I have been teaching for over 40 years. (yikes!) For the most recent twenty-one years I’ve had the pleasure of teaching Pilates.  I have studied both classical and contemporary and hold two comprehensive certifications. I am a Master Instructor for Balanced Body.  I also have a Master of Fine Arts degree in Movement and Dance. While teaching dance at Rowan University the opportunity presented itself for me to open a Pilates studio. Diane Grossman and I opened Pilates Core Center in 2004 and it is going strong!

I/we as teachers, are always looking for ways to keep ourselves and our clients interested and curious. This workshop is an amalgam of what I have learned from my many teachers and my own curiosity about human anatomy, movement and well-being.  What I ‘d like to offer in this class are tested variations and modifications that will add to your Pilates based exercise tool chest. The exercises will help you encourage your clients, particularly reluctant movers, to investigate their movement potential and to deepen their reverence for the philosophy and work of Joseph Pilates.

My preference is to work with reluctant movers and to teach group classes. (Many of my colleagues enjoy working with athletes and dancers.) I usually start out in one-on-one sessions and then advance the client to group classes.

These group classes often lead to a sense of community. We are pack animals… although socializing is encouraged talking is not permitted ☺ in my classes…I encourage clients to sense the power and support of the group then to focus on their own bodies. To continually deepen their awareness of their movement, breath and nervous systems. That is, what tightens(?)… what constricts(?)… versus what opens and expands.

As teachers we explore with our movement vocabulary how to develop agility, flexibility, and strength. We encourage clients to continually learn about their bodies – reminding them that “your body is a lifelong assignment” (Brett Miller) –We help them rediscover the idea of playful and curious movement exploration that is enriching for them and for us as teachers. It so wonderful to have a client “get it”. One of the rewards of teaching is having clients feel empowered and better in their own skin. This has the wonderful side effect of empowering us.

As Joseph Pilates said: Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.  Our interpretation of physical fitness is the attainment and maintenance of a uniformly developed body with a sound mind fully capable of naturally, easily and satisfactorily performing our many and varied daily tasks with spontaneous zest and pleasure.