Joseph Pilates - The LegendJoseph "Jo" Pilates was enamored of the classical Greek ideal of a man who is balanced equally in body, mind, and spirit. He came to believe that our modern life-style, bad posture, and inefficient breathing were the roots of poor health. His answer to these problems was to design a unique series of life enhancing physical exercises that help to correct muscular imbalances and improve posture, coordination, balance, strength, and flexibility, as well as to increase breathing capacity and organ function.
Ella Eastham, PTA Ella has been actively involved in the fitness/health arena since being selected for UCLA Army ROTC and serving five years as a commissioned officer in Bosnia and Japan.
After completing her military service she became a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant. She spent five years working both inpatient and outpatient care - giving her invaluable experience working with all levels of patient care.
Because of her passion for health and well being she studied Pilates and became a certified STOTT instructor in 2003. She is a Full Circle certified instructor on all equipment.
Ella continued her education with STOTT– taking the Injury and Special Populations and Breast Cancer Survivor Rehab courses. She is also a certified ACE personal trainer, ResistaBall, and YMCA Silver Sneakers instructor.
Ella's favorite activities are Pilates, walking/cycling with friends, and spending quality time with her hubby, family & her most beautiful 4 cats (Karma, Karel, Mimi & Smoochey)! Email: ella@joyofpilates.net
Rene Wendt, PTA
Rene's first experience with Pilates was an attempt to find an answer for chronic back pain that had plagued her for a year. After adding Pilates to her exercise regime she not only recovered, but wanted to share what she had learned.
Her background includes STOTT, the Physical Mind Institute and The Mind Body Institute. She is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant working at an outpatient clinic.
Rene loves to be outside and running is her passion. She also enjoys hiking and snow skiing. This photo was taken in the heather hills in Ireland!
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Catalina Kenevan
Cata has been passionate about health and fitness since she gave up smoking at 19 and got on a bike instead. Cata loves teaching, whether it be to high school students, beginning knitters, or Pilates students. She has studied yoga and NIA (a dance-like fitness) for a number of years and immediately fell in love with Pilates. She loves the focus, serenity and challenge that Pilates brings and feels a whole new connection to her body since she became aware of her core muscles.
Just like her obsessive and smart border Collies, Cata focused with determination and passion on her Pilates practice and trained to be an instructor through Joy of Pilates. She is an IDEA member and is excited to teach and inspire her students to connect to their bodies and stretch their minds as they push themselves to new limits. When she is not in the Pilates studio you might see her pedaling on Chuckanut Drive, doing agility with her partner and their brilliant dogs, or working on her artwork, which is currently on display in the studio! Email: cata@joyofpilates.net
"Cata's classes are a delight to attend because her enthusiasm and passion for teaching Pilates is so obvious. While the classes are fast paced, she always pays close attention to each individual's form so she can correct anything that could be problematic AND she always has a smile on her face. I love that!" - Barbara P.
Emma is our newest addition to the Joy Studio. Shas been interested and involved with health and fitness for the majority of her life. She was introduced to pilates by her family -- as her mom, aunt and brother ALL take Pilates!!! And now she is hooked! Emma believes Pilates is one of the most intelligent ways to get your body the amazing workout it deserves.
Outside of Pilates Emma is finishing getting her massage license at Whatcom Community College and will be licensed and practicing by late spring. If she has anytime outside of the classroom she enjoys dancing, any kind from ballet to tap dance, as well as taking long walks on the beatiful beaches here in Whatcom County.
