gotham pilates instructor bios

Laura  |  Yumi  |  Shabs |  Diana

Laura Sepulveda

Client Base and Specialties
Pilates with focus on efficient movement, flow & function
Kinesthetic education/muscular re-education
Body alignment and posture, flexibility and balance
Dance and Yoga inspired methodology
Post-Rehabilitation for most injures

Education and Credentials
Bachelor of Science, Dance Therapy, New York University
Studied Ideokinesis with Andre Bernard at NYU
Studied acting (The Miesner Technique) in New York City
Pilates certified from The Pilates Institute of Southern California
Over 30,000 hours of personal training and teaching
Member of IDEA
CPR & AED Certified

Preferred Training Techniques
Individualized programs that yield a balance between mental clarity and physical performance
Use of Ideokinesis to release chronic holding patterns and optimize movement potential
Enhance posture through flowing, corrective exercises
Strict attention to uniform development of the body

Career Highlights
Performed with NYU's Kaleidoscope Dance Company &
Washington Square Repertory
Trainer at NYC's Sports Training Institute; Body by Jake & Tina
Involved in premiering The NYC Ballet Workout at NYSC
Faculty member with the Musical Theatre department at
Coronado School of Arts, 2002 - 2004
Taught “Funky Jazz” at Birdrock Elementary After School Enrichment Program, 2001-2004
Group Fitness Program Director at Club La Jolla, 2000-2004
Pilates Director for Planet Fitness 2004-2005
Guest Instructor at Rancho La Puerta: Pilates Specialty Week Feb. 2008

Fitness Philosophy
Incorporating fitness into our lives is essential to finding balance and happiness, and thus allows us to achieve our dreams and aspirations.

Hobbies and Interests
Dance, Travel, Desert hiking, Open water swimming Capital Markets

Yumi Petrisko

Client Base and Specialties
Core strength and stability
Balance and flexibility
Injury prevention and post-rehabilitation
Weight management
Sports nutrition
Nutrition for disease risk reduction

Education and Credentials
Master of Science, Exercise Physiology, San Diego State University
Master of Science, Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University
Gotham Pilates Apprentice Training Program
Member of IDEA, American College of Sports Medicine, American Dietetic Association, American Society for Nutrition
CPR & AED Certified
Registered Dietitian

Preferred Training Techniques
Strengthening and lengthening muscles while maintaining postural and spinal alignment
Incorporation of breath and flow into exercises
Creating harmony between all parts and systems of the body

Career Highlights
Personal Trainer Spectrum Athletic Club, Manhattan Beach, CA
Performed with UCSB Dance Team and Studio E Elite Hip Hop Team
Dancer in Skee-Lo hip-hop music video “At the Mall”
Instructor of Exercise Physiology Laboratory and Beginning Weight Training courses at San Diego State University, 2005-2006
Nutrition Research Coordinator for studies comparing the effects of low carbohydrate diets and sweeteners on risk factors for chronic diseases
Presented research at the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology 2006 Annual Meeting

Fitness Philosophy
Nutritious eating habits and exercise are vital components of a lifestyle that promotes health, wellness, and longevity.

Hobbies and Interests
Travel, Dance, Yoga, Cooking, Running, Surfing, Tennis, Swimming

Shabnam Guvendik ("Shabs")

Client Base and Specialties
Pilates with focus on efficient movement, flow & proper function
Body alignment and posture
Flexibility and balance
Yoga inspired methodology
Post-Rehabilitation from most injuries

Education and Credentials
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Cinematography and Theory, SFSU
Pilates Certification from Ellie Herman Pilates Studios, SF
Yoga Certification from Laughing Lotus Vinyasa Yoga, NYC
Continuing Education Courses Movements Afoot, NYC
CPR Certified

Preferred Training Techniques
Combination of Pilates and Yoga methodology
Individualized programs that help clients gain awareness of mind and body connection
Adjusting to the learning styles and personal goals of clients, while enhancing posture, flow and control
Addressing the whole body, the quality of movement, integration and coordination to gain ultimate alignment and natural flow to the body

Career Highlights
Trainer at Element Pilates studio, Paris, France
Trainer at Pilates Zone, Menlo Park, CA
Trainer at Ellie Herman Studios, San Francisco, CA
Manager of Ellie Herman Studios, Brooklyn, NY
Head trainer of Ellie Herman Studios, Brooklyn, NY
Taught teacher training programs at EHS Brooklyn, NY
Teacher at Laughing Lotus Yoga Center, NYC

Fitness Philosophy
Bringing awareness, movement and breath into our minds and bodies is the only way we can find true balance- and through this balance we discover peace, connectedness and clarity- bringing us one step closer to a sense of enlightenment.

Hobbies and Interests
Yoga, Dance, Capoeira, Surfing, Swimming, Snowboarding