ALL OF OUR CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS HAVE
graduated from comprehensive training centers where they possess extensive knowledge in the execution of the exercises, hands on techniques, anatomy, safety, and pedagogy. They each have a broad range of experience in fitness, dance, and somatics and continue to attend seminars and classes to stay current and inspired. Each instructor brings their own special teaching style exuding warmth, support and encouragement to guide you in reaching your highest potential.

Marcy Schlissel (Director, Pilates, GYROTONIC^®, Naam Yoga) graduated from the internationally renowned Pilates Center in Boulder, CO in 1999 and has taught Pilates in Maryland, Washington, DC and NYC. She currently trains teachers in The Articulate Eye Teacher Training Program at the American Dance Institute in MD. Marcy has an extensive background in modern dance, Laban, yoga, GYROTONIC^® and other somatic movement methods that inform and inspire her teaching. She received her GYROTONIC^® Foundaton Level I and Naam Yoga certifications in 2007. She has a calm, creative and humorous approach to teaching and continues to be inspired by her clients because of their dedication to learning. Marcy seeks to empower her students as they gain greater awareness and control over their own body and mind. Marcy continues her education by taking courses with Irene Dowd, Cara Reeser, Kelly Kane, among others. Outside of the studio, Marcy continues to choreograph and perform in NYC.

Lija Fisher (Pilates) graduated from the Pilates Center in Boulder Colorado in 2001 and has taught in Colorado, Los Angeles, and now New York. Lija specializes in prenatal/postpartum, injury rehabilitation, and the advanced work. As most of her clients come several times per week, she is adept at making every workout unique and challenging. Lija has the upmost belief in the power, resilience, and beauty of the human body and loves making her clients sweat while keeping a smile on their face. Lija has taught several celebrity clients and has a video series on Pilates with Kathy Smith.

Alyssa Gaustad (Naam Yoga & Harmonyum) teaches Naam Yoga and practices the healing technique born out of Universal Kabbalah known as Harmonyum. She is originally from California and studied dance in Seattle where she graduated cum laude with a BA in Dance from the University of Washington. She has danced professionally as well as studied and taught GYROTONIC^®, Gyrokinesis, Pilates Mat and Kundalini Yoga. Her studies have led her to the wisdom and grace of Naam Yoga and the powerful and gentle healing of Harmonyum. Alyssa is dedicated and devoted to sharing these divine teachings and assisting those who want to live a life of GRACE, HEALTH AND JOY!

Leigh Hansen (Director, Remedy Massage) began her bodywork training at NYU where she received her BA in dance. In 2002 she completed her Associate Degree in Massage Therapy at The Swedish Institute and opened her private massage practice that same year. She also has a Certification in prenatal massage from Niara Healing Arts and has been on staff at the Prenatal Massage Center of Manhattan since 2004. Several times a year, Leigh returns to the classroom for master level seminars and workshops to stay up to date on the latest research and techniques in her field. Her work has brought relief and rejuvenation to a wide variety of people including injured athletes, individuals recovering from cancer, those dealing with the effects of chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s and lupus and exhausted, achy, new mothers.

Ian Jorgensen (Pilates Aprentice) comes from a dance background,holding a BFA in Modern Dance from The University of Utah where he studied modern, ballet, choreography and kinesiology. He is earning his Pilates certification through Half Moon Pilates in Brooklyn and is excited to continue his education and training at Body In Motion. In addition to Pilates, Ian also teaches group fitness classes in Brooklyn. Ian places emphasis on body awareness, control and strength building in his teaching; the goal is to help his clients live more fully and happily in their bodies, leaving the studio refreshed and energized.

Olga Maidan (Pilates, GYROTONIC^®) received her Pilates certification from Sal Anthony's Movement Salon in 2005 and her GYROTONIC^® certification in 2007. She has continued her education with courses at the Articulate Eye Training Program in MD, with Bob Liekens, Kelly Kane, Irene Dowd, Sebastian Plattenberg, Kathy Van Patten and Hilary Cartwright. Olga's love of movement and healing has also drawn her into the world of yoga and the healing art of Harmonyum. She is committed to challenging and educating her clients about their movement capabilities, emphasizing empowerment through self-awareness. Olga can instruct in English and in Russian.

Karen Phillips (Pilates) comes to New York from Santa Fe, New Mexico where she completed her teacher training at Core Dynamics with Michele Larsson, a master teacher and disciple of Eve Gentry. After numerous sports injuries, and the development of tendonitus from years as a jazz drummer, Karen was drawn to Pilates for the emphasis it places on balance, alignment, and the uniform development of all muscles. She received her certification in September 2006 while completing her apprenticeship at Body In Motion. Karen continues to deepen her understanding of Pilates thanks to the dynamic group of teachers she fortunate to work with. When she's not teaching Pilates, Karen translates literature from Spanish and works at New York NGOs as an advocate for freedom of expression.

Dixie FunLee Shulman (Pilates) has been teaching Pilates for over 13 years. Dixie earned her certification as a Pilates Instructor in 1994 from The Pilates Center in Boulder, Colorado. She has taught in Colorado, Washington, and NYC. For two years she co-taught the Teacher Training Program at Balance Within. Dixie now also teaches Pilates, ball work, anatomy and special conditions/injuries workshops for teachers in the NYC, Connecticut, New Jersey, Long Island, Philadelphia and Seattle. Dixie taught Pilates at Ultimate Body Studio from 1999 - 2004 (Dixie continues her own education by studying anatomy with renowned dance kinesiologist Irene Dowd, as well as studying Pilates with master teacher Kathy Grant. She also directs Dixie Fun Dance Theatre.

Stephanie Sohns (GYROTONIC^® & GYROKINESIS) brings 10 years of academic teaching experience to her current focus of instruction in fitness/somatics. In June 2008, Stephanie will also have completed an intensive 3 year training program in the Alexander Technique. She believes that mind/body exercise begins with individual responsibility and patience, as well as the continuous pursuit to live and move with fluidity, coordination and vitality.

Elizabeth Wilkinson (GYROTONIC^® & Pilates) received her GYROTONIC^® training at Studio Riverside and has been teaching since 2005. Elizabeth first began studying Pilates at age 10 as a student of the Nashville Ballet and continued her study throughout her dance training, to which she credits her long, injury free dance career. Elizabeth completed her Pilates training at Center for Movement and continues her education in a more contemporary style at Half Moon Pilates in Dumbo. She also studied Laban Movement Analysis and Bartenieff Fundamentals at the Laban Centre in London, and holds a BA in Dance from Kenyon College. Elizabeth specializes in creating tailored exercise programs specific to her clients' needs, correcting imbalances to promote more efficient movement, increased range of motion and overall strength.