Shelia C

Shelia was first drawn to Pilates because of its fluidity and the invigorated feeling after each class and through her own Pilates practice. She noticed a deeper awareness of her body’s movement patterns along with improved strength and posture. In addition, because of previous lower back issues, her back is now stronger and more flexible. This change had such a dramatic effect on her that it inspired her to study Pilates and the human body further and decided she wanted to teach Pilates so that she could help others feel similar benefits. Shelia loves seeing clients walk out of their sessions smiling, feeling re-energized, and excited about the improvements they feel physically and emotionally. Due to her working with many clients with various issues, ages, abilities, and goals, is where she has come to fully appreciate the depth of STOTT PILATES® itself, and the multitude of physical benefits it offers to people regardless of age, fitness level, and goals.

Shelia is a fully STOTT PILATES® Certified Instructor and received her training at Bodycenter Studios in Seattle, WA. In addition, she has in-depth training in Anatomy Principles for Pilates Instructor which include:

• Anatomy Methodologies (includes the skeleton).
• Joints, Articulations and Muscle Terminology (types of joints and how they articulate and muscle terminology, etc.).
• Anterior Trunk, Neck and Breathing (anterior trunk muscles and the inner core of the body. The abdominals, diaphragm, intercostals, and pelvic floor as well as neck musculature- scalenes, sternocleidomastoid).
• The Scapula and The Hip (The shoulder girdle, the muscles affecting the neck and the shoulder with the movement of the scapula. The Hip ball and socket joint and the muscles).
• The Hip and The Knee (bony anatomy and alignment of the lower quarter, the joints and their movements, and the muscles that are emphasized so often in Pilates. The inter-relationships of these muscles groups).
• Elbow, Posture, and Movement Analysis (the elbow joint and the corresponding muscles. Postural Analysis and Exercise Analysis).
• The Deep Spine (The Multifidus for core support along with the posterior muscles of the body).
• The Leg and Foot (the lower leg and how it functions with the foot).

Her extensive training and practice have given her the mental and physical discipline, increased awareness and skill to identify any alignment issues her clients may have and build custom corrective exercise programs around her clients to begin the process of correction.

Shelia also has had the pleasure of working with clients diagnosed with MS and Parkinson’s disease and has witnessed the benefits of Pilates has had on them. She has seen how Pilates can address nearly every major symptom of these neurological conditions, and that her Pilates training is uniquely trained to note posture and movement – two keys to the puzzle of where to start an exercise. She has the skill set and passion to look at a client ‘s needs and determine what movements need to be improved. She helps clients master certain movements by using the Pilates apparatus, springs and gravity to assist a client in completing movements successfully that he or she may not be able to do without the assistance of the springs or changing the orientation to gravity. As the clients gets stronger, he or she can increase the amount of resistance or difficulty for an exercise.

AGING POPULATIONS

Shelia recognizes that we are living longer increasing our life span but does not necessarily mean we are healthy. There is a huge need in addressing the aging population to improve our health span due to having a longer life span. With her functional aging and brain health certifications along with Pilates, she understands the needs of this population that include functional ability that enables well-being in older age, and having the capabilities that enable people to meet their basic needs; be mobile and independent. This includes the intrinsic capacity which comprises all the mental and physical capacities relevant to their environment which include the home, community, and society.

NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS

She has created a very special program called Longevita NeuroFit that is a class specific to Parkinson’s disease and other neurological conditions.  This class environment is taught by highly qualified instructors. For neurological conditions that are more advanced stages, she does 1:1 sessions to address specificity and each session is customized for their needs.

PRIVATE SESSIONS

One of Shelia’s passions is working with clients on a one-on-one basis during private sessions. She screens all clients with testing to assess posture deviances, current and past injuries/surgeries, movement patterns, mobility, and stability. She analyzes movement patterns to identify specific dysfunction in movement patterns causing pain. She assigns corrective movements using techniques for muscles to improve joint position and alignment for muscle activation. Shelia customizes rehabilitation and exercise therapy to address injuries. During the sessions, corrective exercise and movement strategies are customized based on screening with specific standards. These corrective exercise therapies are designed to steadily advance clients to regain normal functions to eventually resume training at the client’s previous levels and progress beyond with a lower risk of injury than before.

Shelia is a trained Pilates for MS and Other Neurological Conditions. This training was provided by Mariska Breland according to the guidelines set forth by the Pilates Method Alliance. Pilates for MS™ is an advanced teacher training program for exercise professionals and physical therapists overviewing exercise for MS and other neurological conditions. Her training covered the disease process in depth, as well as how to work with its most common symptoms, including balance difficulties, weakness, muscle spasticity, bladder problems, gait abnormalities, as well as the principles and applications of neuromuscular rehabilitation and neuroplasticity exercise.
Her training covered many problems common to the average client, she is able to apply many tools to work with clients of nearly every population, especially the aging, and those with neurological conditions or muscle imbalances.
Pilates for MS™ is recognized with 16 CECs (continuing education credits) from the Pilates Method Alliance. It is also core curriculum for the Women’s Health Pilates Specialist Certificate™ through the Center for Women’s Fitness.

Getting to Know Shelia:

Shelia leads a balanced and fulfilling life, prioritizing her health, relationships, and personal interests. When she’s not teaching Pilates or working on her business, she dedicates time to her loved ones. Her husband and their beloved pet, Olivia, hold a special place in her heart, and she cherishes the moments spent with them.
In addition to her focus on physical fitness through Pilates, Shelia embraces an active lifestyle outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, fishing, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, she finds solace and rejuvenation in the great outdoors. Engaging in these activities allows her to connect with nature and recharge her energy.
Shelia is also passionate about cooking and eating healthily. She devotes time to researching and experimenting with nutritious meals. By prioritizing her health, she aims to nourish her body and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Her dedication to healthy eating ensures that she feels vibrant and energized.
While Shelia maintains a focus on health, she also knows the importance of balance. She enjoys socializing with friends over a glass of wine, indulging in occasional treats, and relaxing at home. Watching various shows or movies provides her with entertainment and allows her to unwind after a busy day.
Overall, Shelia’s life is filled with a blend of activities that support her physical, emotional, and social well-being. She strives to live a fulfilling and healthy life, while also savoring moments of relaxation and enjoyment.