Club Pilates

Bios

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  Tina

  Tina is a certified Pilates instructor through the schooling of Michael Miller Pilates and the Pilates Center of Austin Texas. She is a member of the Pilates Method Alliance, which sets the standards Joseph Pilates developed in the 1920s. Tina also is certified in Yamuna Body Rolling, which re-educates muscles and stimulates bone, creating positive, permanent changes in the body. Tina has been teaching for 10+years.

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  Tabitha

  Tabitha was first introduced to Pilates while earning her BFA at Columbia College Chicago. The strength and resiliency she gained from her Pilates practice contributed to her successful dancing career with Breakbone DanceCo. To share her love of movement and the many benefits of Pilates, Tabitha pursued a career in teaching. She mentored under Randi Whitman at Frog Temple Pilates Studio. She completed the Master’s Program at The Pilates Center in Boulder, CO and is a certified Pre and Post-Natal Pilates Specialist through The Center for Women’s Fitness. Tabitha is a Level 1 Eric Franklin teacher. She is detailed orientated and enjoys guiding her clients toward efficient movement patterns. She brings an element of fun while practicing challenging exercises and guiding her clients to reach their fitness goals. She believes the benefits of Pilates will make life more enjoyable for everyone. Her two daughters keep her on her toes and light her life up.

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  Reed

  Reed was introduced to Pilates while working as a performer and choreographer for ski fashion shows in New York City. The benefits of Pilates were so great that she continued taking Pilates throughout her performing career. While living in California, she became an AMMA massage practitioner while going to university and, some years later, achieved her certification to teach both mat and equipment Pilates through the Physical/Mind Institute, teaching both one-on-one and classes at a Pilates studio and physical therapy clinic. After moving to Chicago, she has continued to teach in a variety of settings - working with people ranging from young athletes to people in their 80's. Her background includes structural therapy training, yoga, ballet, and other forms of dance and exercise. She believes that a strong mind/body connection can help people lead healthy, resilient lives. Reed holds an M.A. in Teaching and a M.S. in Sustainability and has taught participatory process and sustainability seminars in higher education and for corporate clients. She is also an avid biker and swimmer.

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  Mary Ellen

  Lead Instructor Mary Ellen is an ACE certified Group Fitness Instructor, Physical Mind certified Pilates Instructor, and a Registered Nurse. Formerly an OR nurse, she has been in the fitness industry since 1990 with 15 years as Group Fitness Director and continuing education provider. Mary Ellen teaches multiple formats and holds multiple certifications including: complete Pilates equipment and mat Pilates, Ballet Burn, Indoor Cycle, Might Body suspension system, and more. Mary Ellen is an expert in musicality and her philosophy is that fitness should be fun. She specializes in using the synchronicity of music and movement to create the ultimate user experience for every class.

• Jennifer

  Jennifer started doing Pilates in the early aughts, but found developing a practice difficult due to the prohibitive cost of reformer classes. Then came Club Pilates! When the Highland Park studio opened in 2017, she found her happy place. Shortly after becoming a member, she enrolled in the Club Pilates Teacher Training program, and began teaching in October, 2018. Jennifer's 30 years of experience as a high school English teacher, in addition to a life-long commitment to fitness and wellness, assists her in her instruction. She is grateful to be a part of Janet’s team and the beautiful community Club Pilates creates. She is inspired every day by the commitment of our clients and Club Pilates' inclusive vision for the art and science of Pilates.

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  Erin

  Lead Instructor After years of competitive swimming and a motorcycle accident, Erin discovered Pilates when years of therapy and medications were not working with shoulder and cervical injuries. Learning to use smaller muscles in conjunction with the larger ones, pilates helped relieve her pain and taught her how to exercise and functionally move in a more balanced form. In just a few weeks, Pilates became life changing to Erin. As an elementary school teacher for 13 years, Erin chose to leave the field to become a pilates instructor. She knew this passion was a path she wanted to share with others. Erin practiced classical pilates for 5 years and finished her pilates education with a more contemporary program through Balanced Body in 2009. She has been teaching for 9 years and enjoys clients of all levels and ages. As an energetic instructor, she guides them through a progressive, but challenging program that helps clients bring awareness of the functional movements that pilates incorporates. Erin completed her comprehensive Pilates from Balanced Body as well as earning a B.A. in Elementary Education and a M.A. in Educational Administration. In her spare time, she enjoys her own Pilates practice as well as spending time with her husband and her three boys and their many activities.

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  Raechel

  Born and raised in Buffalo Grove, IL, Raechel has always had a love for movement ever since she found dance at the age of 3. By 15 she had moved to Miami upon receiving a full scholarship to attend the Miami City Ballet School and at 18 she was dancing professionally with the Miami City Ballet. While with the company she danced in many famous theatres across the United States including Lincoln Center and the Kennedy Center. Pilates has been very significant to her throughout her dance career for rehabilitation purposes and injury prevention. Her dance training and education gives her a unique eye for correct mechanics and technique and she is so excited to share her knowledge of movement with others.

• Ed

  Ed is a Balanced Body Certified Pilates Instructor, ACSM Exercise Physiologist, and ACE-certified group fitness professional. Currently the Wellness/Fitness Assistant Coordinator, Class Coordinator, and Pilates Studio Manager for Federal Occupational Health, Ed has studied Shiatsu at the Ohashiatsu Institute, and is featured in the book “Invisible Acts of Power” by best-selling author Caroline Myss, Ph.D.

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  Kay

  Village Pilates Comprehensively Certified Instructor

  Kay happened upon Pilates in 2005 when physical therapy failed to relieve chronic low back pain from a serious back injury and while trying to curtail pending knee surgery. She found that Pilates not only relieved her pain and decompressed her spine, but made her stronger and more confident. Kay has been teaching Pilates since 2010. She received her certification after completing the Village Pilates Studio Teacher Training Program in Forest Park, IL. It is among the most comprehensive and intensive programs of its kind in the world. It is designed with the most rigorous standards, requiring 750 hours of study and covering the complete classical repertoire of exercises on all apparatus. Kay is a member of the PMA and maintains her certification and membership through certified continuing education courses and workshops. Kay loves teaching and helping clients realize their fitness goals. She is empathic with those who are just beginning an exercise program or on the road to recover their physical strength. She also provides a challenging workout for those who wish to maintain or enhance their fitness level. Kay's greatest joy comes from helping you become your best.

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  Marie

  Marie Pearson is a goal-oriented and energetic fitness professional with a talent for safely motivating participants with enthusiasm and encouragement. Extensive education and professional background in exercise biomechanics, anatomy and physiology, sports medicine, rehabilitation and exercise science. Confident at designing enjoyable, effective workouts to meet individual goals. Her passion for fitness has kept her in the Fitness Industry for almost 3 decades. She teach all formats of group exercise land and water, including Pilates Mat classes, Pilates Studio equipment Training and Personal Training. In her spare time she enjoys her grandchildren, dancing, traveling and boating! Certifcations and Training: Physical Mind Institute, Pilates Instructor Movement Education, Pilates Studio Trainer (All Pilates Equipment) Stott Pilates, Pilates Studio Instructor (All Pilates Equipment)

• Werner

  Werner began his athletic career playing football until injuries in college and a year abroad started his training as a classical ballet dancer. Pilates became a great adjunct in keeping him strong and supple. He lived on Los Angeles for 11 years and taught aerobics and appeared in videos with Jane Fonda. Werner has extensive anatomical training which he use to provide a safe efficient and fun experience to his students.