Club Pilates

Bios

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  Alyssa

  Dance and Pilates Instructor

  Alyssa Junious has a B.F.A in Dance Performance and has been teaching dance for 10 years. She has always had a passion for movement and fitness. She was introduced to the pilates method while studying Dance Performance at the University of California, Irvine. As a professional dancer, she began to use the pilates method as a form of cross training. Alyssa trained under her mentor and former ballet professor Diane Diefenderfer. She completed her teacher training at Studio Du Corps in Irvine, California. Her certification program focused on classic mat and reformer work of the founder, Joseph Pilates, as well as the innovative work of Ron Fletcher. She is certified to teach various pilates formats and apparatus' (mat, reformer, cadillac, barrel, EXO chair, tower, and pedi pole). Alyssa is excited to be a new member of the Club Pilates team; and she looks forward to helping clients heal, tone, and become more in tune with their bodies. When not teaching pilates, you can catch Alyssa performing with local dance companies in San Diego and choreographing for Carlsbad Dance Center's competition team. In her free time she likes to practice yoga and play with her adorable dog named Missy.

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  Blyth

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  Blyth has been teaching at Club Pilates since 2013. In 2011 Blyth began teaching different modes of fitness, and in doing so, discovered a love for group classes. Her favorite thing about Club Pilates is the way a group of people can be working individually and yet still encourage each other. The community of Club Pilates is like no where else. Blyth enjoys teaching 1.5 and stretch classes the most because the slower pace gives us a chance to focus on the movements of the body as well as the ‘why’ we are moving a certain way. When she isn’t teaching Pilates, you might run into Blyth at the beach or her church or even at the dog park with her husband, 3 kiddos and Archie the wonder dog!

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  Daniel

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  Dan was raised in Oregon and always has loved being active from surfing, to skateboarding, snowboarding, climbing, boating and in general being outdoors. After years of working as a Tower Climber, Dan found Pilates and noticed how much it improved all of his favorite activities and decided to get certified through Club Pilates Encinitas in 2014. Dan has been teaching ever since and really enjoys watching his client’s health and wellness improve over time, class by class.

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  Michele

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  I have practiced pilates for 4 years and loved it so much that I decided to become an instructor. I have become healthier and stronger since beginning pilates and believe that everyone can benefit from Pilates. My favorite part of teaching is seeing people feeling better when they leave than when they came in to class. When I am not in the studio, I can be found at my other job as a Registered Nurse or at home with my husband and 13-year old son. I enjoy playing board games with my family, reading, traveling, and spending time with my friends.

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  Randi

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  Originally from MN, Randi has lived in San Diego for just over 12 years now. She has a BA in Professional Communications and worked in the corporate rat race until life took an unexpected turn. After being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2007, Randi needed to find a new exercise program that would help keep her fit, but also was gentle on her body and Pilates was the perfect fit. She was introduced to Pilates through a close friend that was also an instructor at a local studio in San Clemente, CA. After becoming a devoted student for a year, she decided that she wanted to teach others how Pilates could change their lives and help keep them active. Randi completed her first Pilates certification from Mira Costa College which follows the BASI Pilates, (Body Arts and Science, International) program requirements. She began teaching group Pilates classes at the Ecke YMCA in Encinitas in 2010 and also started teaching private clients. In 2012 she completed her yoga certification. Randi began teaching at Club Pilates in 2012 and in 2014 she completed the Club Pilates comprehensive certification. Wanting to learn more about how Pilates could help herself and others living with MS, in 2015 she completed an in-depth Pilates for MS advanced teacher training, incorporating the latest research in neuroplasticity and neurorehabilitation into a Pilates program design for MS and other neurological conditions. You can find Randi at Carlsbad and San Marcos Club Pilates studios. Try a class with her today and get a great workout while she adds her fabulous sense of humor to the mix. When she isn’t teaching Pilates, Randi can be found creating her succulent container designs, exploring new places with her husband and hanging out with her friends.

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  Liz

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  Liz's love of Pilates began in 2014, within the first few classes she attended. Liz had signed up for these classes, curious to see how Pilates could help her strengthen a back injury she had been dealing with for several years. Liz found it amazing to feel the strength and flexibility it brought to her movements. It brought a deep awareness of mind/body connection, and she loved using the sense of proprioception with the practice. In 2016, Liz retired from a Flight Attendant career of many, long years! She immediately joined the Club Pilates Teacher Training program and studied daily to become an Instructor. One of Liz's strongest passions is teaching. Liz strives to be that Instructor that inspires you, who motivates you and who lets you know ,"you can do this". Liz comes from an athletic back ground of marathons, triathlons, and body building. She holds certifications for Aerobics, Personal Training, Spin, Advanced Yoga, and Boxing. A few of Liz's goals as a Pilates Instructor are to bring forth her energy and commitment to help others see the benefits of personal knowledge, strength, and application to a practice they can develop, and achieve to better health, feeling good! Her time spent away from teaching is spent on her own personal Pilates practice and her study of Ballet, which is a goal She has wanted to achieve since the age of four, and has recently started to dance! Liz stays very involved with her beautiful family, especially the four superstars of her life, her grandchildren.

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  Samira

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  I moved to San Diego about 13 years ago from Toronto. This move brought me many big changes in my life. I left behind my work, my friends, my home and my family. I started becoming more introverted since I did not know anyone in SD except, of course my husband; the love of my life. I practiced yoga for meditation and reaching inner peace, but I knew right away that something was missing. Yoga of course soothed me, but I needed more with my emotions going through the full range of ups and downs. BY luck, I noticed Club Pilates on Groupon, and I said to myself, I should give it a try. Everything at Club Pilates was different; the ambience was much more lively and joyful. I noticed the constantly happy and smiley faces and felt the energy in the air. Every time I leave Club Pilates, I feel polished physically and spiritually. The beauty of this place is that everyone is always welcomed. Yet more, you can come as yourself with no need for any masks.

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  Janet

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  Janet was first introduced to Pilates during physical therapy for a back injury. She quickly realized the value of maintaining a consistent Pilates practice. She has remained injury free and has never felt stronger. Janet started teaching Pilates in 2012 and obtained her certification after completing the comprehensive 500-hour training program at Club Pilates in San Diego. Janet loves teaching and sharing the amazing benefits of Pilates. When she is not teaching Pilates, she is working on establishing herself as a Health Coach. There is nothing Janet likes better than preparing healthy meals for herself and others, as well as educating people about the benefits of eating a healthy diet and living a balanced life. Janet loves to travel and spend time with her dog, Daisy.

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  Kate

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  With over 6 years experience as a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant, Kate combines her knowledge of anatomy and movement patterns with injury prevention and rehabilitation to create Pilates classes that emphasize alignment, posture, and optimal movement patterns. She completed her 500 hour Pilates training with Club Pilates, and has been instructing since 2014. Also a 200 hour Registered Yoga Teacher, she brings the mind-body principles from both practices with the goal of deepening your connection and awareness to your body. In her free time she enjoys traveling, surfing, cooking, spending time with friends and family, and the ocean.

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  Anel

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  Anel is a certified Pilates Instructor. She completed her comprehensive 500-hour Pilates education through Club Pilates in 2015 teaching group Pilates equipment classes for all levels and populations. In addition, Anel is certified in Barre through Barre Above and Yoga Sculpt through CorePower. Anel first discovered her passion for Pilates in 2013 after being diagnosed with tendonitis in both knees. Being an energetic fitness enthusiast the overuse of her knees caused severe knee pain. Continuing her daily Pilates practice Anel saw the physical and mental benefits of Pilates transforming her body and mind. Pilates facilitated in rehabilitating her knees back to health. She was hooked! That is when Anel realized the corporate world was no longer her mission. She wanted the opportunity to help others learn and grow through Pilates. As a Pilates Instructor, Anel ensures every client that attends one of her classes walks away with a challenging full body workout and is inspired by her passion for Pilates. Through her, clients are inspired to transform their bodies, building strength, endurance, flexibility, while finding their mind body connection. Anel gives step-by step instruction, providing visual, auditory, tactile cueing, while offering modifications and progressions for all fitness levels. In her spare time she enjoys quality time with her family and friends, roller blading, hiking, running, riding her motorcycle, reading, cooking and continuing her Pilates/Barre/Yoga practice in the comfort of her home.

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  Calvin

  Before Pilates, Calvin served 10 yrs in the Marine Corps as an Infantry Section Leader. After two tours to Iraq, one of which resulted in multiple back surgeries, Calvin was in the process of getting a medical discharge when he was in a motorcycle accident. After 4 yrs of multiple leg surgeries, he had no choice but to have his leg amputated. Calvin was in and out of a wheelchair/walker for years, but after his last spine surgery, he decided to give Pilates a shot. Originally he started Pilates to help with his range of motion and getting back into shape. Wow, was he in for a shock, Pilates has been the best full body workout he's ever done without experiencing pain and jarring! Not only did he regain his mobility, but he also lost 55lbs and is in better shape now than he was in the Marine Corps! Calvin decided to take on the Club Pilates Teacher Training program and completed it within a year. He loves the environment and has so much fun working with his new clients, many of who he has been able to see grow in strength, as well as confidence. In his words, "It is so rewarding to see them achieve their goals"!

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  Michelle

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  A native of San Diego, Michelle grew up with sand in her sheets, a love of Mexican food and an innate desire for adventure. After traveling the globe, skydiving, deep-sea and cave dive scuba exploration, living abroad, and other exhilarating experiences, Michelle’s most thrilling adventure has been as a wife and mother. Always ready to try something new, Michelle took a free class at Club Pilates in 2013 on her lunch break. It just felt “right”. A few years later, she began the process to become a Club Pilates Instructor. In her Pilates teaching, she focuses on the mind/body connection, building overall strength, improving posture, and relieving stress. Michelle continues to grow her understanding of the principles of Pilates by attending conferences and workshops. Michelle has a degree in Land-Use Policy/Environmental Science from UCIrvine and continues to work in her field of study in addition to teaching at Club Pilates. When not working or performing as a full-time unpaid chauffeur for her two busy sons, Michelle’s hobbies include concocting homemade liqueurs, gardening, and ocean swimming.

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  Renee C

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  Renee Casanova has been teaching fitness for over 20 years. Coming from a background in Musical Theatre, Renee was certified as a Personal trainer in 1998, and began to study the Pilates Method in 1999. Trained in traditional Pilates and then certified at Long Beach Dance Conditioning (L.B.D.C.). L.B.D.C. emphasizes post physical therapy methods. In 2006 she began teaching Yoga (Certified by Core Power Yoga). She then began teaching Zumba, Belly Dance, Ballet sculpt (Barre), and developed dance exercise classes. She studied and was certified at the Soul of Yoga (Hatha Yoga) in 2016 and Kundalini Yoga in 2018. Renee loves to teach classes that are fun and challenging. Focus is on core strength, alignment, and how the mind/body connection can inspire the spirit. Renee believes that creative expression through movement is the key to enjoying every minute of life.

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  Kathryn B.

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  Originally from Arizona, Kathryn moved to San Diego right out of high school in 2012. Her love for exercise and movement stemmed from her background as a competitive dancer and cross country runner. Over the last 8 years, Kathryn has worked off and on as a ballet, gymnastics, and Zumba Instructor in after school programs for children ages 3-12. Kathryn found such joy in watching her students learn and grow in these different practices. Since having her own son, Kathryn began to miss teaching and decided it was time to work with adults! Pilates has always been a great resource for her own practice as a full body reset after enduring strenuous workouts. Her favorite aspects of Pilates are the mind/body connection and the constant core engagement. Kathryn is so excited to be joining the Club Pilates team and teaching others about the wonderful works that is Pilates!

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  Kirsten Brock

  Certified Pilates Instructor

  Originally from Minnesota, Kirsten made the move to California in 2012. She has always had a love of exercise from growing up playing hockey, to running and weightlifting. She became passionate about Pilates after seeing how much it improved her strength and how well it complimented her other workouts and active lifestyle. After completing her 500-hour Teacher Training, Kirsten started teaching at Club Pilates in 2018. Her favorite part is introducing Pilates to new members and watching them grow in their practice. Club Pilates is her home away from home. When not teaching, you can often find Kirsten at the front desk or taking class. She spends her free time doing yoga, cooking, and playing with her dog, Hazel.