ABOUT US

Life is inside of every body....what will you do 
                                                                          with what lies inside of you?

THE PILATES CONNECTION

Founded in Durango in 2002, The Pilates Connection designs and offers personalized Pilates programs that integrate flexibility with strengthening, precision with flowing movement, cleansing breaths with robust circulation, and a connection to YOUR mind, YOUR body, and YOUR spirit.

Our studio environment promotes centering, personalized movement feedback, community and fun learning.  We are a fully equipped studio with reformers, pole systems, low chairs, and many other small equipment pieces that support and challenge your body to develop long, lean muscles.

We are known for our committment to life-long learning for the benefit of our clients, our Certified Pilates Instructors as well as a variety of program options to offer Pilates at all budget levels.  

No matter what your age, no matter what your physical ability- if you can move and breathe and you desire to discover your potential, we are here for your journey.  



INSTRUCTORS AND STUDIO STAFF

Kim Moriyama
Founder, Certified Pilates Instructor


Movement practice has been a powerful healing and creative force for me and I feel deep gratitude for the opportunity to co-create movement with the wisdom of others - both clients and colleagues alike.  

My personal journey includes travels through a landscape of disabling pain from two car accidents in 1992, and discovering easeful yet powerful movement through practicing yoga, Feldenkrais,  and Pilates.  Studies of Bowen therapy and the Sedona Method now also enhance the work I share with others as they journey towrds midnful movement that integrates body, mind and spirit.

In Pilates, I found a practice with a philosophy and methodology to re-pattern neuromuscular habits and re-create how I used my body through awareness and dynamic core integration.  I found a re-newed joy in both everyday movement as well as my sports interests.

My studies of the Pilates Method continued with 1,000+ hours of apprenticeship and in 2002, a Certificate of Program Completion at the internationally recognized Pilates Center - whose founders studied with Romana Kryzanowska, a student of Mr. Pilates.  I have been teaching full time (15-30hr/week) for the past 8 years and have 100+ continuing education hours. 

In recent years, I have been deeply intrigued with the work of Kathy Grant, another student of Mr. Pilates, and have been sharing her teaching ideas with my clients and honoring her great contribution to the fundamental movements that are the foundation of all Pilates exercises.   

I really enjoy making a Pilates practice relevant for clients - whether it is to "feel good," progress in the Pilates levels, heal from an injury, or improve a sport interest.  I believe curiousity, commitment and compassion are powerful agents in facilitating meaningful change, and I feel blessed to be in service with so many amazing people on this path - witnessing the transformation of myself and others into more peaceful and resilient human beings.



Leslie Cox
Pilates  Instructor
I was introduced to Pilates during my continued search for solutions for unified body control and free-flowing movement. I choose Pilates due to the focus on integration of the whole body and mind as a system for uniform development. I have had great joy in seeing personal mind and body benefits for myself and others. I have over 841 hours of Classical Pilates training from a 3rd generation certified PMA Instructor.

I am available to work with people of all ages in private 1-1 sessions as well as group classes.  Join my newly developed class, Pelvic Floor Health, and explore the advantages of utilizing your pelvic muscles effectively.   You will learn and experience the benefits of pelvic floor stability and strength, and how these muscles aid in your overall wellbeing.  Improve your posture and back health and learn the nuances of engaging pelvic floor muscles in isolation and in whole body movement.   We welcome and encourage all persons whether male or female, in child bearing years or beyond, to attend and realize the benefits a healthy pelvic floor will bring. Come and learn and have fun with Pilates.

Andrea Martone
Certified Pilates Instructor

I have been practicing Pilates since 2000 and completed the Pilates Center’s Teacher Training Program in 2006 and been teaching Pilates since then.

Practicing Pilates and teaching it have greatly enhanced all aspects of my life.  I am truly grateful to be able to share Pilates with others.  I especially enjoy applying Pilates to individuals, finding ways to best attend to each person’s uniqueness.  When I am not at the studio my life is filled with family, and outdoor fun.





Lakshmi Van Atta
Pilates and Certified Yoga Instructor
I moved to Durango 9 years ago from Northern California where I lived for almost 20 years. I taught dance and created a dance school, modern dance company and received my certification as an Ananda Yoga postures teacher, Yoga philosophy, Meditation  and a Nataraj Yoga (the yoga of dance) teacher.  In 2005 I trained and became a nerve ~  trauma release ~  therapist.
 
I became very inspired by Pilates after I had a tailbone injury in 1999. For 3 years I experienced less and less power in my legs and constant lower back pain. I was introduced to Bowen Nerve Therapy where I finally began healing my tailbone and all the nerves in my lower body. At this time I realized I needed exercise to complement my nerve treatments and called Kim for private sessions. Between the Bowen Therapy and Pilates I have healed beautifully and am very excited to share my inspiration for Pilates with others.