The Owners

Wondering who the masterminds behind Center for Movement are? Meet Elle and Donna!

Elle Jardim brings over 18 years of teaching experience to Center for Movement. Her holistic approach to the body has its roots in her early years as a dancer. Elle graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts in 1985, pursuing a career in dance. She later earned a Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology while teaching in corporations, schools, and commercial settings. In 1996 she became a certified Pilates Instructor while studying with the Master Pilates Instructor Romana Kryzanowska.
Elle has dedicated her entire life to the study of the body and movement and brings with her a wealth of knowledge that encompasses yoga, Gyrotonic®, Gyrokinesis, Reiki, dance, and traditional forms of exercise. Elle was certified in the Gyrotonic method and Gyrokinesis in 2002.

Donna Singer, who holds a B.A. in Management, manages the business operation of Center for Movement. Donna brings many years of experience to CFM in both her teaching and management practices. Certified in 1998 by the renowned Pilates Studio in New York City, she trained directly under Romana Kryzanowska in the exclusive independent study program. Donna is an often-requested instructor who brings her unique style to an array of teaching scenarios, whether they are private, semi-private, or group sessions. She is thrilled to have realized her life long dream of not only owning her own business but also incorporating her love of fitness into this venture.

Elle in her fabulous open leg rocker!

Say Cheese!

Today at Center For Movement Heather Oppelt Gray from Heather Oppelt Photography came to take photographs for our new, upcoming web site. Heather graduated with an M.F.A in Fine Arts from the School for Visual Arts and has been taking commercial, editorial, portrait, and lifestyle photos for over five years. Heather's states, "I am drawn to the 'decisive moment' an insider achieves when photographing through an outsider's perspective." Her client list rages from Details Magazine to the New Museum of Contemporary Art and Logics by Matrix. Heather appreciated working with us not only due to the nature of her work, but also because she greatly appreciates the life-changing and strengthening impact pilates has on the individual. Her time here at Center for Movement was greatly appreciated, and we thoroughly enjoyed working with her.

For further information check Heather out at www.heatheroppelt.com!

Now for you pilates addicts out there, remember to keep healthy by stretching daily and working the core to build up that internal heat.

Here is a pilates tip for you guys couped up in the office:

Sit at the edge of your chair. Plant both feet evenly on the floor; inhale through nose and out your mouth (if you really want to feel it, purse your lips). On the next inhale, place your hands on your stomach and then pull your belly in and up as you exhale out. You should feel your abdominal muscles engaged. Bring your shoulders blades together and sit as tall as you can, growing taller with each exhale. Slowly breathe this way for ten counts, inhaling as much air as possible and exhaling, pushing out every last bit of stale air. Once you are done, you can relax, move around and repeat if desired.

This simple exercise brings awareness into the core and helps improve one's alignment and posture. Not to mention, it helps strengthen and tone those sexy abdominal muscles.

Best in health,

Zachary

Center for Movement!