By Amanda Duckstein, founder of Shadowbox Pilates:

Embracing All Aspects 

The name Shadowbox has significant personal meaning. Shadowboxing or working with your shadow is about learning to appreciate, accept, and love all the parts of yourself that you typically try to hide from — something I had been working on for a long time.

Through my own journey, I realized many others were engaged in similar inner work, and I became involved with different shadow work communities.

Confidence Through Movement 

The concept particularly resonated with me because clients would consistently tell me how my morning classes set them up to feel more confident throughout their day.

I've observed this pattern repeatedly since I began teaching in 2010. The physical practice of Pilates creates a pathway to accessing and working with deeper aspects of ourselves — not just strengthening the body, but also confronting and integrating the parts we typically avoid.

Name With Purpose

I wanted the studio name to reflect this transformative process rather than just focusing on the physical workout.

The name Shadowbox captures both the physical discipline of Pilates and the emotional/psychological work that happens simultaneously.

People continue to respond positively to this concept, confirming that the name represents exactly what happens here — we're strengthening our bodies while also embracing our complete selves.

Contact

🌐 Shadowbox Pilates

About Amanda

After teaching Pilates for 15 years, Amanda created Shadowbox Pilates to return to Joseph Pilates' original vision of control, precision, and core-focused movement. 

Her Southampton studio features specialized wooden reformers with towers and jump boards, while her popular Shadowbox in the Wild series brings classes to iconic locations like Gurney's oceanfront deck and Wölffer Wine Stand.

Amanda Duckstein lives and enjoys life on the East End after many years in New York City. 

Lead-in Image

@shadowboxpilates / Instagram