About
I love living and sharing my passion for movement, music, and community building, as I believe these elements powerfully heal. My classes - both group and private sessions - take you on a journey that not only deeply challenges your body, but also empowers your mind and uplifts your spirit. My instruction blends the meditative quality of linking breath to movement with intelligent sequencing and alignment-based cueing. I pay close attention to form and alignment, and always ensure clients receive a well-balanced class that is safe, challenging, and fun. While my classes inspire clients to sweat, work hard, and push themselves deeper than they think is possible, I also encourage them to listen to the wisdom of their bodies and to take breaks and modifications when needed.
In addition to being certified in STOTT Pilates, I also hold two 200-hr Yoga Teacher certifications, as well as a barre certification. With multiple certifications, I am poised to offer a broad set of exercises from numerous modalities in addition to mat and equipment-based Pilates exercises. In addition to movement, I also hold a PhD in Biochemistry, and am a Transformational Nutrition Coach and Reiki Energy Healer. With my extensive background in science, transformation coaching, energy healing, and teaching movement, I am uniquely poised to train clients from a deep well of knowledge, empathy, and motivation to help them feel their best.
As Joseph Pilates said, "Change happens through movement and movement heals". I couldn't agree more. I've been fortunate to train thousands of Yoga, Barre, and Pilates clients in both the group and private setting, and nothing brings me joy like witnessing a client heal his/her mind, body, and soul through movement. Teaching movement allows me help others in a profound and direct way. I love helping people feel empowered and confident in their bodies. Relevate means "to raise to good spirits", and that is exactly my goal with every client.
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Cindy D.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I am a certified STOTT PILATES instructor, which is a contemporary approach to Pilates that weaves together modern exercise science, biomechanical principles, and spinal rehab practices. The exercises are designed to restore the natural curves of the spine and is outstanding for injury rehabilitation and athletic conditioning. During our first private session together, I would do an in-depth postural analysis to learn about your body imbalances, and from there we will begin a program to build strength and flexibility based on your body's needs. Subsequent sessions are dedicated to balancing strength and flexibility, improving posture, and addressing any additional client health goals!
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been a mindful movement instructor for almost a decade, with certifications in Yoga, Barre, and Pilates. I am a Certified STOTT Pilates Instructor for Mat, Reformer, Chair, Barrels, and Cadillac (all Pilates apparatus) and have additionally been trained through STOTT Pilates for Injuries and Special Populations. I also hold a Barre certification through barre3, and have developed my own Barre Method called Relevate. Finally, I hold two 200hr Yoga Teacher Certifications through Radiant Yoga Boston and YogaWorks. I am currently working towards my Full (Advanced Level) STOTT Pilates certification, and am constantly pursuing continuing education to increase my breadth of knowledge about anatomy, biomechanics, physical rehabilitation, and mind-body wellness.
In addition to movement expertise, I also hold a PhD in Biochemistry and pursued my first career in Cancer Biology and Therapeutic Development. I also am a certified Transformational Nutrition Coach and Reiki Energy Healer.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For all new clients, I offer an Introductory Private Session for 4 Private Sessions for $270, which also includes a complimentary Postural Analysis.
For Mat Pilates Private Sessions, single sessions are $70, and 10-session Packages are $675. For Equipment-based Sessions (Mat, Reformer, Tower, Chair, Small Props), single sessions are $80, and 10-session packages are $750.
How did you get started teaching?
I have been a lover of movement since I was a child, and found Vinyasa Yoga as a college student. To say yoga changed my life is an understatement - it not only helped me calm my frazzled college student mind, but also allowed me to connect to my body in a whole new way. My love for yoga grew throughout graduate school (while also competing in long distance triathlons) and during my career as a cancer biologist. After a decade of practicing yoga, I pursued my two yoga teaching certifications and fell in love with teaching movement. Later on, I began practicing barre and Pilates to rehab hip/knee/back injuries from running and triathlon, and fell in love all over again. I love how Yoga, Barre, and Pilates all focus on mind-body connection, allow for lengthening and strengthening muscles (which is important for the young and aging populations alike!), rehabbing injuries, and helping improve posture. Very quickly, I realized that teaching movement was very much my life purpose, and I left my corporate career behind to pursue teaching full time.
What types of students have you worked with?
My classes are for everybody and every body. I work with clients aged 20-70, ranging from athletes to fitness addicts to those rehabbing injuries or just getting back to working out. I am highly experienced with working with expecting or postnatal Mamas as well. My top priority is offering an empowering, safe movement experience for my clients, where they will be challenged to do and be their best, while learning to listen to the wisdom of their bodies. Relevate literally means "to raise to good spirits", and it is my goal for every client to leave their session feeling energized, inspired, and strong in his/her body.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
My favorite event in 2019 was co-creating and co-hosting "Barre Babes, Unite" (BBU), a one-of-a-kind community event celebrating movement, learning, and connection. Hosted at my studio space in San Diego in March, as well as in NYC in November, barre enthusiasts from all over the country came together to participate in a Master Class (taught by myself and two of my colleagues), Workshops, and were able to meet like-minded people to build life-long connections. These events were the highlights of my year, as they combined my love for movement, community building, and collaboration with like-minded movers and shakers!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If you are looking to invest in private Pilates sessions, choose someone who knows anatomy, biomechanics, has a scientific/analytical mind, AND has strong communication and empathy skills. Moving bodies are like puzzles when it comes to injuries and imbalances, and it takes curiosity and a deep knowledge about the body to tease apart what is going on. Choose an instructor who deeply listens to you, supports your goals, is your biggest cheerleader, and who isn't afraid to ask for feedback in terms of whether your needs are being met in your sessions. Seek an instructor who isn't afraid to give adjustments or modifications for every exercise - there is a modification for everything, and it is important that you receive the workout that you need for that day, as every day is different. Be willing to invest in your instructor, as an outstanding instructor has greatly invested in their own education and knowledge, and as they say ... you get what you pay for!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
There are 6 questions I always ask new clients, including:
1. What is your occupation, and what is your activity level throughout your day? Do you move a lot, or spend most of your day sitting and hunched over a computer?
2. Do you have any injuries or health conditions I should know about?
3. What are your fitness goals?
4. Have you practiced Pilates before? If so, for how long?
5. What other movement modalities/sports do you enjoy practicing?
6. What is your "bigger why"? What keeps you motivated to stay with your workout routine when life gets busy or throws you a curveball?
While all of these questions are important, #6 may be the most important. Let's be honest - life is busy, and often times, one's workout will take the back burner when the schedule is full. However, this is often when you need movement the most! It is important to me that my clients are committed and dedicated to their practice/sessions so that they may continue to see progress towards their goals, and also to respect both my and their own time. I truly believe that the instructor/client relationship is all about teamwork, commitment, excellent communication, and having FUN.