Pilates in Kirkland

“Kristina is a top notch personal trainer that stands out from other trainers I've tried working with. I always have a lot of fun and learn a lot when I work out with her. Every session I have with Kristina has me feeling energized afterward and boosts my mood. I've already gained a lot of strength around previously injured joints, which has provided a lot of relief and improved my quality of life, after just couple of months of working out with Kristina twice a week! It's also worth mentioning that my posture has improved and I'm seeing changes in the way I look that have me feeling like my old self again :) Here are some specific skills that make Kristina stand out to me:

*Exceptional feedback* Kristina carefully observes me when I'm learning the form and building up strength for movements. I'm not sure how she can see some of the things she gives me feedback about lol, but she always ensures that my form is correct and I'm drawing strength from the correct body part as well as the correct specific muscles. Kristina is also very clever at providing metaphors to help me understand how to get my brain to consciously use muscles that I haven't yet built up ab awareness of. I can feel that I do a lot more work during my sessions with Kristina compared to other trainers because her clear, direct and concise feedback helps me just kind of get what she's asking of me after a couple tries. For context, I've always noticed that verbal instructions can be more challenging for me. It was an a-ha moment for me when I realized the way Kristina explains things clicks for me. That streamlined communication allows me to get more out my sessions.

* Directly supports clients execution of movements* Kristina is always respectful and checks in with me during our workouts. Since I'm comfortable with it, Kristina also helps me pick up new movements by pointing to the the muscle I should be using, bracing me from compensating with dominant muscle groups so I'm able to learn to channel the muscles that need the most strengthening or just providing support when I'm still building up strength for a movement. It reminds me of the ballet instructors I progressed the fastest with when I was young. Also, like every good coach, Kristina knows when to let go.

*No workout hangovers* I always feel like I've pushed myself after every session, but don't get day after soreness like I would with other dance/fitness classes I've previously tried. All I feel is results :)

* Good motivator* It's always encouraging when Kristina acknowledges my improvement and keeps our workouts fun by letting me take a crack at more advanced movements. It's really surprising some of movement I've been able to start pulling off with her help. I feel motivated to keep up the good work when Kristina demos ways I can eventually extend on what I'm learning.

I initially began looking into sessions with Kristina to build up enough strength to go back to dance classes, but I'm having such a good time and feeling so much better that I plan to stick with my sessions with Kristina!“

“I worked with Nicole online through her small group Strength & Sensibility Program for hypermobility individuals. This was a combo of group and 1:1 coaching sessions over Zoom. I appreciated the customized approach in continuing to check in on progress, monitor on how the exercises were feeling, and accommodating or modifying as necessary. I really appreciated her brain-based warm up activities and it really allowed me to check in with my body and it's lack of proprioception - totally in line with what people on the hypermobility spectrum or with EDS need! She had several check ins throughout the program and welcomed feedback for continual course improvement, which I appreciated. I walked away from the 8 week course feeling stronger, with my muscles more engaged, and having better range of motion in my arms and shoulders. With the copies of the videos, I now have a mini library of warm up exercises and our 1:1 discussion I can tap into as needed.“

“I had my first Pilates class and I loved it. I left feeling energized, strong and taller :). Ilka is very knowledgeable, fun and professional. It was a very productive one hour class ever!!! Learn a lot. I highly recommend!“