YOUR PRIVATE PILATES TEAM IN FRANKFURT SACHSENHAUSEN

During my studies as an orchestra conductor, I began practicing ballet to better understand movements and enhance my effectiveness in conveying music. Alongside ballet, I also started taking Pilates classes to strengthen my body. During the Covid-19 pandemic, I had the opportunity to deepen my Pilates knowledge and completed the Pilates mat training with Davorka Kulenovic in 2021. In 2022, I completed the classical teacher training, which includes all equipment. I have a strong interest and great passion for the structure of the human body. That's why I regularly attend further training courses on topics such as scoliosis and anatomy. Additionally, I am certified as a "Healthy Pregnancy Planner" for women and continue my studies in prenatal care. I have a keen sense of body posture and alignment and strive to develop a balanced body. In my classes, I lead with calmness, provide precise instructions, and make the lessons both motivating and challenging. Während der Covid-Pandemie hatte ich die Gelegenheit, meine Pilates-Kenntnisse zu vertiefen und absolvierte 2021 die Pilates-Matten-Ausbildung bei Davorka Kulenovic. Im Jahr 2022 schloss ich die klassische Lehrerausbildung ab, die alle Geräte umfasst. Ich habe ein starkes Interesse und eine große Leidenschaft für die Struktur des menschlichen Körpers. Darum besuche ich regelmäßig Weiterbildungen zu Themen wie Skoliose und Anatomie. Darüber hinaus bin ich als „Gesunde Schwangerschaftsplanerin“ für Frauen zertifiziert und setze mein Studium in der Schwangerschaftsvorsorge fort. Ich verfüge über ein feines Gespür für Körperhaltung und -ausrichtung und strebe danach, einen ausgewogenen Körper zu entwickeln. In meinen Unterrichtseinheiten führe ich mit Gelassenheit, gebe präzise Anweisungen und gestalte den Unterricht motivierend und anspruchsvoll.

In the mid-90s, I had my first encounter with the Pilates method on a Reformer. I was immediately fascinated by the holistic approach to training. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to pursue classical Pilates, and what started as a hobby became a passion. A few years later, I completed a comprehensive training program with my teacher Clare Dunphy Hemani, earning the title of "Comprehensive Peak Pilates Trainer" for mat and equipment. In 2003, I opened my own Pilates studio named PRIVATE PILATES. My goal was clearly defined: I wanted to create a space for women to train holistically and exclusively in a private setting. Additionally, I aimed to make the classical Pilates method well-known in Frankfurt. With a Reformer, a Pilates mat, and various barrels, I opened my studio. However, word-of-mouth quickly filled my classes, and I continuously expanded my equipment until the space became too small. In 2008, I expanded and had three training rooms with Reformers and a Cadillac, a massage room, and employed three trainers. At that time, we were already offering individual, duet, and small group classes on Pilates equipment. Following the solid foundational training, I pursued continuous education. A highlight was in 2013 when I completed a three-year course in 'Structural Integration Anatomy Trains' with Thomas Myers. I delved deeply into the world of fascia and anatomy, learned manual practices, and integrated the knowledge of the "Anatomy Trains fascia lines" which I still apply in my classical Pilates training today. During my many years of self-employment, I also worked with professional athletes like the then DFB player and 1st Bundesliga player Timo Hildebrand and unique personalities such as Palantir CEO Alex Karp. My Pilates training significantly improved their physical fitness and overall well-being. My specialty is offering training to people with physical limitations, such as a herniated disc, scoliosis, training during and after cancer, or similar conditions. The successes of my work are promising. I have already been able to help numerous clients and permanently alleviate their complaints. After a sabbatical, I opened my current location in 2021 and realized my original goal: a boutique studio exclusively for women - a private place where I share my experiences with you and offer personalized workouts that will help you feel better and reverse your aging process! With my team of highly qualified trainers, I offer exclusive Reformer groups for only 4 women, duets, and the coveted individual training. We place great emphasis on privacy, reflecting the name of our studio. In our training room, you will be taught individually and won't have to share the space with another client, and there is a half-hour break between appointments. Thus, you can enjoy your Pilates training with us in absolute privacy. Even though I can now look back on over 20 years of professional experience, I am far from tired of continuing to develop. The year 2024 marks the beginning of a new era for me. I have started two master training programs: the KRN Red Thread Pilates Professional Advanced Teacher Training Program (PPATT) by Kathy Ross Nash, which takes place only at 'The Ranch' in Sarasota, Florida, a privilege as she invites only 10 students per year, and the Unopilates School PG Program (Principles of Guidance) by Miguel Silva in Zurich, Switzerland. These two master programs will enable me to further refine my Pilates skills and deepen my extensive knowledge, advancing the Pilates standard in Frankfurt and Germany.

My first Pilates experience was in 2011. I was immediately impressed by the results and the positive effects not only on my body but also on my mind. Two years later, I decided to change my career path to become a professional Pilates instructor and help others benefit from this extraordinary method. In 2017, my family and I moved to Japan, where after four years of study, I successfully completed all the training and requirements to become a certified STOTT Pilates instructor for Matwork, All Equipment, and Special Populations at the Merrithew Licensed Center in Tokyo. I realize that this is only the beginning of an endless journey, and with my lifelong learning mindset, I am always happy to attend special workshops and seminars to stay up to date with the latest health and fitness research. I have 10 years of teaching experience both in my home country, Poland, and in Japan. I had the pleasure of leading my own classes for the international community in Yokohama and working in a professional Pilates studio in Tokyo, where I interacted with people from all over the world. Why is Pilates so unique and different from any other fitness exercise for me? Mental and physical health are interconnected, and Pilates was developed to support both the human body and the mind.

Over 6 years ago, I discovered the Pilates method because I was looking for something that would benefit my body in the long term. Pilates helped me understand that physical activity is not about counting calories and burning fat, but rather about keeping the spine healthy so that one can move with ease. Since then, I've been practicing Pilates daily, and 3 years ago, I decided to pursue comprehensive Pilates training alongside my main occupation at Klinika Pilates in Katowice, Poland. I trained with some of the most renowned Pilates teachers in the industry: Alexandra Adams, Katie Yip, Miguel Silva, Dominique Bandi, Davorka Kulenovic, Anna Łukasik, and Jarek Łukasik.

Michelle discovered Pilates during her freelance dance career, turning to somatic movement practices for healing and restoration. Inspired by how Pilates transformed her own body, she developed a passion for sharing its benefits with others. In 2016, she earned her STOTT PILATES® Full Certification and advanced to Instructor Trainer after completing specialized training at Merrithew™ headquarters in Toronto. Her expertise in Pilates is enriched by her extensive background in dance. Michelle works with clients of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels, including those seeking recovery, rehabilitation, and professional athletes. She has taught extensively in the Twin Cities, MN (US) and internationally, leading workshops and training programs in Frankfurt. While in Frankfurt, she completed her M.A. in Contemporary Dance Education at the Frankfurt University of Music and Performing Arts. Dedicated to empowering clients through movement, Michelle continuously expands her knowledge of mind-body techniques, anatomy, and movement, with a focus on fascia. Her teaching blends strength, flexibility, and coordination, emphasizing awareness and efficient, sustainable movement patterns. She is grateful and excited to be a part of Private Pilates where she can continue to deepen her practice and share her passion for Pilates.