instructors
Gene F.
Gene is a certified massage therapist (Chicago School of Massage
Therapy) and personal trainer. He utilizes an intuitive/therapeutic
approach with his massage clients creating a custom massage based on
their specific body and muscle condition. Gene's massage skills are
enhanced through his work as a personal trainer and his increased
awareness of biomechanics and kinesiology.
Originally from Moscow, Gene is a former gymnast and has certification
from The International Sports and Science Association, the American
Council on Exercise and Kettlebell Athletics. Gene received advanced
Kettlebell in Russia and teaches Align's Kettlebell classes which
focuses on functional fitness utilizing core strength and
stabilization, and postural alignment through dynamic movement.
Joanna S.
A certified personal trainer and yoga instructor, Joanna grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. Between school, work,
and play she has spent the past 6 years nearly all around the county, but she is so thrilled to back in Chicago!
Joanna grew up intensely training in competitive gymnastics. Once she reached her teenage years, she then went on
the coach gymnastics while beginning to study dance and performing. She attended Syracuse University where she received
her BFA in Musical Theatre. Directly following college, she began traveling internationally with the National Tour of the
Broadway musical CATS, singing and dancing around the world. She then moved to New York City where she began regularly
practicing yoga and studying various types of fitness. She later went on the receive her personal training certification
from The National Academy of Sports Medicine and her 200-Hour RYT yoga certification through her beloved yoga studio
Prana Power Yoga NYC. Joanna has taught at large gym facilities and small boutique studios all around New York City.
She most recently received her CARDIOLATES® certification at Sixpax Chicago through The Pilates Center of New York.
Jastine D.
Jastine's background, a BFA in Musical Theatre and Dance from Millikin University, led her to seek increased flexibility, relief
for body aches, and strength for performing. Her increased awareness of breath and a calmer sense of focus helped deepen her
physical practice and improve her quality of sleep! She completed a 200 hr training program and seeks to share her experience
with others. Jastine loves to talk about the benefits of each posture and enjoys using imagery throughout her classes. Outside
of class, Jastine likes to try out new restaurants, dance, and watch youtube videos of baby animals. Explore and discover
yourself through hard work and laughter! She can't wait to meet you!
Gizel S.
Gizel came to Chicago from Lancaster, Pennsylvania in 1995 to attend the University of Chicago and earned her BA in Economics.
She fell in love with Pilates the moment she attended her first mat class in 1999 and in 2004 decided to teach it full time.
In 2006 she and her partner Alex opened up Spring Wellness Center on Southport and Waveland in a renovated apartment flat.
However, she truly believes that a balanced workout routine can truly keep the body young, healthy and fit so a few years
later in 2009, a great opportunity came up for her to be able to open up a more spacious and beautiful space down the streets,
just 50 steps from the Brown Line stop on Southport and Newport. The new studio allowed her to incorporate yoga, different styles
of Pilates, Kettlebells, TRX, Core Ballet and various Fusion classes. You can automatically tell her enthusiasm and love for
Pilates in every mat class and private lesson she teaches. She loves how athletic a Pilates practice can be and is incredibly
grateful to share the power and strength her clients are capable of achieving in each of their sessions. Gizel is certified
through BASI Pilates and is also a Level 1 certified Kettlebells instructor. In her spare time, she is very devoted to her daily
yoga practice but most importantly, loves to hang out with her husband Craig and son River.