Liz Gillies

Qualifications: Certified in Pilates by the PhysicalMind Institute in Santa Fe. Certified by ACE. A scholarship student at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center. Has a BA in Physical Therapy from Hunter College.

Personal History: As far back as I can remember, dance and athletics were my passion. My pediatrician suggested I study ballet for my flat feet at age 4 and, by age 14, I was attending performing arts high school. I was selected regularly to lead Pilates mat warm-ups in musical theatre class and, 20 years later, I am still leading the group. I now combine my dance and movement studies with anatomically-sound core stabilization concepts and movement awareness techniques. As the owner of Inside Scoop studio on Long Island, I seek to develop innovative programming. This allows me to share the benefits of my work with people of all ages and physical capabilities. My focus now is on training other teachers in the Pilates method and certifying them through the PhysicalMind Institute, I develop my own CEC courses accredited through ACE for equipment companies and I present them at national conventions.

Workout Philosophy: For me, fitness and dance have always been a positive source of inspiration for reaching goals and mental focus. I teach with the belief that balance is the key to life. When you develop awareness of your body, your mind becomes awake and alive, allowing positive change to occur without force! I work with clients on developing this connection. We look at posture, gait, and mood as we balance our workouts with fun movements and serious stretches.

Sucess Story: My favorite success stories are connected with my clients at the Pilates Studio at Yoga Zone. We have patients with scoliosis, chronic back and neck injuries, eating disorders, and many who suffer from stress. To help them reach their physical and emotional goals and see them progress through the years makes me know I have a true purpose in life!