earth element
The acquirement and enjoyment of physical well-being, mental calm and spiritual peace are priceless to their possessors.
Joseph Pilates
The Earth Element is all about relationships.
Meaning is found in context and connection, as well as in the ways in which we assimilate and integrate. The super power of relationships is that they help us to ripen our own nature. We nourish ourselves and we care for each other in community.
One way to see it — Chinese Medicine is the study of functional relationships between things. Pilates is the same: functional movement, where each exercise relates to the one before and after (the glory of transitions!). This relatedness embodies Earth Element energetics.
The Earth Element is the Spleen and Stomach — our center, where we process nourishment. In our work together, the mat is the most Earth Element apparatus. It's always there, solid and steady, a reminder that we can come home to ourselves anytime, anywhere. I sometimes see the matwork as the hub of a wheel — a center we leave and return to, over and over. And the mat is also where we come together. Full classes, rooms of laughter and grunting, doing deep core work on common ground (pun intended). That's the community feel of Earth.
Quick PDF with name/contact of our RETURN Program group!
our community
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Equilibrium Pilates Cape Town South Africa 2002-2005
Body Control Pilates 2004 - 2019
Lolita San Miguel San Juan Puerto Rico 2007
Various classical workshops and conventions
Currently training with New York Pilates (London) Daphne Pena -
I am Irish, born in Dublin, married to an Italian and we have two wonderful boys. I was first introduced to Pilates as a broken dancer at Alan Herman studios in Covent Garden, London in 1997 and dipped in and out of it during my dancing career. I started teaching in 2002 and feel blessed to have a second career. Most of my initial training was contemporary but have been on a mission since then to train with more classical teachers. I have a studio which keeps me really busy and am always trying to find more time for me and my practice. I love being outside in nature and feel truly at home by the sea! I am looking forward to this program to learning, growing and sharing.
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francine.morina@gmail.com
Morina Coaching, Pilates and Yoga
Home studio
www.francinemorina.com
Stamford, CT -
USPA Authentic Pilates Certification - received 2009
Teaching full apparatus in various studios over the last 16 years and mat classes at various gyms and studios. -
My career began in Corporate America, earned an MBA and switched careers after my 3rd child was born. Have a Anusara inspired yoga training and a Yoga Fit certification , studied with different teachers. I am a certified professional Coach and Reiki practitioner. I love movement in all forms, other than Pialtes and Yoga, Dance, Barre, Pvolve, Walking. I am an avid reader (fiction and non-fiction) and writer(journal every day), meditate, play Mahjung and love to travel.
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IG @sjweh, private account but send a friend request please!
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I got certified in 2016, through a contemporary teaching program. But in 2019, I really started to dive deep into the classical work, getting to learn from Trey in Milwaukee (he is Peak Pilates certified), meeting Brooke the previous year and starting with Core Self YouTube videos before officially joining, its always just excited me, and even 10 years later in teaching and my own practice, I feel like I'm just getting started!
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Hi, my name is Sam, I love spending my time outdoors - whether that be hiking, sitting around a bonfire, or just simply walking the dog nothing makes me happier. I was born and raised in Wisconsin, but have lived all over the country and I really enjoy exploring new places, experiencing new ways of life and getting to meet people from all walks of life. Happy to be on this journey with you all!
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I took my first mat class at UC Berkeley in 1995 in a gym filled with 50+ students lead by a very strong but tiny Eastern European woman who kept saying in with the air, out with the air in a thick accent. My original training was in the classical method in 2000 (Alpers sisters & Romana lineage teachers), then Balanced Body Pilates Instructor Training in 2014, & ScolioPilates Practitioner Certification 2018. I have owned a brick & mortar studio since 2006 in Cape May.
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I would be a professional student if that was feasible. I love to learn & stay curious about the world. I am an introvert that pretends to be extroverted. Being near the ocean lights me up. I love watching the sunrise and set every day. I clear my head by walking in nature often with my dog, Ben, who is my favorite and last dog I will own in this lifetime. I read a lot of mindset, business and biographical books. I like to wander. I just got my boaters license last year & am working towards becoming certified to drive on the ocean. I am mom to Aiden (23) & Zoey (16) who are mostly joys but sometimes pains.
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robinb39@gmail.com
Home studio in Colorado, where I “help” interested friends and family.I live in Colorado, mtn time zone, and will be there until September 2026 when I will be in Maine, eastern time zone, until the remainder of the program.
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My Pilates certification was from a local Philadelphia studio in 2016. I’ve gone through some life changes in the last ten years but my daily Pilates practice keeps getting stronger.
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After three kids, a career, and divorce, I landed in Salida CO to live out my retirement years. An active life of travel, grandkids, Pilates, and outdoor activities keeps me young, engaged, and fulfilled.
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Asheville, NC, USA
IG @enjoyingillusionMy background is in Visual Communications and I own a graphic design business called Rocketmuse Design. I'm also currently teaching part time at Asheville Pilates.
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I've been teaching Pilates since 2014. I have two certifications in the classical method from Whole Body Method and Mind2Body studios in Los Angeles. Since then I've taught at various studios in California, Phoenix, and now Asheville! I also have my 200 hr YTT and completed a yearlong somatic dance program with Zuza Engler, who teaches a practice called "Moving With Life": a heart-based practice using movement as a form of body prayer, presence and meditation.
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Hi all! I've been living in Asheville, NC coming up on two years. I grew up in Chicago and Montana, and then moved to Southern California to attend college and ended up staying in the LA area for 16 years. I used to perform there as a pole/aerial and burlesque dancer, and I love the circus arts. These days I'm not in the air as much but have been focusing more on learning handbalancing and overall strength and mobility training. I'm in my early 40s and live with my beloved partner and cats. I love reading and solitude, and enjoying time in nature. I've also been getting really into Human Design, I find it a fascinating system. At this stage in my life I'm looking to grow and expand more in the movement/teaching realm, and looking for ways to connect back to more creative expression. I'm excited to be in this group and looking forward to getting to know all of you!
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stefanovichgabriella@gmail.com
San Diego, CA
The Sculpt Room, Flexcore Pilates
Instagram: flow.gabriella
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I started practicing pilates and incorporating it into my daily life + routine when I was 16 after an ACL injury. It was one of the best things I began doing for my body and have been practicing ever since. My first comprehensive training in mat & reformer pilates was in a local studio two and a half years ago. I teach group classes at three studio around San Diego now and am working to strengthen my instruction 1:1 with clients.
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Hello! I am so excited to meet you all! My name is Gabriella, I've been teaching Yoga for almost 8 years, and pilates for 2! I'm currently working on my Master's in Kinesiology. I still practice yoga, I've hosted fun retreats in many different countries and really enjoy putting on events for my community! I also DJ as a hobby, and love to collaborate music + movement.
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I was introduced to pilates in my 30's and did private training 2x week with a classical trained instructor for about 2 years. When she moved back to Colorado I purchases a reformer but missed the instruction so did not practice much. It wasn't until my late 50's when a friend of mine wanted to open the 1st pilates studio in our area that I pursued certification and began searching for training again. I went through Stott pilates over the course of 2 years and several weekend trainings out of town. I wasn't in love with the way I was trained so continued to seek out training more similar to my original lessons. That is when I happened upon a Gratz studio while traveling . This was what I was missing, the expert cuing, hands on correction and classical equipment and method. The closest studio I could find was in Chicago ( a 3 hr drive). After continued online search I came upon the Coreself content! The past 3 years with Brooke have given me more confidence in teaching and my own personal practice. I am so excited to continue this journey with you all.
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I also love to run, bike and swim so recently tried the Sprint Tri scene. So fun and challenging but in a good way.
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Ma Fernanda Valenzuela
Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico
mf.valenzuela23@gmail.com@marva__23
@uniq.authenticpilates -
one year teacher training program at Authentic Pilates Mexico with Nora Garcia, Gustavo Galati and Brooke Bergdahl
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I'm 35 years old, born and raised in Mexico. Love everything about fitness and wellness. Love animals, I have 4 dogs and 1 cat. Love music and going to concerts. but what I love most is teaching and bringing the best in all my students.
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USPA with Simona Cipriani and Brett Howard
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Mom of three grown kids, Nanny of two girls 6 and 4. When I’m not doing pilates or family stuff I like to strength train, play Mah Jong and travel.
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Denver, CO currently
Spring to Life Method (springtolife.co)
Currently teaching at B. Pilates Boutique in Greenwood Village, CO and a small semi-private studio in South DenverInstagram @springtolifemethod
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During my ballet career I dabbled in some mat and reformer Pilates but didn't really know anything about the method. After I retired I had several overuse injuries and then suffered whiplash which all negatively impacted my quality of life. I decided to get certified in Pilates and ended up at Club Pilates for a 500-hour comprehensive certification. When it was finished I was confused about what Pilates was/how to teach it and had not experienced much reduction in pain. I happened to find a classical studio and met my first mentor, Jennie Rathke a 2nd generation Lolita teacher. I mentored under her for 6 months and worked for her for several years. I met Brooke at a convention not long after and have been taking class with her whenever I can. I also try to attend workshops when possible. I am excited to expand my knowledge of the classical system and Chinese medicine!
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I grew up in the midwest but have spent most of my adult life on the west coast/mountain region. My boyfriend and I moved to Denver from northwest Montana last spring after I was diagnosed with lymphoma for treatment. I'm in remission as of November 2025! I have three dogs and we enjoy nature walks and hiking. I'm a big reader. I love cooking. I grew up water skiing and that's one thing I would love to do again semi-regularly.
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USPA CERTIFIED (3rd Gen Romana lineage)
Pilatitic teacher training
Bluebird pilates mentorship
10 years training
8 years teaching -
2018- present: owner and chief instructor BLAZE PILATES Hollywood, FL.
Retired professional boxer, 6th degree karate blackbelt, certified: stick mobility, roll model method, biomechanics, personal training and nutritional therapy
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Lizeth Martinez Padilla
Leon Gto. Mexico
Kontrolle Authentic Pilates
Instagram: Padiliz18
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15 years in Pilates
Authentic Pilates Teacher Trainning Certification by Nora Garcia and Coreself By Brooke -
I am a passionate person about my work, and I really enjoy socializing with new people. I believe I have a lot to offer when it comes to connection and community. I consider myself a cheerful person, and I truly love animals especially cats and dogs
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15+ years of practice. Began in contemporary, then found Authentic Pilates Mexico. Got certified at Authentic Pilates Mexico and by you on 2025 ;)
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For 30 years I was a PR officer, worked hard, enjoyed it, burned out. Mother of two wonderful adults, married for 30 years!!! I enjoy nature, traveling, practicing pilates and spending time with family.
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Montréal, Québec, Canada
Teaching in Montreal
I have my small business@claudine_hebert_pilates
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I have a full comprehensive teacher training with Stott pilates, and with Real Pilates
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I have a dance background. I have work for almost 20 years as a professional dancer here in Montreal. I LOVED everything about being a dancer, the classes, the rehearsals, the travelling, everything! I was extremely focused on my career throughout those years and living my best life.
We used to trained in school with pilates but when injuries started to impact my confort to much I really started using the method to train side by side with my classes. It helped me so much to deal with the pain and also improve so many little things about my technique.
I decided then to study pilates so I could teach it as well because I believed so much in it.
Today I no longer dance with companies, but I still love dancing.
I am now a mother of a wonderful little boy and I appreciate each moment spent with him.
I also started running in my postpartum period and I have become addicted !
I love teaching and studying pilates. I love sharing all of that with my clients, helping them own their bodies and learn about themselves!
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Kernersville, NC
clairehvogt@gmail.comMindful Bodi Movement Center
www.mindfulbodi.comhttps://www.facebook.com/mindfulbodimovementcenter
https://www.instagram.com/mindfulbodiclaire -
Comprehensively trained through Balanced Body and I quickly learned that there were gaps in my training. It was very compartmentalized and not taught as a system. So I began trainined under Laura Grant (trained my Lolita San Miguel) for two years, and then Lori Shipp Wall (trained by Kathy Ross Nash) for a couple years. However, the timing for a true mentorship never lined up. I have loved training and learning from Brooke Tyler over the years and so thankful the timing is perfect to participate in this wonderful mentorship program!
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My husband and I are preparing to be "empty-nesters" as our youngest will be off to college this fall. I am embracing this time to really enjoy all the activities that you sometime have to give up while raising 2 kids that are competitive athletes. I have taking up swimming - it's the hardest thing ever, but here I am at 48 swimming the 200 IM and rocking out 3,000 meters in an hour practice 3 days a week! I can only do it because of pilates! I LOVE being active!! Paddel-boarding, hiking, biking- you name it - let's do it! I am 48 years old and I plan on building the healthiest body I can because I have no intention on slowing down.
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@coreself
Mars Hill, NC -
Trained with Dorothee VandeWalle in Seattle WA in 2002. Her program is now called Metropolitan Authentic Pilates and she’s a remarkable teacher trainer and teacher. It was a super intense all day everyday 7 months of training and living in Seattle. Comprehensive and strict.
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My kids are my favorite. I’d like to grow most of my own food, be a farmer, rancher, homesteader and live outside all day everyday. I love team sports, being part of a team, and working hard in general. I’m fired up to bring this group together and see where the year takes us :)
Still can’t do a press handstand in the middle of the room but I’ll keep working on it!