Club Pilates

Bios

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  Dawn Brazill

  Instructor

  From the very first moment on the Pilates Reformer, I was hooked. How precise the movement could be with good cueing was so amazing. It was all the details, the mindfulness, the precision, the flow, the movement and the deep connection to all those little muscles I didn't know I had. I knew then this was for me and always would be. Having back issues from a previous injury, Pilates became my savior. Being an old soul, the history of Joseph Pilates also intrigued me and I fell more in love with the method. In 2011, with the support of my husband, I decided to learn to teach this beautiful art form through BASI Pilates. I feel so passionate and blessed to have this in my life and to be able to share those amazing details that keep our mind and body connected, safe, healthy and functional. I have made wonderful friends through Pilates. The people I meet touch my heart and inspire me to grow as an instructor and as a person.

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  Jody Reis

  Instructor

  Jody’s passion for movement was ignited at a very young age when she began taking dance lessons. As a teenager she was immersed in ballet and modern dance technique at Interlochen Arts Academy, an international performing arts high school in northern Michigan. She went on to dance professionally for over 10 years. As a dancer, she experienced some setbacks including chronic bursitis of the hip. She was introduced to Pilates to help with her injuries and immediately felt a strong connection with the method. In 2010 Jody completed her Pilates certification with Body Arts and Science International (BASI). She also holds a barre certification with Bootybarre. She believes our body and mind are powerful entities and when they are nourished and trained they can work wonders. She has a passion for helping people reach their fullest potential, which has lead her to become a certified nutritionist. On a daily basis Jody is inspired by the changes she sees in front of her as she watches people build strength and make health a priority. She is very excited to be joining Club Pilates team and share her knowledge of this profound work.

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  Katherine Duncan

  Instructor

  Katherine Duncan is a PMA certified Pilates instructor who lives with her family in Laguna Niguel, California. Katherine believes in Pilates as a way to improve lifestyle and wellness in all people, regardless of current fitness level. From modern dancer to triathlete Katherine's journey in health and fitness has always returned to Pilates. She has viewed Pilates as being the corner stone to moving and being healthy for all of life's challenges. She has worked with a wide range of clients from professional athletes to those who are pregnant or have physical challenges. Katherine views her first mentor in Pilates to be her father who, although disabled for a large portion of his life, lived a positive and active lifestyle while raising five children. Katherine believes that Pilates should be fun and every day should be a new discovery. She believes the most important thing is for a client to walk through the door feeling happy to be there and leaving empowered.

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  Lisa Blackstock

  Instructor

  Lisa started her Pilates journey back in 2005 as a client. Coming from Bootcamp workouts, she was skeptical when her friend talked her into taking a Pilates class with her. After one month, she was hooked! She couldn't believe the strength and mobility she had achieved in such a short amount of time. She became a full time client and was then inspired to become an instructor herself. Lisa was certified through BASI, under leading Pilates mentor Rael Isacowitz, in 2009. Lisa has taught at many studios throughout southern Orange County. She even opened her own small boutique studio in 2014 in Tustin. She was thrilled to turn a small studio into a talked about fun place to workout and make a name for it in Tustin. But after having another baby, she made the decision to sell her studio two years later, to focus more on her two small children. Lisa teaches a more cardio-based workout, in that she keeps you moving the whole time you are in her classes. She likes to say she gives you a break when you walk to your car after class!:)

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  Melissa Evans

  Instructor

  “When a door closes, another one opens” proved true for Melissa when a long-term job as a health insurance underwriter ended unexpectedly. Pilates was recommended to her husband to treat his sore low back, and he signed up Melissa to go with him and help fill her free time. Having tried many other types of exercise before, Melissa was quickly hooked on Pilates’ positive atmosphere and gentle, yet effective all-over body and mind benefits. A total career change was in order as Melissa decided to pursue a life-long passion in fitness, wellness, and helping people. She’s excited to learn everything she can working as a Front Desk Associate, and entering Teacher Training to become a certified Pilates instructor this fall!

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  Micki Hastings.

  My neurosurgeon first recommended Pilates to me after I had cervical surgery on my spinal column,C-3 thru C-7. My spinal cord had no protective bone at this area and I was becoming paralyzed. The surgeon added a shiny new four inch Titanium plate to my spine, and sent me to Pilates... LOVED PILATES! I finally made the change in my career by attending the Pure Pilates Certification Program here in Laguna Niguel, where I have lived with my family for 20 years. My favorite instructor/teacher of the certification program stated I had a real passion for Pilates, and I do; it's been a life saver/game changer for me! I want to share the joy and freedom Pilates has provided for me with everyone!