Although it does not draw the hoopla and drama of HIIT or Olympic weight lifting, Pilates has become the gold standard in fitness for low-impact but challenging full-body workouts. Pilates focuses on the core first and foremost so you can develop total control of your body as you move. This helps you get stronger, more coordinated, and have better stability.
Pilates can stand alone as its own fitness regimen or it can be used to cross-train with racquet sports, weightlifting, running, and several other forms of exercise.
People often turn to Pilates for rehabilitation — its origins are a rehab program for ballet dancers. But you do not have to be a ballerina to gain the benefits of Pilates. People with strains, sprains, and other injuries find that with the careful supervision of a certified instructor, you can heal faster with Pilates.
The Paseo Club has a beautiful Pilates studio and offers several Pilates classes each week, from beginner to advanced. There are also a few specialty Pilates classes, such as Pilates and Pinot and Mat Pilates.
In this article, we will introduce you to the Pilates instructors at the Paseo Club. You can learn a little about each person and why they love to teach Pilates.
Who are the Pilates instructors at the Paseo Club?
The Paseo Club has a diverse staff of Pilates instructors. They are all certified in Pilates, and each has a special and engaging teaching approach.
Cezanne Youmazzo
Certification: IM=X and Balanced Body
Why did you become a Pilates instructor? Pilates reformer training was offered by IM=X when I taught at the Spectrum Club. I found that I really enjoyed it and made sure to bring Pilates to the Paseo Club when I became the Fitness Director in 2013.
What other physical activities or exercises do you enjoy? I love strength training, paddleboarding, and line dancing.
What is your favorite student success story? I like to help people recuperate from injuries and get them back to doing the daily activities they enjoy. I love seeing the light go on in people’s eyes when they feel they can achieve something they thought was impossible.
Melanie Vovk
Certification: Balanced Body
Why did you become a Pilates instructor? I wanted to teach a format with more focus on stretching and core exercises. I have beat up my body for years and was excited about something that emphasizes the mind-body connection and not as physically taxing on my joints.
What other physical activities or exercises do you enjoy? I like fast walking, walking races, 10k and half marathons, strength training, and cycle.
What is your favorite student success story? One of the members here did Pilates several times a week before she had a baby. She had a great delivery and was able to come back 2 1/2 weeks after she gave birth — and she looked great. I think the Pilates reformer had a lot to do with that.
Jalin Runza
Certification: Yogaworks
Why did you become a Pilates instructor? I was hooked on Pilates after the first class I ever took! I found it challenging, exciting, and such a great workout. I love teaching Pilates and appreciate how you can use the reformer and props to vary the practice.
What other physical activities or exercises do you enjoy? I love to do yoga, TRX, work out, and walk my dogs.
What is your favorite student success story? It's been a joy to see members progress in their Pilates practice. It’s rewarding to witness them gain strength, mobility, and confidence.
Jodi Broz
Certification: Balanced Body
Why did you become a Pilates instructor? The challenge to teach Pilates was very intriguing. I am certified in every type of fitness class and am most comfortable teaching group weight-based and cardio classes. Pilates was not in my wheelhouse. The training was offered at the club, and I jumped at the chance to learn and expand my knowledge.
What other physical activities or exercises do you enjoy? Running is my favorite fitness activity. I also enjoy weight lifting, strength training, swimming, and cycling outside and inside. I like to compete in half and full marathons and triathlons.
What is your favorite student success story? I once taught a beginner class to a group of clients I knew were not beginners. I had seen many of them around the gym and knew every one of their fitness levels was strong. I suspected they were in a beginner class out of fear of the reformer and/or hoping it would be an easy class. I taught them a class based on balance and light resistance so they could (hopefully) really see how important your abs are in Pilates. I wanted to convey that a heavy spring load does not always mean a good or better workout. I saw a couple of them a few days later and asked how they felt. All of them said they could feel the effects of the workout in all the places I was hoping they would feel it. It gives me joy when I can show a client a new way of doing something that benefits their exercise regimen.
Sarah Graff
Certification: Balanced Body Pilates reformer & private Pilates TT, Yoga E-RYT 200 & RYT-500, Master Flexologist (stretch therapist)
Why did you become a Pilates instructor? A fellow yoga instructor friend bought a Pilates studio about five years ago and asked me to teach with her. The previous owner trained us before “handing over the reins.” I really loved how a quality Pilates program can give people a deeper understanding of their body mechanics and physiology so they can learn to move in ways that are optimal for their bodies.
What other physical activities or exercises do you enjoy? I enjoy hiking, walking my dogs, playing with my grandchildren, and dancing.
What is your favorite student success story? My favorite thing is when a student tells me they are not only stronger and more flexible but also experience greater body awareness and have a noticeable decrease in their aches and pains. When I hear things like this, I experience the “soul gold” joy of being a Pilates instructor!
Trish DeBoni
Certification: Balanced Body Pilates Reformer/AFAA Mat Pilates
Why did you become a Pilates instructor? I became a Pilates instructor because I always like to keep up with the newest classes that clients are interested in and Pilates is a great tool. I have a passion for fitness, wellness, and helping others. I wanted to be able to teach a class that offers strength training and mental well-being to my clients. It helped with my back pain, and I wanted to help others. Plus, I wanted to be a part of the beautiful Pilates room at The Paseo Club.
What other physical activities or exercises do you enjoy? I also enjoy cycling, dancing, cardio strength, hiking, pickleball, and swimming.
What is your favorite student success story? I have a few student success stories that are my favorites. Anytime I watch someone not be able to do a teaser and then see that first moment when they do it and realize how much stronger they have gotten is so rewarding. I had a woman tell me that she packed a bikini for a trip with her husband for the first time in 20 years because of her consistency in my classes. I've also had a client tell me that she was able to keep up skiing with her friends for the first time because of my classes. I could go on and on…
Lynette Willis
Certification: Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
Why did you become a Pilates instructor? I liked the idea of learning another type of training and diversifying my knowledge in fitness. I was really intrigued by the versatility and adaptability of the reformer.
What other physical activities or exercises do you enjoy? I love all things fitness, but I especially enjoy swimming, biking, and running. I'm just trying to keep up with what life throws my way!
What is your favorite student success story? I enjoy seeing members become stronger in their core and improve their overall mobility. Personally, it helped me with my physical therapy and rehab after I broke my neck and back.
Gwen Dignadice
Certification: Stott Pilates, IM=X, and Balanced Body
Why did you become a Pilates instructor? I was originally trained in Pilates mat and had the opportunity to grow and take the Pilates reformer IM=x certification at the Spectrum Club. I had a great experience going through the certification process with Cezanne. It has always been my goal to help people become stronger, more flexible, and stable.
What other physical activities or exercises do you enjoy? I enjoy running.
What is your favorite student success story? My number one success story has to be my client Phil. I helped him lose 80 pounds and regain his strength and stability after a debilitating motorcycle accident. He continues to do Pilates reformer 2-3 times per week. I am so proud of him and the lifestyle changes I've helped him make.
Allison Nelson
Certification: YogaWorks
Why did you become a Pilates instructor? I was inspired and encouraged by managers at the Paseo Club to learn Pilates. I felt confident that with my 25 years of experience in yoga and fitness, I could learn this amazing, challenging, and efficient format.
What other physical activities or exercises do you enjoy? I love practicing yoga, cycling, running, and spending time in the gym.
What is your favorite student success story? It is a success any time a student approaches me and tells me that their work with me has created a positive impact in their life.
Lawren Johns
Certification: Yogaworks
Why did you become a Pilates instructor? I fell in love with Pilates once I noticed how it helped to correct and heal the back injuries I had sustained while being a competitive gymnast. It wasn’t until I had to rebuild my core after childbirth that I truly appreciated the vast benefits of the reformer. That's when I decided I wanted to help others learn the importance of foundational core work, balance, strength, and flexibility — all of which a Pilates reformer can provide.
What other physical activities or exercises do you enjoy? I enjoy hiking, TRX, dancing, and soccer.
What is your favorite student success story? Whenever I see student progress, it reminds me why I decided to start teaching Pilates in the first place. Whether it's to rebuild their core, jumpstart their fitness, or increase their strength, I love seeing the joy members experience when they accomplish their goals.
Kerri Harris
Certification: Lagree
Why did you become a Pilates instructor? My mentor in yoga told me she thought I would love Pilates — and she was right! It is a hybrid of dance, and I grew up dancing. I was talking to the owner of a local studio, and she said she’d love to get me certified. I did the certification and have taken classes all over the world.
What other physical activities or exercises do you enjoy? I enjoy cycling and barre.
What is your favorite student success story? I just love to challenge all the students at Paseo.
Beginning your Pilates training at the Paseo Club
The Paseo Club offers Pilates classes every day of the week, including a free intro class on Sundays at 11 am.
- Pilates Mat
- Pilates and Pinot
- Pilates with Props
- Pilates Reformer Stretch
- Pilates Reformer for All Levels
- Pilates Blood Flow Restriction Training
- Intermediate/Advanced Pilates Reformer
It is recommended to wear form-fitting but stretchy clothing and Pilates socks for traction. Come to class with a water bottle, and make sure to communicate to your instructor any limitations or questions you have.
After Pilates class, stay at the club and linger. You can spoil yourself with a spa treatment, grab a bite with a friend, or cool down with a dip in the pool.
Kids Club is available to members with children ages three months through twelve years. This onsite childcare center is just what you need to help you get to Pilates class. Kids are cared for by experienced staff in a play-based environment. Childcare can be purchased by the hour or as a monthly pass.
These amenities are what make the Paseo Club stand out from the rest. We are a family-centered club where your needs are our priority. Come and live a healthy and connected life at the Paseo Club. Join now and begin your Paseo life.
Topics:
