Meet Our Instructors

IMG_9959

 

Hey there! I’m Jeanene - a lifelong mover and Pilates enthusiast. I grew up in Kansas City, where I basically sang and danced my way through childhood and I never really stopped moving!
Pilates first came into my life back in my New York City dance days. Between rehearsals, performances, and plenty of sore muscles, I discovered that Pilates wasn’t just cross-training. It was a secret weapon for keeping my body strong, balanced, and injury-free.
After more than 20 years as a professional dancer in NYC, I hung up my performance shoes and became a professor of dance at San José State University in California. Then, when my family landed in Knoxville in 2021, I felt a pull to dive deeper into what had always kept me feeling strong and centered: the magic of movement through Pilates.
I’ve had my share of injuries, and Pilates has always helped me to feel free and safe in my body again. That’s why I love helping others find that same spark! At Integrative Physical Therapy and Wellness our one on one sessions are a fantastic way to dive into movement patterns that may not serve your physical goals. I’m so thrilled to be part of the amazing team at Integrative PT, where I get to blend my love of movement, recovery, and connection every day. It’s such a joy to share this space with people who are passionate about helping others feel their best - body, mind, and spirit. My philosophy? Pilates is for every body. Come as you are! We’ll move, explore, and build strength from the inside out.
9fd2ecc3-c91d-4777-a9bb-8b64f7004b4e

 

Welcome! My name is Lori. My Pilates Journey started almost 20 years ago in Cincinnati, Ohio with a simple question to a girlfriend: “What are you doing to get those toned arms?” I’ll never forget her response, because it changed my life. “Pilates Reformer Classes. I’m going to buy you a package, so you can go with me.” I immediately became hooked after my first session. The exercises were gentle, but effective. There were so many different exercises and positions.
I never get bored with Pilates because no two classes are the same. Chatting with my girlfriend made the time fly by! I never knew exercising could be this fun! The results of Pilates were fascinating. My posture improved, my flexibility and my strength.
For three years, I religiously practiced Pilates three times a week. Then, my husband was offered a job back in our hometown, Knoxville, TN. I was so excited to come home, but was devastated when I learned there was not a Pilates studio in Knoxville. I longed to be an instructor and bring my love to Knoxville, but would not leave my children to go away for a training program. My solution was to purchase my own reformer and continue my practice at home while they grew. I did this for years, taking classes in big cities like New York and
Washington whenever I traveled.
My big break in becoming an instructor happened a few years ago. A friend called to say she had heard of a Pilates instructor training program here in Knoxville. I jumped at the opportunity! I completed the 500 hours of instructor training in 6 months while working another full time job. When I finally received my certification, I retired my CPA and CCFO licenses and began sharing my pilates passion full time. I have never been happier! I am so excited to start a
pilates journey with you!
ba2bf4d9-d75f-4e23-b5a2-6bb9967f25fd

 

Hello, my name is Cristina Dalton.  I just moved to Knoxville in July 2023.  I spent the last 5 years in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Before that, most of my life was spent in Tucson, Arizona.  I began my Pilates adventure in 2000 with my sister, who opened a practice in Tucson, Arizona.  I fell in love with the Pilates practice.  I found myself again after having 3 daughters.  Pilates helped me ground, balance, and breathe again.  I have been teaching equipment and  mat classes for the last 7 years, and was a practicing yoga, Pilates, dancer, and runner before that.

Movement is life. I strive to teach movement from a holistic point of view. I love formatting sessions to meet individual needs, whether navigating a movement practice with a hip replacement or aiming for advanced balance challenges.  I believe movement should be fun, meet you where you are, and take you where you want to go.  I also love creating spaces, both physical and mental, for movement.  Spaces for friends to come to move, create connections, and stay accountable to themselves.  I have 3 daughters whom I endeavor to be a good role model for as a mom, friend, and advocate. I aspire to be these things to the community around me as well.

About Reformers Pilates

IMG_9988

 

 Reformer Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on strengthening and improving flexibility, balance and body awareness.

 

Key Principles of Pilates:
  • Core Strength: Reformer Pilates emphasizes strengthening the core muscles, including the abdominal muscles, back, and hips. 
  • Flexibility: Exercises are designed to improve flexibility throughout the body. 
  • Alignment: Proper posture and alignment are crucial to reformer Pilates. 
  • Breath Control: Breathing techniques are integrated into exercises to enhance movement and coordination. 
  • Whole-Body Approach: Reformer Pilates exercises engage multiple muscle groups and improve overall body function. 

Benefits of Reformer Pilates: 

  • Improved posture and body alignment
  • Enhanced core strength and stability
  • Increased flexibility and mobility
  • Reduced risk of injuries
  • Improved balance and coordination
  • Enhanced body awareness and mind-body connection
  • Stress reduction and relaxation

 

Types of Pilates Classes: 

 

  • Reformer Pilates: Uses a specialized machine called a reformer to add resistance and variety to exercises. 
  • Private Reformer Pilates: One-on-one individualized sessions with a certified instructor for personalized guidance that focuses on upper/lower body and core strength. 
  • Semi-Private Reformer Pilates: Two to three-person sessions, with a certified instructor and personalized guidance. 
  • Group Reformer Pilates: Four-person sessions, with a certified instructor and personalized guidance.

 

Who Can Do Reformer Pilates: 

Reformer Pilates is suitable for people of all ages, fitness levels, and abilities. Modifications can be made to accommodate different needs. However, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before starting reformer Pilates if you have any underlying health conditions. 

Conclusion: 

Reformer Pilates is a versatile and beneficial exercise form that promotes strength, flexibility, and overall well-being. It is a great option for individuals seeking to improve their posture, core strength, and body awareness. With proper instruction and modifications, reformer Pilates can be enjoyed by people of all backgrounds.