Club Pilates

Bios

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  Lisa

  Lead Instructor

  Lisa’s Pilates journey began in 2011 after discovering IM=X Pilates in Guilford CT and it was then that she decided to change careers. She was certified in NYC with the IM=X Pilates method on both mat and reformer. While working and teaching group Reformer classes at the IM=X studio, she was introduced to the TRX Suspension Trainer and began attending day workshops on Group, Functional and Force Suspension Training with TRX and RIP trainers as well as attending two TRX Summits which included Yoga and Pilates workshops on the straps. In 2012 and after completing her Stott training on all apparatus at the Pilates Academy International in NYC, she was hired by Edge Fitness Clubs in Trumbull CT as their lead Pilates Instructor for both private and group training. Lisa continued with her fitness education, becoming a Group Exercise Instructor through AFAA. She attended Anatomy Studies for Pilates and Yoga Instructors with Jason Brown at Zenyasa Studio in NYC deepening her knowledge of functional anatomy, biomechanics, injury prevention, kinesiology, assessment, sequencing strategies, corrective exercise and cross-training. In addition, she received her Level I Yoga Tune Up Certification and is certified in BootyBarre. Her Pilates journey continues with PEAK Pilates, a classical Pilates education program distinguished by an emphasis on Pilates as an integrated movement system as Joseph Pilates intended. Lisa is working towards completing her Comprehensive 500 hours Certification in Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chair, Barrel and Auxiliary equipment with PEAK. Outside of the Pilates studio, Lisa is passionate about working out and hiking.

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  Sundance

  Instructor

  Sundance’s journey with Pilates began after experiencing a back injury after giving birth to her two children. She immediately fell in love with this transformative exercise and after practicing Pilates for a few years, decided to take the leap and become a certified teacher. Sundance received her mat and full apparatus certification through an intensive 600 hour program from The Fitness Guru of New York City, studying under one of the only 2nd generation master Pilates instructor in Fairfield County, Jennifer Mongeluzo. She also went on to complete an additional teaching training in mat through Balanced Body in 2017. Sundance holds additional fitness certifications from MetaHit (high intensity interval training) and PiYo (low impact fitness regimen combining Pilates and Yoga). In early 2018, Sundance also received her certification in Buff Bones® which is a medically-endorsed system of movement for bone and joint health, leveraging balance techniques along with Pilates, functional movement, strength training and therapeutic exercise. Sundance also attended and successfully completed the prestigious 4 day program at Mt. Sinai College of Medicine (FAMI) where movement and medical professionals come together to gain an intense understanding of human anatomy, common injuries, and how functional movement –including Pilates – can improve the body, mind and spirit. Sundance has also traveled throughout the tristate area, earning additional CECs and training in anatomy and Pilates movement with noted instructors such as Maria Andresino (RI- Approved PMA CEC Provider), Michael Fritzke and Ton Voogt, Megan Koppelle Duffy (Pilates for Neuro conditions), Marcelo Tapia, and Mary Beth Lawrence (CT - PMA Exam Question Writer). In addition to group class instruction for Pilates mat and apparatus, she trains private clients with a host of physical aspirations including youth sports conditioning, Pilates for rehabilitation, healthy aging movement, and fitness and flexibility maintenance. In addition to her focus on anatomy, she offers a fun and upbeat workout environment, drawing on both classical and contemporary styles to meet the needs of her clients. In addition to her Pilates career, Sundance also maintains a corporate career at a large health insurer as a Member Experience Director. She holds a BS in Communications from NYU and an MS in Digital Marketing for Sacred Heart University.

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  Joy

  Instructor

  Joy DeYounge received her Pilates certification from The Fitness Guru. Joy believes that the key to an effective Pilates workout begins and ends with the Pilates body set up and works hard to ensure that her clients get the most out of their workout by promoting the proper body set up. Joy is a true believer in the benefits of Pilates both physical and emotional. It is an exercise for all ages and ailments. Joy’s enthusiasm and desire to get the best from her clients after just one session makes her an exceptional choice for those who are new to the world of Pilates.

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  Jessica

  Instructor

  As a seasoned practitioner of both reformer and mat Pilates Jessica wanted to share her passion with others. She decided to pursue and complete her 500 hour teaching certification in 2017 and has been teaching at Club Pilates since. Jessica is also a certified vinyasa yoga instructor, as well as a licensed occupational therapist. Her extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology are highlighted in her classes as she guides student’s through proper alignment and positioning throughout class.

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  Stephanie

  Instructor

  As a former elementary school teacher, Stephanie continued her passion for teaching by pursuing a career in Pilates. She immediately fell in love with this style of exercise that kept her challenged, both physically and mentally, and soon began her journey to become a Pilates instructor. Stephanie employs her creative energy into each class by designing a unique session for clients, ensuring that no two workouts are ever quite the same. She takes her classroom experiences with her students and relates them to her clients by providing modifications and accommodations to support the range of abilities of all members. While still staying true to the core principles founded by Joseph Pilates, she likes to take an athletic training approach in her classes and keeps routines challenging and fresh.

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  Nicole

  Instructor

  Nicole is a versatile and energetic teacher. She balances her cheerfulness and enthusiasm with safe and challenging workouts. Her classes provide a fun way to build strength, overcome injuries, and empower yourself. Nicole grew up with a love of sports, and as an athlete this led to becoming a Personal Trainer and Group Instructor. Always looking for new challenges she found Pilates, and completed a 2 year internship to become a PhysicalMind Institute Master Instructor. Since she started teaching in 2005, she has become PMA certified to work with pre and postnatal women, seniors, and a Pilates Rehab Specialist for clients with spinal issues and injuries. She’s worked with professional athletes, autistic children, teenagers, and women looking to feel their best again.

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  Ashley

  Ashley grew up rock climbing, running, and playing field hockey and was drawn to Pilates for its ability to take her training to the next level, even when a running injury temporarily sidelined her from other activities. She fell in love with Pilates after experiencing its particular mix of athleticism and artistry firsthand. After completing her comprehensive Pilates training with Body Arts and Science International (BASI) in California in 2009, Ashley moved to New York to attend Columbia University. While there, she majored in political science, continuing to teach Pilates part-time, and developing the Clinical Pilates program at BioKinetic Physical Therapy in New York City. In 2016, Ashley became a member of the BASI faculty, and has since led numerous teacher-trainings across the US and abroad. One of Ashley’s greatest joys is using Pilates to inspire and reconnect individuals to their bodies – and by extension, their spirits – so that they can move through their lives with greater ease. Ashley has worked with clients ranging from 9 to 86 years of age and has trained professional athletes, dancers, and pre- and post-natal clients as well as individuals who simply want to improve tone, strength, and their sense of wellbeing.