We have an amazing team of instructors on staff to assist you on your road to a healthy movement practice. Whether you are looking for a Classical Pilates Instructor and equipment, Contemporary Pilates work or need a Pilates movement experience for rehabilitation, we are here for you. In addition, if you would like to supplement your Pilates practice with the moving meditation of Yoga or strengthen your cardiovascular system with Zumba or Spin, we have a class and instructor for you.
Our Pilates teaching goes back to the original philosophy of Joseph Pilates' work; whole-body health, whole-body commitment and breath. Joseph Pilates created, modified and simplified movement to create change in posture, awareness, strength and function, rarely giving a client more then he or she could handle. You will experience that level of commitment from us, guiding you in the movement that is in the spirit of Joseph's work. It will be movement that will help you achieve the results Joseph Pilates intended.
In your search for a qualified Pilates Instructor, not all instructors are created equal. Check to see if the instructor your considering is in training to or has passed, a certification exam by a nationally recognized Pilates program. Passing a certification exam requires demonstrating proficiency in the actual Pilates movements in front of a master trainer, demonstrating the ability to evaluate and guide a new client through an appropriate program in front of a master trainer AND pass a written exam on the history, principles and scope of The Pilates Method. This type of certification should not be confused with having a certificate to teach Pilates, which is issued after an individual has taken a one day, one weekend or on-line Pilates class. In Joseph Pilates words: "A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion." Make sure your chosen instructor knows the difference.
Our Pilates teaching goes back to the original philosophy of Joseph Pilates' work; whole-body health, whole-body commitment and breath. Joseph Pilates created, modified and simplified movement to create change in posture, awareness, strength and function, rarely giving a client more then he or she could handle. You will experience that level of commitment from us, guiding you in the movement that is in the spirit of Joseph's work. It will be movement that will help you achieve the results Joseph Pilates intended.
In your search for a qualified Pilates Instructor, not all instructors are created equal. Check to see if the instructor your considering is in training to or has passed, a certification exam by a nationally recognized Pilates program. Passing a certification exam requires demonstrating proficiency in the actual Pilates movements in front of a master trainer, demonstrating the ability to evaluate and guide a new client through an appropriate program in front of a master trainer AND pass a written exam on the history, principles and scope of The Pilates Method. This type of certification should not be confused with having a certificate to teach Pilates, which is issued after an individual has taken a one day, one weekend or on-line Pilates class. In Joseph Pilates words: "A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion." Make sure your chosen instructor knows the difference.
Our Instructors
Terri Josephson - Owner/2nd Generation Pilates Master
After going through training to become a registered nurse, I discovered I prefer helping people to lead a healthier lifestyle so they didn't get sick! I have been a personal fitness trainer since 1979, holding certifications through ACE, AFFA and Health Management Corp. In addition, I hold a BSBA from Northeastern University. I received my certification in Mat Pilates through Stott Pilates, a contemporary approach to Pilates based on the classical repertoire. I trained clients in Mat Pilates for 11 years before 'discovering' the beauty of reformer and apparatus work.
I have been trained in classical Pilates work through Power Pilates, Peak Pilates and Lolita's Pilates Master Training Program as well as contemporary Pilates through Fitness Resource Association, Stott Pilates and Balanced Body Pilates. I have completed over 1000 hours with teacher trainers. I've completed over 700 apprenticeship hours. After working with people with various challenges, I went on to be certified by Polestar Pilates for Studio/Rehabilitation, using Pilates for rehabilitation, under the tutelage of Brent Anderson, a Phd. in Physical Therapy and a world renowned leader in using Pilates for rehabilitation.
Having been trained in both classical and contemporary Pilates, as well as using Pilates for rehabilitation, I am able to design a program that will work for the individual in front of me.
I am dedicated to continuously updating my education in the Pilates Method of Physical Fitness and have completed the following training: (this is not a comprehensive list, this only includes the training that focus on using Pilates as a corrective modality.)
Spinal Abnormalities and Pilates
Pilates for the older adult
Scoliosis and Pilates - Unwinding the Spine
Pilates for Osteoporosis
Correcting the Gait through Pilates
Pilates for Rotational Sports
Fascial Fitness
The Foot, Foundation to the Core
Advanced Assessment Skills 1 and pathologies of the torso
Advanced Assessment Skills 2 and pathologies of the upper and lower extremities
Lolita San Miguel's Classical Mat Pilates and variations
Lolita San Miguel's Classical Reformer and variations
Lolita San Miguel's Classical Cadillac and Chair and variations
Lolita San Miguel's Classical Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Ped-O-Pul, Small Apparatus
Pilates for Hip and Knee Replacements and lower body pathologies
I reside in Englewood, Florida with my husband and two sons. We are Florida transplants, having relocated to Englewood in 2008 to escape the cold winters of New England. We are now happily enjoying all that Florida has to offer.
After going through training to become a registered nurse, I discovered I prefer helping people to lead a healthier lifestyle so they didn't get sick! I have been a personal fitness trainer since 1979, holding certifications through ACE, AFFA and Health Management Corp. In addition, I hold a BSBA from Northeastern University. I received my certification in Mat Pilates through Stott Pilates, a contemporary approach to Pilates based on the classical repertoire. I trained clients in Mat Pilates for 11 years before 'discovering' the beauty of reformer and apparatus work.
I have been trained in classical Pilates work through Power Pilates, Peak Pilates and Lolita's Pilates Master Training Program as well as contemporary Pilates through Fitness Resource Association, Stott Pilates and Balanced Body Pilates. I have completed over 1000 hours with teacher trainers. I've completed over 700 apprenticeship hours. After working with people with various challenges, I went on to be certified by Polestar Pilates for Studio/Rehabilitation, using Pilates for rehabilitation, under the tutelage of Brent Anderson, a Phd. in Physical Therapy and a world renowned leader in using Pilates for rehabilitation.
Having been trained in both classical and contemporary Pilates, as well as using Pilates for rehabilitation, I am able to design a program that will work for the individual in front of me.
I am dedicated to continuously updating my education in the Pilates Method of Physical Fitness and have completed the following training: (this is not a comprehensive list, this only includes the training that focus on using Pilates as a corrective modality.)
Spinal Abnormalities and Pilates
Pilates for the older adult
Scoliosis and Pilates - Unwinding the Spine
Pilates for Osteoporosis
Correcting the Gait through Pilates
Pilates for Rotational Sports
Fascial Fitness
The Foot, Foundation to the Core
Advanced Assessment Skills 1 and pathologies of the torso
Advanced Assessment Skills 2 and pathologies of the upper and lower extremities
Lolita San Miguel's Classical Mat Pilates and variations
Lolita San Miguel's Classical Reformer and variations
Lolita San Miguel's Classical Cadillac and Chair and variations
Lolita San Miguel's Classical Ladder Barrel, Spine Corrector, Ped-O-Pul, Small Apparatus
Pilates for Hip and Knee Replacements and lower body pathologies
I reside in Englewood, Florida with my husband and two sons. We are Florida transplants, having relocated to Englewood in 2008 to escape the cold winters of New England. We are now happily enjoying all that Florida has to offer.
Cindy Chesbrough - Pilates Instructor
Cindy, with 20 years as a Pilates Instructor, brings a passion for the method to each session. In 1998, Cindy enthusiastically left corporate America to begin her second career as a Certified Personal Trainer (AFAA), Certified Spin Instructor and Certified Pilates Reformer Instructor through Balanced Body Pilates. Over the course of the past 20 years she worked at numerous fitness clubs and owned a boutique personal training/Pilates business.
Cindy, with 20 years as a Pilates Instructor, brings a passion for the method to each session. In 1998, Cindy enthusiastically left corporate America to begin her second career as a Certified Personal Trainer (AFAA), Certified Spin Instructor and Certified Pilates Reformer Instructor through Balanced Body Pilates. Over the course of the past 20 years she worked at numerous fitness clubs and owned a boutique personal training/Pilates business.
Michael Gish - Pilates Instructor
Michael, a certified Pilates Instructor through Traditional Pilates of Cape Cod, also holds certification through AFAA as a personal trainer and is a certified Gyrotonic Instructor. With emphasis on moving through the Pilates Repertoire, Michael challenges you in the sequence of the exercises. Michael has also completed training in Gyrotonic for Golf. Michael helps his clients achieve their fitness goals and increase their quality of life through flexibility and strength exercise with Pilates, as well as incorporating Gyrotonic into his programming, based upon the clients personal needs, abilities and goals. He believes it is important to understand the 'mind-body' connection to health and fitness.
Michael graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a BS in Health and Physical Education. He has been involved in fitness and personal training for more than 45 years, from coaching high school football, wrestling and track to his current passion of helping people find health through Pilates and Gyrotonic.
Michael and his wife are recent transplants to the Florida life, coming to us from Cape Cod, Massachusetts .
Michael, a certified Pilates Instructor through Traditional Pilates of Cape Cod, also holds certification through AFAA as a personal trainer and is a certified Gyrotonic Instructor. With emphasis on moving through the Pilates Repertoire, Michael challenges you in the sequence of the exercises. Michael has also completed training in Gyrotonic for Golf. Michael helps his clients achieve their fitness goals and increase their quality of life through flexibility and strength exercise with Pilates, as well as incorporating Gyrotonic into his programming, based upon the clients personal needs, abilities and goals. He believes it is important to understand the 'mind-body' connection to health and fitness.
Michael graduated from East Stroudsburg University with a BS in Health and Physical Education. He has been involved in fitness and personal training for more than 45 years, from coaching high school football, wrestling and track to his current passion of helping people find health through Pilates and Gyrotonic.
Michael and his wife are recent transplants to the Florida life, coming to us from Cape Cod, Massachusetts .
Sharla Mahshie - Pilates Instructor
Sharla Mahshie has been in the fitness industry for over 35 years and has taught Pilates Reformer and Mat classes for over 20 years. Sharla is certified through AFAA in Group Exercise instruction, AAAI/ISMA Personal Trainer, Body Pump certified, IDEA/FITX Mat 1 & 2, Pilates Apparatus Training with The Pilates Coach. Sharla uses her many years of work in the fitness industry to focus on strengthening the core and increase flexibility, as well as total body toning and balance work.
Sharla has continuing education in:
IFTA Mat Flex class
Sharla moved to Port Charlotte, FL in 1988 with John, her husband of 33 years.They have 3 grown children ages 32, 30 and 26.
Sharla Mahshie has been in the fitness industry for over 35 years and has taught Pilates Reformer and Mat classes for over 20 years. Sharla is certified through AFAA in Group Exercise instruction, AAAI/ISMA Personal Trainer, Body Pump certified, IDEA/FITX Mat 1 & 2, Pilates Apparatus Training with The Pilates Coach. Sharla uses her many years of work in the fitness industry to focus on strengthening the core and increase flexibility, as well as total body toning and balance work.
Sharla has continuing education in:
IFTA Mat Flex class
Sharla moved to Port Charlotte, FL in 1988 with John, her husband of 33 years.They have 3 grown children ages 32, 30 and 26.
Maggie Sarmiento - Pilates Instructor
Maggie Sarmiento is an experienced Pilates trainer out of Martha's Vineyard with a background in group fitness, dance and acrobatics. A classically trained instructor, Maggie's emphasis is on correcting issues with the body by finding the individual's best form and using it to execute the exercise. Expression through the body, mind and soul has always been her priority as well as teaching movement to all ages. She believes in teaching her clients how to feel their body's natural tendencies, understand it and then gain control over how to strengthen and correct it. From bartending, waiting tables, 27 years of spiraling, twisting, jumping and flipping, she understands how shoulder tension can build up, how sensitive the sacrum can be, and how delicate our joints can be and staying active and as we age. We must feel the body, move the body, feel its support and from there gain balance and feel more alive.
Maggie Sarmiento is an experienced Pilates trainer out of Martha's Vineyard with a background in group fitness, dance and acrobatics. A classically trained instructor, Maggie's emphasis is on correcting issues with the body by finding the individual's best form and using it to execute the exercise. Expression through the body, mind and soul has always been her priority as well as teaching movement to all ages. She believes in teaching her clients how to feel their body's natural tendencies, understand it and then gain control over how to strengthen and correct it. From bartending, waiting tables, 27 years of spiraling, twisting, jumping and flipping, she understands how shoulder tension can build up, how sensitive the sacrum can be, and how delicate our joints can be and staying active and as we age. We must feel the body, move the body, feel its support and from there gain balance and feel more alive.
In your search for a qualified Pilates Instructor, not all instructors are created equal. Check to see if the instructor your considering is in training to or has passed, a certification exam by a nationally recognized Pilates program. Passing a certification exam requires demonstrating proficiency in the actual Pilates movements in front of a master trainer, demonstrating the ability to evaluate and guide a new client through an appropriate program in front of a master trainer AND pass a written exam on the history, principles and scope of The Pilates Method. This type of certification should not be confused with having a certificate to teach Pilates, which is issued after an individual has taken a one day, one weekend or on-line Pilates class. In Joseph Pilates words: "A few well-designed movements, properly performed in a balanced sequence, are worth hours of doing sloppy calisthenics or forced contortion." Make sure your chosen instructor knows the difference.
Jennifer Arp - Yoga/Barre Instructor
Jennifer is a Certified Alignment Based Yoga, Aerial Yoga and BARRE Instructor. She completed her RYT-200 Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training through CircuSoul Yoga, under Kerry Tice E-RYT-500 and Britt Dienes E-RYT-500, and is barre certified through International Ballet Barre Fitness Association. She continues to grow her practice and is currently enrolled in RYT-500 Hour Teacher Training. Her teachings cover a wide range of yoga disciplines, including; Aerial, Vinyasa, Yin, Hatha, Restorative and hot yoga. Her practice began in 2008 when she was pregnant with her daughter. Practicing Yoga opened a whole new way of training and taking care of herself.
Jennifer has always been active and involved in fitness and sports. She started swimming competitively at the age of 7 and continued throughout her schooling. She's run several half marathons, 10K’s and 5K’s, competed in multiple triathlons and ran the Ragnar Relay twice from Miami to Key West. Jennifer has always pushed herself to try new experiences and new adventures out of her comfort zone. Leading a healthy lifestyle and providing a good example for her husband and two children are very important to her. Blending her love of yoga and fitness with a passion for teaching, she believes everyone can benefit from yoga. Jennifer welcomes all ages and abilities and looks forward to seeing you in her upcoming classes.
Jennifer is a Certified Alignment Based Yoga, Aerial Yoga and BARRE Instructor. She completed her RYT-200 Hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training through CircuSoul Yoga, under Kerry Tice E-RYT-500 and Britt Dienes E-RYT-500, and is barre certified through International Ballet Barre Fitness Association. She continues to grow her practice and is currently enrolled in RYT-500 Hour Teacher Training. Her teachings cover a wide range of yoga disciplines, including; Aerial, Vinyasa, Yin, Hatha, Restorative and hot yoga. Her practice began in 2008 when she was pregnant with her daughter. Practicing Yoga opened a whole new way of training and taking care of herself.
Jennifer has always been active and involved in fitness and sports. She started swimming competitively at the age of 7 and continued throughout her schooling. She's run several half marathons, 10K’s and 5K’s, competed in multiple triathlons and ran the Ragnar Relay twice from Miami to Key West. Jennifer has always pushed herself to try new experiences and new adventures out of her comfort zone. Leading a healthy lifestyle and providing a good example for her husband and two children are very important to her. Blending her love of yoga and fitness with a passion for teaching, she believes everyone can benefit from yoga. Jennifer welcomes all ages and abilities and looks forward to seeing you in her upcoming classes.
Sandy Strickler - Group Ex and Cycle Instructor/Yoga Instructor
My two passions are people and fitness. I've been blessed to guide clients and teach group classes for over 30 years. I currently hold certifications with ACE and Spinning. I am also a 500RYT Yoga Instructor through Yoga Alliance. My love of fitness and yoga has taken me to several island resort destinations including Anguilla, Jamaica and Mexico where I've held retreats. I'm very excited to bring my passion and energy to all of you
My two passions are people and fitness. I've been blessed to guide clients and teach group classes for over 30 years. I currently hold certifications with ACE and Spinning. I am also a 500RYT Yoga Instructor through Yoga Alliance. My love of fitness and yoga has taken me to several island resort destinations including Anguilla, Jamaica and Mexico where I've held retreats. I'm very excited to bring my passion and energy to all of you