Exercise Science major Nora Braun first began teaching Pilates at Shippensburg University’s Recreation Center, where she developed a strong passion for the exercise and turned her love for Pilates into a career path.
When Braun started teaching at the Rec Center, she never expected that her classes would regularly fill up 45 minutes before they began, and that she would have a line waiting out the door to participate in her class.
“Getting so much positive feedback was such a surreal feeling, and somewhere along the way teaching turned into a passion!” Braun said.
Her passion led her to Dance Academy XIV in downtown Shippensburg during the spring 2026 semester. After receiving positive feedback from members of the Shippensburg community and teaching there throughout the summer, she began receiving offers to teach at location in Chambersburg and Greencastle.
As classes grew in demand, on June 7, 2026, Braun officially formed her own business, Nourished Wellness LLC. Through her business, she teaches Pilates classes designed to help clients become stronger, while also encouraging them to view movement as a source of joy rather than a punishment.
Braun shared how the exercise science program provided her with the tools and knowledge to become a well-educated Pilates instructor.
“The Exercise Science department has 1000% made me a better Pilates teacher,” Braun said. “Through the program, I learned about anatomy and motor behavior, which has helped me cue my clients during classes.”
Her coursework in exercise physiology has also helped her explain how Pilates benefits her clients.
“My exercise physiology classes have helped me understand what’s truly happening on a physiological level for my clients,” Braun said. “Because of this, I can explain to them exactly how my classes help make them stronger.”
Braun’s approach extends beyond just helping her clients build physical strength. In a world that she describes as being full of misconceptions surrounding physical fitness and diet culture, she hopes to educate others and help them feel comfortable in their bodies.
One of her favorite parts of teaching is “cooldown chats” at the end of each class. During cooldowns, she reads aloud a handwritten script that focuses on self-love, caring for the body and acknowledging the challenges of everyday life.
“My goal with these chats is to make people feel a little less alone,” Braun said. “I want my clients to feel seen, understood and cared for. My overall goal is to strengthen them from the inside-out.”
Braun’s message has spread throughout the Shippensburg community, and this past summer she hosted her biggest class yet. Her “sunset event” drew 70 attendees, and created what she called “the most amazing night ever.”
Braun hosting Pilates class over the summer
In May 2027, Braun is set to graduate from Ship a year early. Furthermore, this Fall she plans to apply to graduate programs in exercise physiology with a special interest in women’s health. She’s considering both master’s and Ph.D. programs. At the same time, Braun is excited by the potential of continuing to develop Nourished Wellness, LLC.
“Depending on the growth of my business over the next year, I could see myself potentially opening my own Pilates studio and going back to school later on,” she said.
Braun credits her family, friends, boyfriend and clients for supporting her journey. “I’m eternally grateful for the community we’ve built,” she said.
She looks forward to continuing to promote physical wellness and self-love through her Pilates teachings.
