"One of the major results of [Pilates] is gaining the mastery of your mind over the complete control of your body."
~Joseph Pilates
Michelle found a love for Pilates and quickly enrolled in the Teacher Training program of few months after taking her first class. She became a licensed Comprehensive Pilates Instructor in 2018 and Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) in 2020. The techniques, the movements, and the overall variety intrigued her to continue her practice. She discovered muscles in places she had never felt before and was able to move in different planes of motion with the assistance of the contrasting Pilates equipment. She looked for ways to improve the movements, create more modifications, and design fun classes that could benefit each student.
Michelle holds a degree in Health Science with an emphasis in Health and Wellness. She strives to help people mentally and physically. Michelle has taught Pilates to a wide range of individuals with varying types of needs. It has become her mantra to always have a modification for each individual as needed. Every student is a new opportunity to grow in her Pilates practice and teaching. Taking yesterday's information and using that knowledge for today.
Michelle's hobbies include swimming, hiking, dogs, movies, and spending time with friends and family. She is aspiring to become a better cook, learn to ski/snowboard, and increase her overall mobility and balance. Her overall goals for her students are to alleviate pain, increase range of motion and day-to-day activity endurance.
Lisa, owner/teacher of Mind Over Movement since 2008 is passionate about Pilates because it has helped her so much. She initially tried Pilates to help with flexibility and core strength. After a few weeks she noticed more flexibility in her hamstrings and lower back and was able to sleep better. After a few months she could see improvement in her abdominals, whole body strength and posture. She experienced how much better life was when her body felt good which allowed her to do the activities she enjoys.
Impressed by several unique Fletcher Pilates exercises, the emphasis on specificity of each movement and although very difficult at first, the percussive breath, Lisa was admitted into the Comprehensive Ron Fletcher Pilates Program of Study. She is certified to teach the complete repertoire of Pilates, including the Reformer, Cadillac, Spine Corrector, Wunda Chair, Ped-i-Pul and Mat. Additionally, Lisa earned the title of Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT).
Lisa brings a movement and scientific background to teaching Pilates. She was involved in dance, tumbling, swimming and waterskiing starting at a young age. In high school she became a springboard diver and continued to the college level. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin - Madison with a B.S. in Biology, Lisa previously worked as a laboratory scientist studying gene therapy, endocrinology, virology and cell biology.
Lisa continues in her lifelong pursuit of Pilates as both a teacher and a student. She is enthusiastic to share that journey with her students and staff.
At Mind Over Movement, our caring, nurturing instructors are dedicated to teaching Pilates to improve overall fitness and quality of life. We strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere that maximizes our students' goals. Private Lesson and small group Reformer/Tower classes with a maximum of 6 students allow for the personalized attention required to learn correct form, to understand how to move safely, and to realize the maximum benefits of Pilates. We want you to reap the benefits of Pilates such as increased flexibility, physical strength, physical and mental stamina, mental clarity and improved posture and balance.
Amy is a Certified Pilates Instructor with over 15 years of experience teaching Pilates to all fitness levels.
She began her Pilates journey while studying as a Dance Major at California State Long Beach. Pilates was part of the training. She was amazed at the transformation in her own ability and strength with the addition of Pilates. From that moment on Pilates became a permanent fixture in her life. After an injury, Amy left the program at CSULB and finished her degree at St. Mary's College in California, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts. Dance is still her passion, but Pilates is her driving force.
Continuing education is something Amy really enjoys to keep her knowledge fresh. Most recently she received Pilates Reformer Certification through an intense training program at Truckee Meadows Community College.
She believes in Joseph Pilates and the modern visionary fitness guru that he was. He worked with all types of people from injured soldiers to professional dancers. Pilates is for everyone! Amy has experienced first-hand that Pilates will have a positive effect on your well being, it will improve your posture, if you become injured it is a great tool for recovery and if you are an athlete, it will help you excel in ways you never thought possible.
Ashley has worked in the fitness industry for 25+ years teaching group fitness, personal training, yoga, Pilates, and physical education. She started teaching Pilates 18 years ago after she discovered the unique benefits of both strengthening and stretching combined with control that is the basis of each Pilates movement. Ashley has taught all levels of Pilates from beginner to advanced and loves to teach creative combinations on the Reformer, Chair, Cadillac, and Mat.
Ashley is certified to teach Pilates through STOTT Pilates and The Ron Fletcher Program of Study. Both are comprehensive programs that include education in special populations. Pilates is for everyone and can be progressed or regressed with modifications so that every client receives an effective movement experience.
Ashley is excited to bring her experience and expertise to every individual and group class she teaches. Her goal is to have students enjoy movement, increase strength and flexibility, and have fun exploring what their bodies are capable of. Ashley believes fitness is the fountain of youth!
Ashley spends her free time hiking, traveling, beach time at Tahoe, and having fun with fitness.
Pilates is great for your body! Whatever your fitness level, Mind Over Movement can help you meet your goals.
A movement professional for over two decades, Jonathan's love for teaching Pilates stems from his life long fascination with the expressive possibilities of the human body and his reverence for the healing potential of movement. As a professional ballet dancer, Jonathan performed internationally with the Nation Ballet of China and nationally with the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago. He received his comprehensive Pilates certification with Merrithew™ Health and Fitness and is currently studying to become a Physician's Assistant. Jonathan always aims to create a challenging and rewarding atmosphere, he frequently marvels at the method's effects in the lives of his students and he truly appreciates the fellowship available in the studio.