Pilates + Yoga Fusion

Learn about the history of coreXyoga™

Edge Alum Jenna, Circ 2015

Why Core Strength Became Personal: The Story Behind coreXyoga™

In 2004, Michelle Rae Sobi’s relationship with movement changed dramatically. A serious accident resulted in complex orthopedic injuries and lasting physical challenges. She was eventually told that she should expect to continue relying on a walker or another mobility device.

By 2008, Michelle’s insurance coverage for physical therapy had run out, but her desire to continue rebuilding her strength had not. Under the guidance of her physical therapist, she turned to Pilates.

Pilates offered her a practical way to continue working with her body. Its focus on core strength, stability, alignment, and controlled movement gave Michelle tools she could use beyond the physical therapy setting. Shortly thereafter, she began studying yoga and eventually stepped into teaching.

Yoga brought another essential dimension to her recovery: mindfulness.

The physical practice helped Michelle continue developing strength and mobility, while mindfulness helped her navigate the emotional and mental waters surrounding medical appointments, physical obstacles, uncertain outcomes, and a changing relationship with her body. Pilates supported the rebuilding of her core. Yoga helped her remain present throughout the process.

Over time, Michelle was able to release her need for a walker.

Her experience is not presented as a promise that everyone will achieve the same outcome. Every body, injury, and recovery path is different. Michelle continues to experience varying degrees of physical limitation. She also enjoys a full, fruitful life and a health-centered lifestyle supported by movement, mindfulness, adaptation, and an understanding of when to work differently.

This journey became an important part of the reason for Edge Yoga School.

Michelle did not enter yoga education because movement had always been easy for her. She entered it because thoughtful movement had become deeply meaningful. Her teaching grew from firsthand experience with physical limitations, medical obstacles, rehabilitation, and the difference that accessible education can make.

Pilates moves in and out of the fitness spotlight every few years, but its foundational principles remain valuable. Whenever interest in Pilates resurfaces, Michelle is enthusiastic to reintroduce her signature coreXyoga™ program.

coreXyoga™ brings together the mindful movement of yoga and the focused core-strengthening principles commonly associated with Pilates. The program includes approachable floor work, creative sequencing, and opportunities to integrate favorite props, including the weighted stability ball.

coreXyoga™ was featured at a fitness conference in Chicago and nominated for Best Program. Its strength is found in a format designed to be both effective and easy to learn, making it useful for individual practice as well as professional teaching.

Today, there are several ways to experience coreXyoga™ through Edge Yoga School. You may join a small-group class, learn floor-based exercises that you can incorporate into your own wellness routine, explore new ways to use familiar props, or earn a coreXyoga™ certificate.

For yoga teachers, coreXyoga™ offers an opportunity to expand your repertoire with a structured, accessible format grounded in core strength, stability, and mindful movement. For those who are not teachers, it offers a welcoming way to reconnect with the floor, develop greater body awareness, and discover supportive movement options.

Michelle’s story began with the need to find another way forward. coreXyoga™ continues that story by helping others explore what strength, mindfulness, and thoughtful movement may look like within their own lives.

Consider joining us for a coreXyoga™ class or earning your coreXyoga™ certificate with Edge Yoga School this year. Send Edge Yoga School a message through our website or Eventbrite organizer page to begin a conversation about the experience that is right for you.

Not sure? Send Michelle a CHAT to begin a conversation. #edgeyogaschool #pilateswheaton #yogawheaton #michelleraesobi