Club Pilates

Bios

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  Sabrina Vaz

  Instructor

  Sabrina got hooked on Pilates from the moment she took her first class at Laban Centre in London England. She was initially drawn to the method because of injuries sustained from a car accident that ended her dance career. The benefits of Pilates healed her and transformed not just her spine, but taught her the mind body connection. She was so excited about Pilates that when she returned to the States she began studying with Pilates Elder, Mary Bowen in Northampton Massachusetts. Upon Mary’s suggestion she got certified in Mat with The PhysicalMind Institute of Santa Fe New Mexico. Wanting to obtain as much information as possible Sabrina took the STOTT Certification courses. It was her quest for knowledge and her love of the system that brought her to Romana Kryzanowska and the infamous Drago’s Gym. In New York City, Sabrina was blessed to find the Pilates mentor who she credits to transforming her into the instructor she is today. Fully certified from the New York Pilates Studio in all equipment including many lessor known pieces such as the guillotine, Sabrina taught under Romana’s supervision as well as at 2121 Broadway. In addition, she is so thankful for the opportunity to have studied with a total of five elders and is considered a true 2nd generation Pilates instructor who has used her knowledge to mentor many other instructors. She ran her own studio, Traditional Pilates of Cape Cod. In her studio in Massachusetts, which she operated for 21 years, she worked with dancers, athletes, seniors, Parkinson's patients, and many other special populations. She truly believes Pilates is for every “body” and is excited to be living in Richmond and sharing her passion at CLUB PILATES WOODLAKE. Her desire is to make everyone who takes her class “feel better, look better and be better.” In addition, Sabrina is a certified GYROTONIC Instructor and certified in Classical Ballet levels 1-8 with the renowned BOLSHOI BALLET of Moscow Russia. When she is not teaching she loves to spend time with her beautiful daughter, go on long walks with her dog Gaspar, write, paint and read surrounded by her Siberian Cat, and cook green delicious meals. Sabrina's classes are fun and energetic! She will make you work hard but keep you laughing. Sabrina teaches Monday through Friday.

• Laura McHugh

  Instructor

  For years, Laura has been a devoted Pilates and Yoga student. She received her comprehensive Pilates certification through Ellie Herman in Brooklyn, NY in 2013 and also completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training through YogaWorks in 2015. Through her experience as a Pilates practitioner, Laura has gained a great understanding of anatomy and injuries, and is passionate about guiding clients on their journey to wellness. Whether the goal is to strengthen and tone, alleviate pain, or heal an injury, she aims to empower her clients with awareness and understanding, and encourages them to improve their overall level of fitness. Laura is a member of Pilates Method Alliance and is registered with Yoga Alliance. She continues to further her education by attending workshops specific to anatomy, biomechanics, and rehabilitation. Don't let Laura's calm demeanor deceive you-her quiet confidence will make you work and leave you feeling rejuvenated!

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  Kim Cornwell

  Instructor

  Kim’s love of movement began at an early age in the dance studio. She danced through high school, was a member of her college dance company, and was head of the tap and jazz program at the Lynchburg Fine Arts Center. In 1993, she became a group fitness instructor and taught, step, interval, muscle endurance, and dance cardio classes. After teaching group ex for many years, she found mat Pilates and fell in love! She received her mat certification from the Pilates Certification Center in Raleigh, NC. Looking for something else in her life, but uncertain what that something else would be…Pilates found Kim. Sitting at the pool having a conversation with a friend, the friend suggested to get certified and work at her studio. “I had never been on a reformer before. I had never personally trained anyone. It was truly a leap of faith!” Kim received her comprehensive Pilates certification through Body Arts and Science International. She has attended workshops lead by one of Joseph Pilates’ elders, Lolita San Miguel as well as Brent Anderson, founder of Polestar Pilates, and Rael Isacowitz, founder of BASI Pilates. She taught in private studios and gyms, working with many different clients including ones with osteoporosis, scoliosis, and professional athletes. “What I love about Pilates is it changes my clients’ quality of life! I’ve heard clients say they are no longer in pain, they can get on the floor and play with their children/grandchildren. They can run faster. Their balance has improved. They have great abs! I’m thrilled Pilates is now in RVA….especially in Midlothian!!” When she’s not in the studio, Kim enjoys walking her two beagle pups, running, watching college basketball, snow skiing. Kim is a Club Pilates Pro! Her love of Pilates shows in her passion in her awesome classes.

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  Martha Valentine

  Instructor

  Martha Valentine has an M.Ed. in Dance Education and certified as a Polestar Pilates Mat and Reformer instructor in 2005. Martha has been sharing her passion for Pilates since, by instructing clients ranging from post surgery rehabilitation, to everyday exercise enthusiasts to elite athletes in a variety of settings including health clubs, dance studios, ice skating rinks as well as corporate settings. Martha enjoys developing a strong functional foundation for movement with her students that enables them to pursue a life full of activity that is injury free. She loves the challenge of using her creativity as a dance teacher to develop challenging contemporary classes utilizing a variety of equipment in the Pilates studio. Martha is so well educated and it shows in her classes! She shares her knowledge in each class which leaves Club Pilates Woodlake members longer, leaner AND smarter!