Staff
At Equilibrium Fitness, we understand that there is more than one way to teach, and each of our Pilates Trainers is accomplished at tailoring their teaching and the Pilates repertoire, to each student's style of learning. All of our Trainers have unique styles and approaches to teaching Pilates. This benefits the client in being able to work with a variety of teachers, or allows you to choose one that is a particularly good fit. All of our Pilates Trainers have been comprehensively trained in the Beginning through Advanced Pilates repertoire and all key apparatus, and are skilled at coordinating personalized Pilates workouts that will benefit each individual. Our primary concern is your safety and wellbeing. Our teaching staff is well versed on how to modify and tailor a program for different levels of fitness and for those who currently have or are recovering from injury.
PHYLLIS DOUGLASS (Principle Trainer, Owner) is a Nationally Certified Pilates Trainer (CPT) through the Pilates Method Alliance, a Post Rehabilitative Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist (Pink Ribbon Program), Certified TRX Suspension Trainer, and certified Master Sound Healing Therapist and practitioner of Energy Medicine. Phyllis has studied Classical Pilates through apprenticeship and intensively with Siri Dharma Galliano, Peter Fiasca, and first generation Pilates elders Jay Grimes, Kathy Grant, Mary Bowen, and Ron Fletcher. She received her Pilates certification through the teacher training program at Long Beach Dance Conditioning & Movement Academy with master teacher, Marie Jose Blom-Lawrence, and studied with Rael Isacowitz (BASI), among others.
Teaching Pilates since 1988, she has an extensive background in dance; performing and teaching professionally throughout the U.S. and internationally. She holds a M.F.A. in Dance from California Institute of the Arts, and a B.S. in Education with a minor in Biomechanics from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Phyllis earned the distinction of being named as one of the "BEST PERSONAL TRAINERS in the Inland Empire" by Inland Empire Magazine, January 2012.
She brings to her teaching an intuitive focus and deep knowledge of the kinesthetics of movement and movement analysis. Understanding that the body functions as an integral whole, her intent is to restore the body to a place of balance physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Phyllis teaches private and semi-private sessions, group classes, and offers workshops, lectures and concerts.
HEATHER BAK-JENSEN completed her training through Body Arts & Sciences International (Rael Isacowitz), and has an extensive dance and fitness background including Triathlon competition and the completion of four marathons. She is a certified Wellness Mentor under the M'Lis Corporation based in Salt Lake City, UT. Her misson is to bring balance into your daily lifestyle with a holistic approach to fitness, health and wellness.
Heather has been with Equilibrium Fitness for over 7 years and teaches private and semi-private sessions.
ANNIE DENNIS, MFA began her love affair with Yoga in a class with Bryan Kest in Santa Monica, CA in 1996. After teaching Acting and Voice at the University level from 1997 -2003, her spiritual journey led her across the country, serendipitously, to the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. There she served as a seasonal staff member and created various Yoga workshops including Sounding through the Chakras. As a member of the Omega community, Annie had the priveledge of interfacing with a wide range of spiritual teachers, practicing extensively in the Iyengar tradition with Master teachers Glen Black, Kofi Busia and many others.
She has also taught Yoga at the National Institute of Health and Thrive Yoga in Maryland. Annie offers individual and group sessions in Vocal Freedom, Sound healing and Thai Yoga Massage, and enjoys integrating these passions into her classes and workshops which are designed to awaken sensory and spiritual awareness, align body/mind/spirit and tune our instruments, raising vibrations for peace, health and happiness.
RICHARD HOWARD has been a long time dancer and has been practicing Pilates since 2004. He first looked into Pilates for its therapeutic applications and for a deeper understanding of the human body. Recently, he completed the Long Beach Dance Conditioning program for his teacher training certification, and is attending school towards a major in nutrition. He looks forward to helping people find a deeper awareness in their minds and bodies. Richard teaches private and semi-private sessions, Allegro Reformer and Classical Pilates Mat classes.
CHRISTINE IVY came to Pilates with a background in Dance and Musical Theatre. She received her B.A. in Dance from CalState University, Long Beach. Her studies there included four years of intensive Pilates training with Karen Clippinger. Soon thereafter, she completed her Pilates teaching certification through Body Arts & Sciences International (BASI). Her certification includes a Dance Conditioning emphasis. Christine teaches private and semi-private sessions. She also teaches dance at Santa Ana High School.
VICKY LEBLANC completed the teacher training program at Long Beach Dance Conditioning Studio & Movement Academy (Marie Jose Blom Lawrence), and is a Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Trainer (CPT). She has completed training and classes specializing in alignment and correctives, and is currently working toward a career in Radiology. Vicky teaches private and semi-private sessions.
BECKY LEHMAN is a Certified Body Arts and Science International Pilates Trainer. Becky loves FOOD and specializes in weight loss and nutrition. She received her culinary arts degree through the California School of Culinary Arts in Pasadena, CA in December 2004. Becky also owns and operates her own pastry business, "HeavenSent Cakes & Pastries" in Upland, CA. She also enjoys marathon running, hiking and dancing. Becky is passionate about bringing the balance, focus, strength and agility that Pilates provides to her clients for a higher quality of life and is available for private and semi-private sessions.
TINA ORLOFF was born in Berkeley, CA and grew up in the beautiful Bay Area. She began taking Pilates in 1999 to aid in her training to become a professional dancer. She attended Tisch School of the Arts at NYU and received a BFA in Dance. Shortly after graduation, Tina became a certified Stott Pilates instructor in 2003 and worked in New York City for 8 years. Her emphasis as a trainer is on postural alignment, injury rehabilitation and prevention and helping each client reach his/her personal goals. Tina loves the process of getting to know her clients and forming a long lasting teacher/student relationship. She teaches private and semi-private sessions, Allegro Reformer and Classical Pilates Mat classes.
JUANITA RAYMER was introduced to Yoga by her dad many years ago and has continued developing her practice through the years. Her philosophy is in line with the Iyengar style of yoga where one stays in the poses long enough to let the effects of the poses penetrate deeper within the individual. She also teaches her students how Yoga relieves stress while building strength and stamina as you breath and go through the series of asanas(poses). Her specialty is in Prenatal yoga and she received her training at Bini Studios with Jessica Jennings. Juanita lives in Azusa with her family.
MAURA RILEY Maura attended California Institute of the Arts in Valencia, California and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance in 1992. Maura completed her BASI Pilates training in 2007, and is a Pilates Method Alliance Certified Pilates Trainer (CPT). She combines her extensive dance background and training with her BASI education, creating a balanced, and challenging workout.
Her love of Dance and Pilates has afforded her the opportunity to combine her knowledge in these fields to help people reach their fitness goals. Pilates has changed her life in many positive ways. Maura has been a teacher with Equilibrium Fitness since 2003. She teaches private and semi-private sessions, Pilates Mat and the BOSU & Stability Ball Workout.
