower back, and abdominals.
5
Refined Movement Patterns
Classical Pilates is an interwoven system designed to reveal your unique movement patterns and compensations. Teachers then select exercises specifically to target these compensations and imbalances, so you move more holistically from your powerhouse.
6
Enhanced Body Awareness
Through deep observation (kilo in Hawaiian), concentration, and repetition, Classical Pilates increases your awareness of how your body functions. This translates to less pain and better performance in everything from daily tasks to sports.
7
Increased Strength & Flexibility
Joseph Pilates believed true flexibility can only be achieved when all muscles are uniformly developed. Therefore, his system relies on individualized attention and exercises that combine strength and lengthening.
8
Improved Control & Precision
Classical Pilates focuses on proper biomechanics so you can deliberately and precisely choose which muscles are being used at any given time.
9
Continuous Flow
While the exercises and concepts will feel challenging, we are tapping into the body's natural intelligence and flow. The exercises simply remind the body of skills and movements it has forgotten due to modern life—sidewalks, computers, phones, etc.
10
State of the Art Equipment
Feel Pilates exercises as Joesph Pilates intended them. Classical Pilates uses a full gym of equipment (not just reformers and mats) designed by Joe specifically for his corrective exercises.
Classical Pilates works for all ages, genders, and lifestyles from professional athletes to kupuna (grandparents)...and everyone in between.
Types of Pilates Sessions
Open Studio
The BEST way to get an individual workout at group prices. 4 mandatory privates allow us to design a workout for you. Then practice it alongside 3 others doing their own workout with an instructor giving corrections.
Intro Bundle:
Mandatory 4 privates + 4 Open Studios: $500
~Purchase through "Buy a Package"
~Book Mandatory Privates through "Schedule Intro Privates"
~Once Mandatory Privates are complete, book Open Studios through "Book a Class"
$40 Per Class
Amanda
Founder / Instructor:
3rd-Generation Romana trained teacher
Amanda Millin is a haumana loko i’a, former journalist, and lifelong athlete. After suffering a serious shoulder injury and being told surgery was not an option, she took the advice of the Los Angeles Lakers' orthopedic, Dr. Neal ElAttrache and turned to Contrology. She learned from Jill Cassidy, a protégé of Romana—who took over Joe's studio after he passed. With a dedicated routine of physical therapy and Contrology, she’s now pain free and has her full strength and range of motion. Now, with 10 years of teaching experience, Amanda is committed to preserving and sharing the integrity of Joseph Pilates’s original method so others can overcome their physical limitations. Along the way, she’s trying to shake up the "healing and wellness" industry to include connection to place, each other, and ourselves—'ike (knowledge) that has been generously shared with her from around Moananuiākea (the Pacific).
Meet the Team
Instructor
Bora
Bora began her athletic journey as a Taekwondo competitor (1998–2003) before pursuing competitive Ballroom dancing through 2010. She studied Sports and Exercise Science at Seoul Women’s University, gaining expertise in anatomy, exercise physiology, exercise prescription, aging, sports injuries, and rehabilitation. Her introduction to mat Pilates sparked a passion that led her to become an instructor. After moving to New York in 2014, she earned her first Classical Pilates certification in 2018 and later became certified in Romana’s Pilates under Cynthia Shipley. She managed and taught at Tribeca Classic Pilates before operating her own studio in New Jersey. Since moving to Hawaiʻi in 2023, Bora continues teaching, practicing, and advancing her Classical Pilates education.
Instructor
Kalena
My path to Classical Pilates started when a severe knee injury sidelined my active lifestyle, and conventional medical treatments just weren't working. Desperate to heal and avoid re-injury I realized proper alignment was the key to lasting physical change. Classical Pilates completely changed my life—it didn't just
rebuild my alignment and heal my knee, it made me stronger than ever before. Combined with my background in massage therapy, this experience allowed me to witness firsthand that the body is truly capable of healing. Today, I love helping my clients feel inspiration, hope, and empowerment in their own bodies as
they correct their alignment and build true structural strength.
Instructor
Kristine
Kristine discovered Pilates in 2013 after failed attempts at spin classes, yoga,and years of unattended gym memberships. Pilates provided the mind-body connection she was searching for while fulfilling her need to understand biomechanics in the efficiency of movement. Taking a thoughtfully technical
and athletic approach, Kristine loves identifying and developing the strength within her clients that is waiting to be discovered. Forever a student of Pilates, Kristine completed her Pilates instructor certification under mentorship of Keira Cumberland and Casey Canino at PC
International Education in San Luis Obispo, CA. Currently based out of Virginia Beach, she travels as a guest instructor between California and Hawaii and is honored to return to these studios that she considers her true
homes.
Rising Tide Pilates
Rising Tide Pilates
956 Kawaiahaʻo Street
Kakaʻako, Honolulu, HI 96814
808-824-8580
