Shapeshift Pilates Studio

SHAPESHIFT PILATES STUDIO

is located in Redondo Beach, CA, specializing in the Pilates Method and Gyrotonic Expansion System. We offer personal attention to your fitness needs in a comfortable, non-competitive setting.Pilates has been described as the “perfect exercise system”. What makes the Pilates Method so unique? Pilates is a non-impact, resistance-based exercise system that can be done by literally anyone, old or young, fit or unfit, injured or healthy, athlete or non-athlete.Many people’s bodies have imbalances and weakness which may be caused by poor posture, old injuries, stress, lack of strength, tension, inflexibility to name a few.The benefit of the Pilates’ exercises are far reaching – like putting money in your retirement account for your future. Our goal is to help you reach a level of fitness that empowers you in every area of your life!

I Discovered Pilates: 1987

In 1987, long before the Pilates trend hit the mainstream, I saw the vision of what Pilates could be in the future. It’s almost like the spirit of Joseph Pilates came upon me and showed me the genius of his work and that I, a non-dancer, could assist in bringing his work to public awareness. Most, not all, teachers at the time were ballet dancers or former ballet dancers. What I saw was the physical-psychological connection with the Pilates work, the impact that guided-exercise can have on someone’s psyche, their attitude about life, their desire to change if they’re stuck in a rut, maybe exercise could assist in their recovery from a trauma, a surgery, a loss, a death or recovery from a depression. I shared my vision with some of my teachers at the time and they were a little perplexed, though supportive. This perspective was not the norm.

My Intent To Find Pilates: 1984

I remember when I was studying for my Masters Degree in Spiritual Psychology in 1984, a student whom I was counseling was upset and called me. I recommended she go for a walk for about 30 minutes and give me a call back. She called me after her walk and said she felt so much better and while walking got the answer to her problem. Not only that, she felt uplifted and less depressed by taking a simple walk. The reason why I knew to tell her to take a walk was because I exercised to regain balance when I needed it. Exercise was a big part of my healing process. My philosophy was, “If you move your body your life will change.

While going for my Masters, I simultaneously got Certified in Reichian Emotional Release Bodywork, 1984. This training helped me become very comfortable with the deep emotion we hold inside and fear to express. I practiced for a short time but found it too intense for me personally. My quest continued to find a way to work with the body-mind-emotions in a more gentle yet profound way.

Why Pilates, Not Therapy?

A question that I’ve been asked so many times is why didn’t I continue on to get my license to become a therapist. The answer? I wanted to be able to have a friendship with my clients; I wanted to make a difference in their lives and be able to openly be myself with them; I didn’t want the formality of a traditional therapist-client relationship. I have always leaned toward alternative modalities though I received great value from my traditional education.

My Trip To China – 1987

My movement arts were a combination of swimming, running and martial arts. I studied martial arts for about five years, including Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and Chinese Kempo Karate. We were required as students to study and test on not just the physical arts but the philosophy and energetic training that was traditionally practiced in the Taoist traditions. As a part of the program, I studied Taoist philosophy, history, Chi Kung, codes of conduct and ethics, Taoist Yoga and Tui Na acupressure.

I loved the Tui Na acupressure as I was working as a masseuse to pay for college and grad school. My martial arts school offered us a unique opportunity to study in China for six weeks. We studied Tui Na acupressure massage as exchange students at the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It was a life-changing experience. While there, we not only learned the Tui Na but worked in the hospital along side the Doctors practicing hands-on healing and acupuncture. We went to the Chi Kung Research Institute where they do surgeries with no anesthesia. We visited herbal comp