Biography
A minor injury led Melanie to her first private pilates class in 2002 and soon came to consider pilates as one of the most intelligent forms of exercise. After seeing and feeling the benefits of pilates in her own body, she wanted to share her experience with others. Melanie earned her 500-hour certification in Advances in Pilates Techniques from Marie-Jose Blom-Lawrence at Long Beach Dance Conditioning in Southern California. Melanie is a certified pilates instructor in Equipment and Mat work and loves sharing her knowledge of pilates with clients of all levels. Her classes are therapeutic based, focusing on anatomy, proper alignment and technique and utilize the latest Balanced Body® equipment.
Melanie is also a certified Hatha Yoga Instructor with the Yoga Alliance and began her journey in yoga more than twelve years ago. After receiving her first teacher training certification in Hatha yoga in 2001, she began practicing and studying the Ashtanga yoga system. Melanie has completed teacher trainings and workshops both locally and internationally with well known teachers like David Swenson, Lino Miele, and David Williams, among others.
Most recently, Melanie has been studying and teaching in the lineage of T. Krishnamacharya. In 2009, she was accepted to participate in a two-year teacher training at the Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram (KYM) in Chennai, India. So far, her studies there have included: classical techniques of asana (physical practice), pranayama (breath work), history and philosophy of yoga and the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
Melanie teaches a variety of classes from customized private classes to groups of all ages and levels looking to receive the benefits of yoga and pilates. Her down-to-earth approach allows students to feel comfortable regardless of experience or physical ability.