About Vitality Pilates

“Pilates can be described as 3 words, stretch with strength and control, and the control part is the most important, because that’s what makes you use your mind!”

–Pilates Elder Romana Kryzanowska

Inspiring Movement for Every Body

We honor the individuality and wisdom of every person who enters our studio. We believe in treating people with dignity and respect regardless of gender, race, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression

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Professional Trainers

We have Nationally Certified instructors and trainers to provide the exact type of Pilates experience you’re looking for.

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Flexible Options

Vitality Pilates has something for every body with group classes at three locations, online & video-on-demand options, and teacher training courses.

The Vitality Story

In 2000, owner Hilery Avritt started teaching private lessons in her living room and subleasing space from a local yoga studio. She was thrilled to open the first Vitality Pilates location in 2001 in the Mount Baker neighborhood. Today we have three locations in Mount Baker, Phinney Ridge, and Ravenna, as well as a robust online Zoom schedule and video-on-demand classes.

As Vitality took root there were two essential elements. First, to make Pilates financially accessible while maintaining individual high-quality instruction. Secondly, we allow clients and teachers to feel comfortable in our studios, as though they were an extension of their living rooms.

To meet our first goal, we pioneered teaching equipment Pilates classes in a small group setting. This remains the staple of our offerings today. In 2021, we partnered with recent Teacher Training Academy graduate, Princess Ayers-Stewart, to develop and implement Community Equipment Intro and Community Mat Intro classes for underserved communities of color, who traditionally were not represented or welcomed in the studio environment.

In our ongoing quest to meet our second goal, we encourage our instructors to develop their own personal style of teaching and explore complementary allied professions. We believe that expressing unique styles and interests invites a wholehearted approach that translates to a welcomed feel and connection with our clients.

The Teacher Training Academy was founded in 2005, has been accredited as a state vocational institution for 16 years, and has provided Pilates teacher training for 17. We train instructors to the highest standards and help each student develop their individual teaching style. Our graduates teach at our studios, at gyms and other studios nationwide, and also around the world.

YOUR PILATES HOME

We pride ourselves on offering smart fitness.

We have group Pilates classes available at 3 in-studio locations in Seattle, as well as options on Zoom and Video-On-Demand.

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Find A Group Class

We offer group classes, private lessons, retreats, and more. With multiple locations and many options, you’re sure to find something you love at Vitality.

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Schedule Private Lessons

A private lesson pairs you with a certified Pilates instructor to tailor a workout for your fitness goals and address any specific concerns or past injuries.

130

Classes Weekly

Instructors

Adelaide H.
Instructor

Adelaide graduated from the University of San Francisco with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in music (vocal). She found her love for teaching when she was working in the field of behavioral therapy with young children, and carried those skills with her to other child care and teaching jobs. She found reformer and Cadillac Pilates in college, and took up mat Pilates in a big way when athletic facilities were closed in 2020.

She graduated from the Club Pilates teacher training program in 2022, and soon after moved to Seattle. She adores how Pilates supports her other activities like weight lifting, hiking, and dancing. She is always a student first in work and life, and continues to expand her Pilates education with instructor workshops and courses. She’s known for wearing pink and other bright colors, and reminding her clients to drink water!

Andy
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher

Specialties: Athletes, Dancers & Other Performing Artists, Prehab & Rehab, Osteoporosis
A lifelong runner, Andy has always enjoyed movement. Still, he never considered trying Pilates until his physical therapist suggested it would help him rehabilitate a torn rotator cuff.

In Pilates Andy found a workout that not only relieved pain, but also improved his quality of life.

Originally from northern England, Andy first completed instructor training with Polestar Pilates in London in 2008 and then received a Comprehensive Pilates Equipment Certificate from Vitality Pilates in 2013. He’s been teaching ever since in a variety of capacities, from being the sole Pilates instructor at a physical therapy clinic to working at Vitality.

Andy brings an easy going focus to his teaching which reflects the work of Ron Fletcher and emphasizes flexibility, length, and posture. He specializes in Pilates fitness and sports rehabilitation.

Anna
Anna graduated from our teacher training program in 2018. In addition to teaching classes at Vitality, she also teaches at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute. She loves biomechanics, anatomy and wants to help people to be healthy owners of their bodies.

Anna is a dancer and a dance teacher and Pilates has helped her own balance, mobility and strength. Anna’s favorite class to teach is Pilates Chair, “It is nearest to daily life.” When teaching private lessons, she helps her clients understand their bodies so they can correct the movements for themselves.
Autumn
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher
Specialties: Osteoporosis/Osteopenia, Improving Bone Health, Surgery Prehab/Rehab, Pelvic Floor, Post-Menopausal Female-Bodied Strength Building & Functional Movement, Over 50s

Autumn, a Buff Bones® licensed instructor and trained in Restorative Movement at Nutritious Movement™, comes to teaching from more than 40 years of studying and practicing movement in different forms.

She first encountered Pilates as a young dancer at Smith College, but didn't begin teaching until almost 20 years later in 2006. She taught yoga, mat Pilates, and aqua-fit, then got her comprehensive Pilates equipment certificate in early 2012.

She has taught Pilates full time since then with an additional 5 year period of working as an instructor trainer in Vitality's Teacher Training Academy. Autumn loves to collaborate with her clients in problem solving and exploration, bringing her keen eye, natural curiosity, deep knowledge, and through precise instruction.

Over 50 herself, Autumn is interested in questions around aging stronger: how to build or maintain physical vigor and confidence in the second half of life. She enjoys clients of any age but is likely to keep at least one eye on functional everyday habits for long term payoff. “I love teaching Buff Bones® classes because they are intense and focused and help all populations build bone and joint health with the added benefit of being entirely safe for folks with osteoporosis or osteopenia and are great for improving balance”.

Her current favorite Pilates exercise is Chest Expansion in every variation for the focus on the back line. When she's not teaching Pilates, Autumn can be found with her nose in a book, taking a walk, geeking out with fellow movers at a workshop, or up in the air on a trapeze.

Bree
Bree started practicing Pilates in her teens as a way to get PE credits for her homeschool program. She quickly fell in love with how the Pilates method helped bring awareness and connection to her body. Since she enjoyed her Pilates practice so much, she decided to pursue comprehensive equipment certificate training through Polestar Pilates at the start of 2022.
Also, as an herbalist, Bree has a passion for connecting people with the plants that help their bodies abundantly thrive. Bree feels that her Pilates practice goes hand in hand with herbalism, as it is her mission to help people find empowerment and ease in their bodies through both modalities.
Danielle H

Danielle Hrachovec is a dancer, lifter, and Pilates instructor who has been teaching movement for over a decade. Danielle currently teaches movement while working as a program manager for behavioral health and recovery.

Danielle is passionate about accessible movement, having seen close family members navigate the world with disability, and she loves helping beginners build sustainable, healthy connections with their bodies that will follow them into everything they do. 

Danielle graduated from the Vitality Pilates Teacher Training in 2024 after 7 years of practicing and studying Pilates. She is excited to be teaching on Saturdays at our Ravenna studio.

Elizabeth B

Elizabeth Bannister works at the Mt Baker location as a physical therapist at Elizabeth Rogers Physical Therapy and graduated from the Vitality Teacher Training Academy in 2021. As a Seattle native, Elizabeth has learned to enjoy outdoor exercise, even in the colder months. She believes Pilates is a great way to cross train for running and cycling as well as to combat the demands of modern-day work postures. She has been a physical therapist for more than a decade yet has found the addition of her Pilates knowledge of exercise to be a true foundation of her current practice. Elizabeth enjoys structuring her Pilates classes for all bodies with striking and nuanced modifications when needed. She would like to say that she has unconventional organized dance in her past as she has a history of performing in a belly dancing troupe, where spinal articulation is a must!

Elli
Elli grew up dancing and originally discovered Pilates while doing a summer study with Pacific Northwest Ballet, finding it to be great cross training. In college, she taught barre and springboard classes. This was where her love of teaching first began. Several years later, after undergoing brain surgery, Elli rediscovered Pilates for a different reason, to heal. This only deepened her appreciation and admiration for the movement. She has a passion for working with individuals with chronic conditions as well as aspiring or former dancers. 
 
When not in the studio she can be found on long walks with her rescue pup and dancing around her living room listening to Madonna. Elli aims to make her class a safe and restorative place for all, while also tapping into creativity and exploration.
Erika

Erika Locatelli is originally from Idaho, but has lived in Seattle for over 20 years . She has been involved with movement practice of all kinds since her childhood spent dancing and growing up with a Yoga Teacher for a mom. Her interest in managing her own chronic pain from fibromyalgia , and Pilates profound results in her own physical health journey led her to pursue her National Pilates Certification through Vitality Pilates teacher training .

She loves leading groups of adults through challenging sets keeping them laughing (or rolling their eyes ) along the way. She hopes to continue to connect with her clients, helping them heal and grow as they strengthen their mind body connection.

Erin
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher
Specialties: All ages and abilities, especially those new to Pilates.

Erin has had a lifelong interest in health and wellness and has studied kinesiology, nutrition, and most recently, Pilates. She loves the combination of thoughtful movement, mobility, balance, and strength it provides.

She graduated from the Vitality Teacher Training Program in 2023

Jenn
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher

Specialties: All Ages & Abilities, Posture & Alignment, Strength Training.

In 2006, Jenn joined Vitality as a client and practiced Pilates to correct postural issues along with neck and shoulder pain. She was so inspired by the changes in her physical wellbeing, that after retirement from a career in technology and the fashion industry, she felt inspired to become a Pilates instructor.

She completed the Teacher Training Academy program in March 2020 and started teaching at Vitality right away. Jenn found that Pilates is a transformative practice and she wants to inspire people of all ages and physical abilities to keep their bodies and minds moving. Physical activity and adventure have always been paramount in Jenn’s life.

She has traveled to all 7 continents and more than 80 countries. Along with teaching Pilates, she is a Realtor and works with Village Volunteers as a board member, which sends volunteers to Africa, India and Nepal.

Jenny D

Jenny Dailey started learning to teach from the Vitality Pilates Academy in 2012 and has been teaching at the Mount Baker studio primarily since then.

With extensive anatomy knowledge due to her other training as a licensed massage therapist in Washington State, Jenny’s classes are informed, safe and specific. Her previous sport of Bicycle Racing helps inform her classes as she used to Race at the Velodrome in Marymoor Park in Redmond, WA. 

Jessie K
Jessie Keaton PT graduated from our Teacher Training Academy in 2023. She treats patients in Elizabeth Rogers Physical Therapy clinics at our Mount Baker and Ravenna studio location.
Jillian
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher
Specialties: All Ages & Abilities, Seniors, Athletes.

Jillian’s experience in distance running and obstacle course racing led her to yoga in 2009 as a way to balance her participation in endurance sports. As a result, she was happy to find herself experiencing fewer injuries. From there she tried Pilates and found the missing piece to her training, making her a unique instructor in that she has trained in different modalities.

After years of professional management experience in which she found satisfaction from mentoring and positively impacting people’s lives, in 2016 Jillian took over Pilates + Yoga in Las Vegas after it had been in business for 7 years. Jillian is a PMA certified Pilates instructor, 500 RYT yoga instructor, and an ACE certified personal trainer. Using this knowledge, combined with her years of management experience, she grew the client base and the business. She restructured the Pilates teacher training program, including writing her own 400-page manual to go along with it.

In 2023 she brought on a business partner to take over the studio operations so she could relocate to Seattle and escape the desert. Jillian has been inspired by the insight and guidance of the community she has worked with throughout her career, and she brings this enthusiasm to Vitality Pilates as the Operations Manager.
Kelli M

Movement is Kelli's medicine! Kelli was a dancer at a very young age before pursuing sports and strength training. Whether it was a walk outside or lifting weights, moving her body improved her state of being. After an accident in 2020 halting all forms of movement her physical therapist introduced her to Pilates.

After experiencing the mental and physical benefits herself, she enrolled in the Vitality Pilates Teacher Training Academy to become an instructor. Kelli finds Pilates to be the purest form of stress and pain relief. She's passionate about guiding others in their healing process. Helping others find their own relief guides her work as a Pilates instructor.

Kim
Specialties: Aerial Coaching, Balance Issues, Alignment

Kim graduated from Vitality Pilates’ Teacher Training Academy and has been teaching at our Phinney Ridge location since 2013. Kim says that, “Pilates has improved my posture and made me more aware of the quality of movement. I feel ageless and feel a strong connection between the mechanics of my body and my mind.”

Kim is an aerial coach and teaches good body mechanics while managing one’s weight in the air. Her aerial and Pilates backgrounds influence how she teaches everything and how she looks at all movement. “I enjoy teaching a variety of classes including traditional equipment and Mat as well as suspension training and cardio classes.” Kim wants her clients to find balance in their bodies, better posture and less pain!
Liz
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher
Specialties: Prehab & Rehab, Athletes

Liz graduated from our Teacher Training Academy in the Fall of 2020. She has always loved movement, whether rock climbing and hiking or dance, and later circus arts. She first tried Pilates at a YMCA while stationed in Georgia with the Navy, and could immediately appreciate the focus on functionality and breathing.

After returning to her hometown of Seattle, she spent some years working in restaurants and building her circus and other movement skills before starting her Pilates teacher training. In January 2020 she started working as an admin for Vitality while attending the Teacher Training program. Liz is absolutely passionate about sharing the tools to gain strength and flexibility at any level of fitness, for any body. When not teaching or in the air, she spends her time cooking, playing board games, and going for long walks in the rain.
Maple
Specialties: All Ages & Abilities

Maple first tried Pilates in 2016 and discovered what a positive impact it had on both her physical and mental well being. She left her consulting career and ultimately decided to become a Pilates instructor herself so she could help people feel better in their bodies. She graduated from our Teacher Training Academy in 2023.
Mari
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher

Mari, a Seattle native, has devoted much of her life to the art of movement, with a strong foundation in dance. After earning her BFA in Ballet & Modern Dance from Texas Christian University, she discovered Pilates while seeking a way to enhance her ballet training. That first experience with the reformer was transformative, igniting a passion that has fueled her 16-year teaching career.

During this time, Mari has built strong, lasting relationships with her clients, fostering a sense of loyalty that keeps them returning to her classes each week.

As a graduate of Vitality’s Teacher Training Academy, Mari combines her deep understanding of body mechanics and movement to inspire and empower her clients. Whether working with beginners or seasoned clients, Mari takes a creative approach to her teaching, designing classes that are engaging, distinctive, and tailored to promote lasting physical well-being. Her focus is on ensuring that each session feels enjoyable and effective, while supporting long-term benefits for her clients' bodies.

Outside the studio, Mari finds joy in cooking, diving into a good book, and cherishing moments with her family, continually bringing balance and mindfulness to every aspect of her life.

Mary

Specialties: Dancers, Athletes, Injury Recovery, Clients Interested In Learning How Their Bodies Move.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH, Mary received a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a minor in Biology from the University of South Carolina. Mary moved to Seattle in 2015 to pursue her professional dance career. She has performed with several local companies, including Spectrum Dance Theater, Khambatta Dance Company, and Stone Dance Collective, in addition to creating and performing her own works.

Every time I have an injury I use Pilates for rehabilitation and to keep the rest of my body active. Most recently I strained a hamstring muscle, and my PT used Pilates to strengthen the weakened area so that I could return to dance quicker.” Mary enjoys teaching Pilates Chair classes. “I find that the chair provides a unique challenge to an individual's balance and coordination. You have to rely more on the body to complete the exercises, rather than use the machine to guide you through the motion.”
When asked what her favorite exercises are, Mary said, “I am a big fan of chest expansion. When done properly it is a full body experience. I always make my equipment clients do chest expansion!”

Michele Muoio

Michele is originally from the East coast and started her career as a social worker in New York City working in foster care and adoption.  She moved to Seattle and after a car accident, with the guidance of her physical therapist, she tried mat Pilates for the first time in 2010 to continue healing her body. 

In 2018 she became a client at the Vitality Pilates  Phinney Ridge studio and through the teachings of multiple instructors; became empowered and energized by not just the physical benefits of Pilates but; also by the social and mental enhanced wellbeing that lasts beyond the studio. 

Michele will graduate from the Teacher Training Program at Vitality Pilates in August 2024 and is excited and energized by helping others discover the strength, control  and overall balance that Pilates helps tap into. 

Melanie
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher

Specialties: New Clients, Pregnancy, Men, Scoliosis, Neurological Conditions.

Melanie has been teaching Pilates at Vitality for over a decade, having first been a client at Mt Baker studio. Her training through Vitality’s Teacher Certification program in 2011 and years of experience there inform her classes making them challenging and inventive.  She has a dedication to the community of Pilates she is a part of, especially having seen the beacon it has provided through so much change in the world.

She enjoys the crafting of a class that provides balance and strength to the body, and promotes confidence. She loves the process of transformation in working with clients first introduced to Pilates and seeing them thrive over time, with the quality of life improvements the practice provides. Beyond Pilates, Melanie has enjoyed a long standing career as a photographer, and lives in the community of Mt Baker.

MK Trotta
Instructor

MK started doing mat, reformer and cadillac Pilates in her late teens and early 20’s. During Covid she really began to focus on her Pilates practice. She loves how Pilates can lead to enhanced mental well-being, as well as improvements in balance, body awareness, and posture. She is passionate about working with clients to inspire them to use the learnings from Pilates in their day-to-day lives. 

MK graduated from Gonzaga University with a Bachelor’s in Business and a minor in both Psychology and Music Performance. She found her love for teaching others when she was a Human Resources manager and taught new-hire orientation where she thrived at inspiring people to try new things. MK knew she was destined to become a Pilates Instructor and joined the Teacher Training Program at Vitality–graduating the program in August 2024. Combining her HR background with her passion for wellness, she focuses on optimizing team performance, fostering a positive workplace culture, and supporting the professional growth of instructors in her role as Lead Instructor at Vitality. 

MK is a huge bookworm and is known for telling jokes during class and reminding her clients to work their body in a way that works for them!

Natalie
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher

Specialties: Athletic Style Pilates For All All Ages & Abilities.

Born and raised in Hawaii, Natalie's foundation in movement comes from years of training in the native dances of Hawaii and Tahiti. After college, Natalie pursued a career in social work and mental health. She discovered Pilates after the birth of her second child and loved how the practice gave her renewed strength, energy, and focus.

Desiring a career shift, Natalie enrolled in Vitality's Teacher Training Academy, graduating in early 2017. In addition, Natalie received her designation as a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher (NCPT) in 2020 and her Pilates Certification from Breathe Education in 2022. In addition to Vitality, Natalie teaches at the Multiple Sclerosis Center at Swedish Cherry Hill.

Nicole C

Nicole was initially drawn to Pilates to improve her posture and overall strength, but soon discovered its broader benefits both physically and mentally. The precise movements and focus on core strength not only transformed her body but also brought mental clarity and stress relief. Excited to share her love for Pilates, she enrolled in Vitality’s Teacher Training Academy in 2024. There, she immersed herself in the intricacies of Pilates.

As a teacher, Nicole finds deep joy in guiding her clients through their Pilates journey, witnessing their improved strength, flexibility, and overall well-being firsthand. Each session becomes a rewarding experience as she sees their progress and celebrates their accomplishments together, fostering a supportive and encouraging environment for her students.

Patsy

Patsy came back to Pilates after she injured herself lifting weights. While she continued to lift through the pain, she attempted to mitigate living with constant pain with frequent chiropractor appointments and regular physical therapy sessions. After the pain continued, Patsy gave up on weight training and looked for some way to heal herself. It was at that point she remembered the Pilates classes she had taken years ago and she took Pilates classes again.

Thinking she would just take a few classes and then return to weight lifting, Patsy instead fell in love with Pilates as the constant pain disappeared, as her posture improved, and as she increased her strength and flexibility. Most importantly, Pilates allowed Patsy to return to weight lifting without the constant pain. Her experience with Pilates made Patsy not only want to deepen her Pilates practice, but also want her to share the benefits of Pilates to others. As such, Patsy joined the Vitality Teacher Training program and wants everyone to know that Pilates is for every body.

Phoebe

Phoebe began practicing yoga intermittently at the young age of 13. She always knew she wanted to be a yoga teacher but felt she needed to perfect her practice and body before pursuing that dream. As her practice evolved beyond mere physical activity, her mat became a place of deep healing and connection. "Moving my body to my breath allows me the freedom to drop my ego and really become one with my authentic self." This freedom gave Phoebe the courage and motivation to become the teacher she always aspired to be.

Now, over a decade later, Phoebe is excited to blend her love of yoga with her newfound passion for Pilates. She is eager to leverage Pilates to deepen her understanding of body mechanics and movement, enriching both her teaching and personal practice. As a dedicated advocate for joyful movement, you can expect to leave Phoebe's class feeling lighter, yet physically stronger, and more connected to yourself.

In her role as Studio Manager at Vitality, Phoebe utilizes her extensive experience to foster a supportive and thriving community. Her leadership is characterized by a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, ensuring that both staff and students feel valued and inspired. When Phoebe is not teaching or managing Vitality, you can find her reading, playing with her cats, and impromptu dance parties.

You can get to know more about Phoebe by following her on instagram @grimeygirly

Robin H

Robin started doing Pilates at the recommendation of several health practitioners to help with an injury 3 years ago. She had been primarily practicing yoga (mainly hot Bikram style). Robin quickly fell in love with Pilates because of how easy it was on her joints. She quickly realized core control was the key to avoiding injuries. She is passionate about learning and teaching Pilates–which is enhanced by her background as a massage therapist and English teacher.

Robin is excited to learn more Pilates and share with others how to strengthen, relax, and align the body at the same time. She brings this enthusiasm to Vitality and her classes, and hopes to create a safe space for clients of all levels to energize and improve their wellness.

Seneca

Specialties: Posture, Flexibility, Muscle Imbalances, Coordination, Stability & Balance, Plantar Fasciitis, Athletes, Minor Injuries.

Seneca grew up in Spokane where she studied ballet and modern dance. She later received her Certificate of Dance through Alvin Ailey Dance Theater in New York. She has worked with choreographers such as Darrell Grand Moultrie, Ray Mercer, Amy Hall, Norbert De La Cruz, and Nia Love.

As a mover, she quickly gained an interest in Pilates and how it aligns and centers the body, strengthens the core within, and helps heal injuries naturally. Seneca graduated from our Teacher Training Academy in 2018. She has enjoyed the experience of teaching in both Washington and in southern California, working with diverse instructors and clients. She loves sharing the knowledge of body awareness, making clients feel taller and rejuvenated through Pilates. She enjoys working with clients who want to improve posture, minimized low back pain and strengthen their inner core, improve balance and coordination. Seneca says, "The phrase 'Pilates is for Life!' makes me think of longevity in giving the body what it needs to naturally heal, maintain optimal form and changes the way we connect to our bodies." Outside of Vitality, Seneca enjoys gardening, hiking, and occasional photography projects.

Sharareh T

From athlete to healer, her journey has been one of resilience and transformation. Having embarked on her athletic endeavors at the tender age of six, she reveled in the thrill of competition until an injury halted her pursuits. Pilates became her sanctuary—a path to physical and mental recovery. Over the following decade, she delved into the world of weightlifting, honing her strength and determination. Hot yoga soon intertwined with her practice, enriching her journey towards holistic well-being.

Enduring numerous setbacks and triumphs, she has emerged with a passion to guide others towards healthier, happier lives. Her mission is to redefine our relationship with injuries, nurturing a mindset of growth and empowerment. By synergizing strength training with the transformative principles of Pilates, she empowers individuals to surpass their limitations and embrace their full potential. Join her in reshaping our approach to fitness, one step, one breath, one movement at a time.

Tiffany B.

Specialties: Dancers & other Performing Artists, All Ages & Abilities.

Tiffany B. (she/they) is a Seattle-based Pilates instructor, dance educator, choreographer, and performer. She is passionate about helping others feel present, empowered, strong, and comfortable in their own bodies.

Currently, she teaches all ages from two years through adulthood and feels fortunate to be involved in all stages of development and embodiment. In her classes, she values curiosity and “serious” play. Tiffany has earned an MFA in Dance from Texas Woman’s University, as well as a BA in Theater and a BS in Kinesiology from the Pennsylvania State University. When she is not geeking out over anatomy and physiology in the Pilates studio or watching dance performances around Seattle, you can find her polar plunging (or swimming during the summer) in Lake Washington.

Valerie
Valerie completed her Pilates Certification through the Teacher Training Academy at Vitality Pilates. Val started Pilates after a serious ankle/foot injury and surgery.  In just a few sessions, she noticed increased range of motion and a decrease in pain in the ankle and foot.  Additionally, a regular Pilates practice eliminated back pain she once felt after playing tennis.  This was enough to encourage her to take her Pilates to the next level.  
 
After a career in Sales and Marketing and later teaching Middle School Math for years, Valerie wanted to certify in order to bring the many benefits she has enjoyed from Pilates to others.  Her hope is that you walk away from your Pilates session feeling lengthened, strengthened and that you had fun along the way!
Vera
Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher

Specialties: Athletes, Dancers & Performing Artists, Prehab & Rehab.

Vera was drawn to the teacher training program at Vitality Pilates after she returned from three years of teaching undergraduate ballet, contemporary dance, dance history, kinesiology & dance conditioning, and graduate seminars at the University of Auckland NZ.

Previously, Vera taught ballet to children and teens in private studios in Seattle for 13 years. She is passionate about anatomy and loves sharing her knowledge with her clients and TTA students, while making her classes fun. After working with children for so many years, she finds teaching adults to be more rewarding and personally satisfying. She earned her Comprehensive Pilates Equipment Certificate in 2010, trains future Pilates instructors, coaches instructors, and served as our CEO through March 2023. Vera has BAs in Dance & Drama from the University of Washington, an MA in Dance Studies from Trinity Laban in London, and a Master of Creative and Performing Arts from the University of Auckland.

She is a member the International Association of Dance Medicine and Science, and has presented at IADMS and PAMA conferences. Vera currently serves on the Pilates Method Alliance education committee and as a Pilates instructor for the Seattle Dance & Performing Arts Medicine free injury clinic.

Warren W.

Warren Woo is a personal trainer, movement instructor, dancer, photographer and videographer. Born in Hawaii and having to relocate often as a youth, he was homeschooled and found his anchor through creative outlets including juggling and his study in music before finding himself in Seattle, WA in 2003.

Having developed his passion for movement playing Ultimate Frisbee, social partner dance, and resistance training. He gradually found his way to yoga, Pilates, ballet and contemporary/modern dance as a young adult and completed his BA with a major in dance from the University of Washington. He has been instructing movement modalities for over 10 years and thrives on sharing his passion with others.

Warren completed the Vitality Pilates Comprehensive teacher training program in 2024.

Zahr

Zahr first began Pilates in 2008 after having her second child, when joint instability made other exercise impossible. After six months of close study, she turned to yoga for the next few years. In 2014, she became certified as a yoga teacher in vinyasa flow and began teaching at a local gym and a neighborhood yoga studio. After completing additional trainings she began teaching twice weekly classes at Be Luminous in 2016. She has taught heated and regular vinyasa flow and hatha classes at four studios in Seattle as well as on Zoom during the pandemic.

A little over a year ago, facing a health crisis (a diagnosis of Long Covid along with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (“EDS”), POTS and other related issues), Zahr stopped teaching yoga and was unable to engage in her regular forms of movement, including yoga, running and hiking.

Returning to Pilates for healing and rehabilitation, she rediscovered the power of both mat and equipment-based Pilates. She joined the Teacher Training Program at Vitality in Spring 2024 partly motivated by a desire to serve the many others facing post-viral mobility impairments or severe hypermobility and related health concerns. Zahr enjoys teaching all different kinds of classes and believes that mindful movement can improve health while also building community. 

In her day job, she teaches law and loves helping students deepen their commitment to justice and learning. She aims to make various forms of education—from law to Pilates—more accessible and inclusive.

Certifications

Yoga Alliance RYT-200 Vinyasa Yoga (Be Luminous Yoga, Seattle); AHA First Aid/CPR/AED

Client Testimonials

I love going to Pilates here! I had never done Pilates before, so I was kind of nervous. The staff is super friendly and welcoming. The class sizes are small and the atmosphere is safety oriented and body-positive. At Vitality, there are people of all shapes and sizes.
 

– Susan

I found the instructors to be incredibly knowledgeable, wonderful at accommodating different shapes and sizes and physical abilities, and constantly focused on helping us achieve greater mind-body connection.
 

– Khiota T.