Club Pilates

Bios

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  Amy Waltzman

  My personal passion for Pilates began 15 years ago after I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. I discovered that moving in the Classical Pilates method not only helped me feel better but it also transformed my body. I loved how I felt and had a new quality of life. Feeling an inner need and desire to share that feeling with others, I began my journey towards obtaining my teaching certificate, which I completed with PEAK Pilates in 2009. I continued my training and reached PEAK Comprehensive Certification in 2016. I have had my own studio since 2009. My clients appreciate my attention to detail in keeping them balanced and helping them become stronger and empowered through movement. “Working your body from the inside out, you will learn to understand why Pilates is the beginning of the way you will live your life forever”.

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  Mary Guarente

  Mary Guarente has trained thousands of students in the Pilates method since 2002. A lifelong fitness enthusiast, she competed in Division 1 soccer and pursued academic studies in Exercise Science. Originally trained by PhysicalMind, she became fully certified by West Coast Pilates. In addition, she is a certified Gyrotonic and Barre Fitness specialist. Her “movement” experience provides the foundation to focus on alignment and core strengthening. Her commitment and dedication to combining her passion to help others live stronger, healthier, more fit lives is evident in each and every class she teaches. Her positive energy, enthusiasm, and ever-changing choreography provides students the platform to challenge themselves beyond their limits to succeed and feel great. This Needham native and Wellesley resident for over 20 years, has many local ties to the community and beyond. She now lives in Framingham with her husband and enjoys free time with her five grown children and black lab, Koda. Mary is eager and excited to be teaching at CP!

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  Teresa Grignaffini

  Pilates Instructor

  Teresa has been practicing Pilates since 2009. A Dental Hygienist since 1994, she noticed she had poor posture and a weak core and decided to try Pilates. It wasn’t long until she noticed the strength and flexibility pilates offered her body. Always an active runner, she noticed an increase in endurance, as well as diminished neck and back pain after a long day of work. She fell in love with Pilates and it’s benefits and was inspired to teach it as well. A Comprehensive Apparatus trained teacher through Power Pilates out of NYC. She has full knowledge of the Mat, Reformer, Cadillac, Chairs, Barrels, Ped-o-Pull and Magic Circle while incorporating the principles of Pilates exercises based on the teaching of Joseph Pilates. She loves teaching and hopes her clients discover the Power of Pilates. Namely the philosophy that Movement Heals. Teresa grew up in Houston Texas and was in the Air Force stationed in California 1988-1992. She then moved to MA and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene from Northeastern University. Natick MA is her permanent home with her husband and 2 children. She is excited and honored to be joining the team at Club Pilates.

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  Karin Halperin

  Pilates Instructor

  Karin has been teaching Pilates mat since 2002 and training private clients on the apparatus since 2006. She holds a Pilates certification through the Pilates Method Alliance, is a Barre Instructor and has a Master's Degree in Business Administration. She is an avid exerciser and credits Pilates with giving her the perfect foundation that allows all body movements to be performed with ease and enjoyment. Karin is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and inspiring others to do the same. You will see how great you can feel when you feed your body with positivity, nutrition and Pilates. In her free time, she enjoys hanging and traveling with her family.

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  Denise Ackerman

  Pilates Instructor

  A Pilates Instructor for more than six years, Denise works with clients to transform their bodies by building strength, gaining mobility and improving stability. Denise is certified in both Mat and Reformer and is trained in Tower/Cadillac, Chair and Barrel from Balanced Body. An avid skier, golfer and paddler, she discovered Pilates 10 years ago when reclaiming her body after having twins. Through the teachings of Joseph Pilates and by applying his method to connect and develop the mind, body and spirit, Denise takes her clients through an individualized experience whether in a private or group session. Her favorite quote by Joseph Pilates is: “The mind, when housed within a healthful body, possesses a glorious sense of power.” When she is not instructing Pilates, Denise is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, creating customized roadmaps for a lifetime of healthy food preparation and eating. Her meal plans for individuals and families aim to increase energy levels, deconstruct cravings and promote weight loss. One of her passions is working with schools to build edible gardens. She says: “If kids plant it and grow it, they’re more inclined to eat it!”

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  Jill Falvey

  Pilates Instructor

  Jill Falvey began her fitness career teaching aerobics classes in 1987. Jill added Physical Mind certification and started teaching mat Pilates in 2002. Jill wanted to continue her Pilates education and completed her STOTT certification in 2007. Jill has an engaging personality and has been specializing in injuries and special populations training privately and group classes since 2007.

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  Mary Abate

  Pilates Instructor

  Mary Abate has danced & been active since she can remember: eventually dancing professionally with ballet and modern companies in IL, PA, & SC. Studying with a Hanya Holm dancer in college, she was introduced to the Pilates matwork. After completing a masters in theater dance, Mary discovered the joys of the Pilates equipment. Dancer and owner of Pilates studio, PraXis (Jocelyn Nugent) encouraged Mary to get certified with Radonna Patterson at BodyWorks and teach. Mary also studied with Polestar teachers. After relocating to MA with her family, Mary got certified in Stott Mat & reformer. Using Pilates to rehab injuries, gain strength & stretch are some of the many benefits she has experienced. Mary believes in practicing and continually learning from members and from other instructors and tries to help members discover how to work efficiently & mindfully. In addition to Pilates, Mary is certified by AFAA and teaches Zumba Gold and yoga.

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  Athena Liolios

  Pilates Instructor

  I was introduced to Pilates after breaking my pelvis at age 30. I was working as a Fitness Specialist at the time and was devastated thinking my athletic career was over, yet it was a blessing in disguise. After rehabilitating myself with Pilates, I knew this was going to be my future and I became fully certified on all of the equipment in 2000. I have been teaching for over 17 years at my own studio in Largo, Fl before recently relocating to MA. My Pilates teaching experience ranges from group classes to private clients as well as Barre and Pool Pilates. I am passionate about sharing the benefits of Pilates with all of my students. Please know there is no judgement and no competition - this is your practice!

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  Jess Hulsen

  Born in New York, Jess has been teaching since 2010 in various studio’s, homes and gyms. Jess is fully certified through Balanced Body and the Kane School of Core Integration in New York City. Additionally she is an AFFA Group Exercise Instructor, Peak Pilates Mat certified and eternal student of life. Jessica first discovered pilates in 2001 with the help of a dvd which started her on her journey into fitness. Seven years later she was searching for a way to alleviate lower back pain due to her 9-5 lifestyle. After her very first mat class there was no substitute for hands on instruction and immediately appreciated the depth of the work, and its ability to identify and strengthen the weaknesses in her body. Jessica has studied detailed anatomy and biomechanics in order to work with a wide array of clients from those with special populations and various injuries/pathologies, to those with general fitness goals. She strives to help each individual get the most out of every session through specifically targeted programming. Formerly, Jessica was working in the Insurance industry as broker for over eight years. She received her Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts from Dowling College. Her thirst for knowledge has fueled her to seek and work with the best Pilates mentors such as Mary Bowen, Brooke Siler, Lolita San Migual, Alan Herdman to name a few. Driven by intuitive motivation, Jessica is inspired by her clients and is a mere guide to help them achieve their fitness goals. Prevention is the best medicine for any injury and realizing that the body needs a balance, She enjoys helping people improve their body mechanics, knowledge, and awareness—the empowering mind-body connection Pilates offers.