Hi, I'm Laura, a highly experienced Pilates teacher with over 20 years of expertise. I'm incredibly passionate about Pilates and opened the first Pilates studio in Davis, California, in 2003. My goal was to create a friendly and inclusive space where everyone, regardless of body type, could practice Pilates and feel their absolute best—body, mind, and spirit. With my extensive experience and training, you can be confident that you're in good hands.

Over the years, I've witnessed incredible transformations in my clients. They've become stronger, more flexible, and more resilient through Pilates. My extensive training in the Pilates method since 2001, along with certifications in rehabilitative and choreographed approaches, has equipped me to guide them on their wellness journey. However, I felt something needed to be added, because I couldn't take my students past a certain point in their wellness journey...

2017, I began working with Jay Grimes. Jay is a highly respected Pilates elder who worked with Joseph Pilates and Clara Pilates. Working with Jay, I learned the classical Pilates method through graduate-level courses at Vintage Pilates and its systematic approach to the method Joseph Pilates called Contrology. This system of exercises is performed on specialized Pilates apparatus and has a clear structure and purpose. As a result, I got stronger, and my students experienced significant improvement in their strength and overall well-being. Sandy Shimoda, founder of Vintage Pilates, has also been a constant source of inspiration for me, from learning with her at Vintage on Sawtelle to doing her online workshops and Teachers Cub Houses - the learning never stops!

In 2018, Lift Pilates changed from a "contemporary" to a classical/traditional Pilates studio, and now my studio houses the new Contrology Reformer by Balanced Body, a revolutionary, yet traditional piece of equipment that Jay helped design. Its unique design details restore its original reformer feel, enhancing the original Pilates experience. We also have a Contrology Cadillac and Wunda Chair, and The Making of The Contrology Reformer was partially filmed on location at Lift Pilates. In July 2023, we were the first Pilates studio in the area to offer "open studio", an innovative teaching style that is rooted in tradition.

Today, I work with Wade Edwell, who runs a virtual immersive coaching program offering graduate level education courses out of Australia https://properpilates.com.au. It was Wade who helped me turn my studio into my open studio format - it places the onus on clients and promotes strong self-practice in a dynamic, community-oriented environment. Since I've implemented this format, my clients have made remarkable progress in their Pilates practice both physically and mentally in mere months that previously would have taken years to achieve.

I teach Pilates the way Joseph Pilates intended, where each person has a personalized workout tailored to their unique needs and goals in a dynamic, community-oriented small group setting. To be a part of my Pilates community, I ask that you commit to working out with me at least twice weekly and learning your workout to get practical and meaningful guidance. You are not just a number here but a valued community member. We'll build community, have fun, and, most importantly, you'll achieve your goals. So, if you're ready to take your Pilates practice to the next level, join me today!

Call me, and let's get started today! (530)220-4579

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