Pilates

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Abena is the proud owner of Pearl Pilates NYC in West Chelsea, and Abena Pilates in Upper West Side, New York. She holds a Romana certification in Pilates and an ELDOA Level 3 certification.

Abena relocated to the U.S. in 2009 from London. She first enjoyed the beaches of Santa Monica in California, before moving to the East coast in New York City.

She's an adept of fitness and well-being, she also practices Yoga, Strengthen Training, Swimming and Running but she truly found her calling in Pilates. The method made her stronger, giving her more control over her body movement and posture. This satisfying feeling cannot be described but rather experienced and as the owner of Abena Pilates & Pearl Pilates NYC, her mission is to make people feel it!

At the age of 16, Tina found love for both Yoga and Pilates, which cultivated a foundation of spirituality in her life. She graduated college with a degree in Dance and Public Relations from The University of Maryland College Park. After early success in New York, she moved to Los Angeles, where she enjoyed opportunities in commercials, film, television, and award shows. Tina danced professionally for some of the Entertainment Industry’s biggest artists, including Beyonce, PINK, Nerd, Kelly Clarkson, Madonna, Cardi B, and Grimes!

Her Pilates Certification with the prestigious Romana’s Classical Program provided her with over 900 hours of practice in the Pilates system, including all pieces of Joe Pilates’ original apparatus under the direction of Stephanie Lawson at The pilates Center at Goucher and Cynthia Shipley in NYC of Lifespan Pilates. Her work has been instrumental in bringing about deep change in various wellness communities.

Ian began his Pilates education in 2007 in Atlanta & New York City. Finding it to be a fully comprehensive method of body and mind conditioning, he trained at Romana’s Pilates under the mentorship of Cynthia Shipley, Anthony Rabara, Nancy Jean McNamara & Sari Meija Santo before becoming a Certified instructor. 

Ian takes a broad spectrum approach to pilates and takes great pride in helping others achieve their individual needs and goals. Utilizing the various Pilates apparatus in the studio, he is able to help clients develop skills that they can take into everyday life and athletic recreation.

Ian holds a BFA in Painting & Printmaking from the Savannah College of Art & Design. Ian continued his path into Art Education teaching ages 5-17 and adults before entering the world of Pilates. 

Former investment banker turned pilates instructor, Jane made a career shift to share her love of the amazing work of Pilates.

Jane completed her Pilates apprenticeship at True Pilates New York where she trained under Sari Mejia Santo, Cynthia Shipley, Jerome Weinberg, Jamie Trout, and Nancy-Jean McNamara. 

Jane has been teaching Pilates at her home studio in Great Neck, NY since she earned the certification from Romana’s Pilates in 2016. 

Jane is passionate about helping her clients to reach their individual fitness goals efficiently and safely.

Kara, a New York City based professional dancer first discovered Pilates as a way to cross-train and prevent injury while dancing. She fell in love with how this method made her feel longer & stronger from the inside out. She is a Balanced Body Certified Instructor and believes when you feel good in your body, you are happier and healthier, and lead a more empowered life. She is enthusiastic to share her knowledge and expertise as a devoted, life-long mover and help others feel great in their bodies.

Lila brings a unique blend of movement and artistry to her Pilates practice, drawing from her extensive background in dance and over five years of teaching experience. A graduate of CLI Conservatory, she has cultivated a deep understanding of body mechanics, strength, and flexibility. Now pursuing her studies at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), Lila continues to expand her creative knowledge while remaining deeply connected to her passion for movement. With her expertise in dance and a holistic approach to fitness, she is dedicated to helping clients achieve balance, strength, and mindfulness through Pilates.