Position/Title: Mixed Movement Educator, Bodyworker, and Pilates Teacher

Years at The Pilates Body: Since the beginning

Certifications and Specialties:

• Pilates Comprehensive trained through PhysicalMind Institute (starting in 2001)
• Pilates Polestar Comprehensive Graduate
• Yamuna Body Rolling Teacher
• Yamuna Hands on Table Treatment Practitioner
• TRX Practitioner
• Yoga Instructor
• Cacao Ceremony Facilitator
• Sound Bath Facilitator

Professional Background:
I fell into the fitness industry through coaching and participating in collegiate co-ed cheerleading. In my 20s, I became obsessed with weightlifting and bodybuilding. As a gym enthusiast, I was thrown into teaching a few core classes like step aerobics, which grew over the years into a professional career in health and wellness. I decided to leave my previous profession in higher education counseling to open my own studio in 2003. From there, I continued to educate myself in various body movement modalities.

What Inspired You to Become a Pilates Instructor?
I stumbled upon Pilates through my group fitness and coaching career. When I attended my first training, I realized how disconnected I was from understanding what true functional movement was. This challenge drew me in, and I quickly became passionate about it.

Your Favorite Pilates Move or Exercise and Why:
My favorite exercise is anything that allows me to explore my body’s potential and discover what it’s truly capable of.

Personal Interests:
I love traveling, hiking, photography, spending time with dogs, and anything that connects me to nature.

Fun Fact About Yourself:
I’m an Irish twin!

Why You Love Working at The Pilates Body:
I love the opportunity we have as instructors to work with such a variety of bodies in an intimate environment that encourages clients to explore their body’s potential. We truly become like family here at The Pilates Body.

Position/Title: Pilates Instructor – Level 2

Years at The Pilates Body: 8 years

Certifications and Specialties:

• B.S. in Kinesiology (University of Minnesota)
• STOTT Pilates Cadillac, Chair & Barrels, Mat & Reformer
• Injuries and Special Populations

Professional Background:
I have been in the fitness industry for 20 years and have taught everything from step aerobics to Pilates. I began my career in Employee Wellness, which led me to work in large corporate centers and hospitals. Working in a hospital setting allowed me to focus on special populations, and I enjoyed working with people of all ages. After a back injury, I discovered Pilates and fell in love with its accessibility for everyone.

What Inspired You to Become a Pilates Instructor?
Having always loved sports and staying active, I wanted to teach others how important movement is, no matter what stage of life we’re in. Teaching Pilates has allowed me to pursue my passion for encouraging others through movement while raising my three young daughters.

Your Favorite Pilates Move or Exercise and Why:
Feet in Straps, of course! There’s nothing like the feeling of length and strength it brings.

Personal Interests:
Family travels to the beach, the mountains, and northern Minnesota; reading; walking with my husband and dog; and watching my three daughters grow stronger in their faith, sports, and friendships.

Fun Fact About Yourself:
I love 100% dark chocolate!

Why You Love Working at The Pilates Body:
The people, the friendships, and the laughs we share at the studio warm my heart every single time—it’s the best place to be!

Position/Title: Pilates Instructor

Years at The Pilates Body: 3 months

Certifications and Specialties:

• Stott Pilates certifications
• Injuries and Special Populations
• Total Barre
• Balanced Body trained on Reformer, Chair, Trapeze Table, Ladder Barrel
• Yoga Instructor (200-hour certification)
• CDC Diabetic Lifestyle Coach
• Qigong Level 1
• MOSSA Active Together Instructor
• NETA Group Fitness Instructor
• Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapist student
• Additional coursework: Antony Lo “Diastasis Done Differently”

Professional Background:
My first profession was helping others as a licensed graduate social worker, which I did for many years. I became a certified Pilates instructor in 2016 and have had the privilege of working in a physical therapy clinic for the past six years. The combination of Pilates and physical therapy is truly the best of both worlds. I initially discovered Pilates when a friend invited me to a reformer class a few years after I had my second child. At the time, I suffered from back pain due to weak abdominals and neck pain due to poor posture. Consistent practice eliminated my daily back and neck pain. Shortly after, I began my Pilates instructor training, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to help others emotionally and physically over the years.

What Inspired You to Become a Pilates Instructor?
As mentioned previously, I used Pilates as a way to heal my own body. I’m grateful for all the instructors who shared their love of Pilates and expertise with me, inspiring me to pursue this path.

Your Favorite Pilates Move or Exercise and Why:
It’s tough to choose just one, but probably “Feet in the Straps – Short Spine!” It feels so good on my spine!

Personal Interests:
Spending time with family and friends, yoga, meditation, Qigong, paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, hiking, biking, traveling, reading, live music, and volunteering.

Fun Fact About Yourself:
I want to be a contestant on The Amazing Race!

Why You Love Working at The Pilates Body:
The Pilates Body allows me to do what I love—helping others on their wellness journey.

Position/Title: Level 1 Pilates Instructor

Years at The Pilates Body: 3.5 years

Certifications and Specialties:

• STOTT Certified Pilates Reformer Instructor (since 2015)
• ACE Certified Personal Trainer

What Inspired You to Become a Pilates Instructor?
While working at a wellness center that offered Pilates, I observed how the Pilates method could benefit a wide variety of people. No matter your experience with exercise or movement, Pilates meets you where you’re at and supports your goals right away. I love being part of that process.

Your Favorite Pilates Move or Exercise and Why:
Semi-Circle is my favorite Pilates move because it’s a delicious combination of spinal articulation, front body stretching, and even strength challenges.

Personal Interests:
I’m also a registered dietitian, and I’m passionate about nutrition, volunteering, traveling, and learning to downhill ski.

Fun Fact About Yourself:
I love learning new things!

Why You Love Working at The Pilates Body:
Our clients are the best, and I feel extremely lucky to work with such a supportive, genuine, and talented team.

Position/Title: Level 2 Pilates Instructor

Years at The Pilates Body: 3 years

Certifications and Specialties:

• Polestar Pilates Certified
• Specializes in Pilates for Dancers, Stretching, Injury Prevention

Professional Background:
I grew up as a competitive dancer and was introduced to Pilates through various classes at my dance studio. I started taking Mat Pilates in high school, and after graduating, I began teaching competitive dance at the same studio I grew up in. I started taking apparatus Pilates from Lisa when The Pilates Body was established. After the pandemic, I was ready to deepen my understanding of Pilates and enrolled in the Polestar Pilates program.

What Inspired You to Become a Pilates Instructor?
I am constantly inspired by today’s youth. Their self-drive and determination to be strong in their athletics energize and motivate me to be the best instructor I can be for them. I suffered a hip injury in high school, and looking back, I wish I had a consistent Pilates practice to help prevent it. Now, as a Pilates instructor, I love working with competitive dancers to help them prevent injuries and give them the tools to succeed in their journeys! I’m also inspired by the incredible teachers I’ve taken classes from at The Pilates Body.

Your Favorite Pilates Move or Exercise and Why:
I love Bridging on any apparatus! It’s a fundamental exercise for progressing spine articulation. After birthing and caring for three ginormous babies, my back can feel pretty messed up at times, but a few bridges get it feeling normal again.

Personal Interests:
I love spending time with my husband and our three sons. We love a good dance party! I’m also a big-time foodie and enjoy exploring funky, fun restaurants.

Fun Fact About Yourself:
I was featured in National Geographic Magazine with my brother Aaron. We were working in our parents’ front yard garden, which was installed by the Walker Art Museum.

Why You Love Working at The Pilates Body:
The people! The Pilates Body has built such a beautiful community filled with kindness and love, and I feel lucky to be part of it!

Position/Title: Level 1 Trainer

Years at The Pilates Body: 1 year

Certifications and Specialties:

• NETA Certified Group Fitness Instructor
• STOTT Intensive Reformer Certificate
• Balanced Body Chair and Barrel Certificate
• Comprehensive Balanced Body Training (in progress)
• Barre Certified
• Additional Trainings: Mat Pilates, Fusion Fitness, HIIT Training, Nutrition, Bosu Ball, Stability Ball, Barbell Strength, Indoor Cycle, Kickboxing Technique, Zone Training, Injury Prevention

Professional Background:
Anne started her fitness career by teaching group exercise classes on her college campus. Her passion for sharing the joy of fitness has kept her teaching and growing in the field ever since. She has taught a variety of cardio, strength, and mind-body formats in different settings.

What Inspired You to Become a Pilates Instructor?
Overcoming a back injury with the help of Pilates inspired me to become a Pilates Reformer Instructor.

Your Favorite Pilates Move or Exercise and Why:
Lower and Lift—it feels so good on the body!

Personal Interests:
I love spending time with my family and friends while exploring new places.

Fun Fact About Yourself:
I’ve taught fitness all of my adult life! I’ve even taught classes in Spanish while living abroad. I am also a lawyer.

Why You Love Working at The Pilates Body:
The clients, staff, and facilities at The Pilates Body are the best in the industry. I love the warm and dedicated community at The Pilates Body.

Position/Title: Part-time Level 1 Trainer

Years at The Pilates Body: < 1 year teaching, but practicing with TPB since November 2017

Certifications and Specialties:

• Currently seeking Pilates certification
• X-ray Operator License
• Trained Medical Assistant

Professional Background:
I had the good fortune of meeting Viki Mills when I popped into The Pilates Body in November 2017, and I had my first private Pilates session with Lisa Hein. I’ve been hooked on Pilates ever since. In 2021, I completed a 600-hour classical Pilates comprehensive apparatus training in Kansas City.

What Inspired You to Become a Pilates Instructor?
Great and funny question! I didn’t initially plan to teach and thought maybe I’d teach in retirement from my full-time job as a Senior Clinical Trial Manager (my full-time gig since 2008, getting new medical devices to the market via clinical trials). I completed Pilates teacher training to deepen my personal practice. But as the universe sometimes has other plans, I’m now honored to be teaching where I started my Pilates practice—a full-circle moment I’m incredibly grateful for.

Your Favorite Pilates Move or Exercise and Why:
Oooof! Tough question—my favorite exercise is always changing. Currently, I’m really into Parakeet; it’s great for that peach! But come to one of my classes to see what era I’m in because my favorite is always evolving.

Personal Interests:
I’m passionate about scuba diving, snorkeling, and basically any water activity. But living in Minnesota with two kids in sports, I spend most of my free time biking, walking/hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or at my kids’ sporting events. It’s a good life!

Fun Fact About Yourself:
I’m obsessed with sharks! And I LOVE music—music is everything!

Why You Love Working at The Pilates Body:
I love teaching the classes I used to take and appreciate the wonderful folks who attend them more than they know. It’s also a privilege to meet new people who are either starting or returning to their Pilates journey. And, of course, just Pilates. Duh!

Position/Title: Pilates Instructor

Years at The Pilates Body: 8 years (February 2016)

Certifications and Specialties:

• Fully Certified STOTT Pilates Trainer
• Certified Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist

Professional Background:
I’ve had the pleasure of beginning and growing my Pilates trainer career at The Pilates Body since 2016.

What Inspired You to Become a Pilates Instructor?
My pursuit to understand and manage my body’s instabilities led me to The Pilates Body. I found the controlled movements, progressive exercises, mind-body connections, expert trainers, and positive community truly empowering. This experience inspired me to follow my heart and complete my full certification journey to help others discover the powerful benefits of Pilates.

Your Favorite Pilates Move or Exercise and Why:
Any move involving spinal articulation—pure heaven!

Personal Interests:
Spending time with my three boys who have grown and flown, family and friends, photography, music, nature, and long walks.

Fun Fact About Yourself:
My first training job was in software. I was a corporate trainer when Microsoft Windows and Office were first released.

Why You Love Working at The Pilates Body:
It brings me joy! I am surrounded by immensely kind and talented trainers who inspire me. The studio is top-notch, and our clients are the best—fun, focused, and fabulous! As a trainer, I love watching for the sparks—successes, connections, and improved wellness. Whether it’s a client making a new mind-body connection, progressing a movement pattern, experiencing less pain, or gaining new strength, or seeing friendships bloom in our studio, it brings me joy!