ABOUT ALLISON

 Clients and fellow teachers tell me, “You were born to be a Pilates teacher!” They are  complimenting me, but, in fact, there were others involved. I am the daughter of a teacher and a medical doctor of physical medicine and rehabilitation.  As a child, unbeknownst to me, my environment and pedigree would lead me  to a career in fitness, specifically Pilates. 

   As a young child, I was a “subject” for my father, the posture fanatic.  Anatomy, physiology and gait were the focus of  dinner conversations, which explains  why  my older brother is at Harvard doing his medical residency and  my younger one is at Columbia beginning his.    Yes I  was reminded to brush my teeth before bed time, but  I was also constantly reminded to stretch my hamstrings, strengthen my core, pull my head back, depress my shoulders. And with all that body focus, I had to also make sure  I was breathing properly while doing so!!  In hindsight, these cues-- my daily mantra-- were being taught to me as preparation for helping others. 

   Growing up, I figure skated, danced competitively and throughout high school and college, played field hockey and ice hockey.  After graduating from Union College in 2001 with a BA in  English, I  taught school and then tried  sales and marketing before deciding that I wanted to be certified in the Pilates Method. 

After my first Pilates mat class in  2002, I laughed that the  exercises I knew and practiced now had names like Teaser and Single Leg Stretch. After looking at many programs,  I chose PhysicalMind Institute because it was  the perfect blend of traditional Pilates with a focus on bio-mechanics and innovation.  

   After certification in 2004, I began to teach and quickly developed a large clientele— 30-40 hours was a typical work week.    To become a body and Pilates expert there is only one real way: seeing and working with as many bodies as possible.   Yes, I attended many  workshops and seminars too,  but  consistently working with hundreds of bodies is the only real way to grow-- “by your students you will be taught.”    

CERTIFICATIONS

PhysicalMind Institute

Tye4®

Pilates for Rehabilitation

Pregnancy & Post-Natal Pilates