Guilford Woman Magazine for the Women of Guilford County NC

by Debbie Faircloth

Nestled on a serene, wooded lane in Northern Greensboro, Stillwaters provides a beautiful location and welcome opportunity for both individuals and groups to revive, relax, and renew.

“Only a few minutes from downtown Greensboro, our studio is a comfortable sanctuary from the outside world. Stillwaters is a truly special retreat,” according to Donna Phillips, an exercise physiologist, yoga, and pilates teacher at Stillwaters. It’s so exciting to hear people’s response when they come to see us; most commonly we are told: ‘Stillwaters is the best kept secret in Greensboro’.

With a mission of reflecting the balance within of body, soul, and spirit, Donna and her team bring more than 40 years of experience with yoga, pilates, and other bodywork methods to their private and small-group clients & students. Since opening in December 2008, Stillwaters has also become a favorite destination for company workshops, business meetings, dental and medical practice gatherings, women’s groups, and book and garden club getaways.

A veteran of the health and wellness industry for the past 25 years, Donna is also Director of the Yoga and Pilates Department for the Club at Green Valley (formerly Sportime), in addition to owning and operating Stillwaters.

The studio prides itself on its personalized approach. Donna’s focus and passion include her creativity and ability to blend modern science with the wisdom of ancient healing to adapt to one’s needs. Students range from wheelchair-bound patients with a myriad of high-risk health conditions to professional athletes seeking to improve performance through balance, strength, and agility training. Stillwaters brings together yoga, pilates, massage, bodywork, and even nutrition under one roof in a natural setting, surrounded by trees, waterfalls, and wildlife.

“Stillwaters offers expertise in adapting yoga and pilates for individuals with medical issues and various health concerns including Auto Immune Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Chronic Pain, Fibromyalagia, Cancer, Migraines, Back Injuries, Spine Issues, and various Sports related Injuries.”

Donna and her team also work with many individuals without health issues, wishing to increase self-awareness, enhance well-being, and prevent health-related challenges (or help their golf game or tennis match!) whether in a massage or taking a class. A variety of apparatus & props including balls, chairs, and the yoga wall™ are used in all of the yoga & pilates classes.

Donna considers herself an integral part of a person’s health care team. Though the majority of her referrals are from satisfied students, she routinely works with other health care professionals including medical physicians and specialists (neurologists, orthopedists, urologists), physical therapists, chiropractors, massage therapists, and psychologists to target specific health care needs. She is an issues-based teacher who knows that experience & atmosphere are both crucial to a program’s ultimate success.

Stillwaters is non-intimidating, using mirror-less rooms to discourage competitiveness and encourage a level of security and comfort.

With origins in India thousands of years ago, yoga is the fastest growing activity in the United States. The discipline is known for giving its adherents an open, clear-minded sense of balance. Interestingly enough, Donna did not discover the practice herself until the mid 1990s. As a tri-athlete suffering from injuries caused by repetitive training, she skeptically tried yoga as a way to integrate the principles of stretch, strength, and balance in all of her exercise. Soon, she was hooked.

“If I had not experienced the breakdown of my own body, I don’t know if I would have tried yoga. Back then, I wouldn’t have said I did yoga or even went to a yoga class. As weird as that sounds, it’s true. I had an image in my head of who ‘yoga people’ were, and that wasn’t me. After years of study and practice, and with a big smile on my face, I am proud to say I am a yoga teacher, and am incredibly grateful for the practice.”

Donna is quick to mention that the activity is particularly growing in popularity among the baby boomers, and especially with men. Her current students range in age from 8 to the late 80’s.

Another Stillwaters difference is the flexibility of sessions that are offered. In addition to private classes, students can also participate in a semi-private or small group class, typically ranging from 8-12 people. No matter the size of the class, however, Donna looks and watches every movement as she sequences poses and exercises for the individual students’ unique issues and/or goals, trying to create, teach, and integrate whatever she can to bring balance and well-being to their lives.

Group retreats and company meetings are particularly becoming more popular as well. Two-hour workshops on “Healthy Backs, Healthy Bodies” with a catered lunch or evening appetizers are featured. Chair massages are also available.

“It’s well documented that more balanced employees are more productive and efficient employees. Alleviating the stress and tension in a group session creates a feeling of camaraderie that carries over to the workplace.

“I am so blessed to get to do this job—which is my purpose in life. I hear stories everyday of where people are and where they hope to be. Whether it is in a private session or group, I have seen lives transformed in such a beautiful way. This type of work does not happen quickly---sometimes it takes months, and often years.

“My intention is to create a lifestyle of balance, working, and creating a plan with whoever walks through my doors. If I have taught, inspired, encouraged, listened, laughed or even cried---I have had a great day!” GW

Stillwaters is located at 5902 Stoneleigh Place, off of Air Harbor Road in Northern Greensboro. You can reach Donna Phillips at (336) 286-8489. For a price list and further information, visit the web site at www.stillwaters-retreat.com. Online gift certificates are available.