Our Trainers
Our Pilates instructors
The Pilates instructors at Kinesia Pilates Studio in Downtown Seattle are second-generation teachers of Romana's Pilates, certified by master teachers Romana Kryzanowska and Sari Mejia Santo. As teachers who teach the classical style, our instructors are committed to maintaining the integrity of Pilates’ vision in all of our Pilates classes, emphasizing the Six Principles throughout the workout: Concentration, Centering, Control, Precision, Breath and Flow.
Christl Marcontell
Christl is a dedicated Pilates instructor whose aim is to empower every student in their quest for physical mastery within an atmosphere of exploration and play.
Christl was certified by master teacher Romana Kryzanowska in 1999, and mentored and certified at Pilates Seattle International by teacher trainers Dorothee VandeWalle, Lori Coleman-Brown, Lauren Stephan, Roxanne Huang, Cynthia Lochard, Jay Grimes and Sari Mejia Santo. She is listed with the Pilates Method Alliance, and the Classical Pilates Network.
Christl has practiced contemporary modern and classical ballet techniques for the past 30 years and was a member of the Robert Davidson Aerial Dance Company. While dancing with Robert Davidson she encountered dance kinesiology through the work of Joan Skinners' "Skinner Releasing Technique,” and blends that into her Pilates practice. She also incorporates the work of kinesiologists Deborah Vogel and Eric Franklin.
Besides master training in classical Pilates, Christl is a nomadic student of many disciplines, including yoga, Feldenkrais, tango, mixed martial arts, tumbling and aerial dance. Christl holds a degree in the Expressive Arts from the Evergreen State College.
Christl brings a movement based approach to classical Pilates technique. She emphasizes functional re-patterning of postural habits, mental/physical centering...and a rocking workout!
Gay Marcontell
Gay has been active throughout her life as a runner, singer, scuba diver and skier. Through involvement in these activities she has come to believe exercise should not only be varied and interesting, but support the body in profound ways. As a certified RSM BodyMind counselor she takes a holistic approach to teaching the remarkable work of Joseph Pilates.
Gay also teaches Centering Prayer, a form of Christian meditation. Through this practice she has developed patience, focus, and attention to the present moment.
Gay teaches Pilates with attention to form and dynamic movement. She was trained and certified in 2000 by Joseph Pilates' protégé, master teacher Romana Kryzanowska and her daughter, master teacher Sari Mejia Santo.
Gay believes that a strong, flexible body is the best preparation for life, whether it is weekend sports, pregnancy, rehabilitation or the process of aging. Gay will, with your help, design your personal workout that will meet you where you are and challenge you to grow. With a thorough knowledge of your body and your own workout you will be able to experience fewer injuries, recover quicker and keep yourself safer in the various activities of your life.
Life, Light and Love.
For more information . . .
We'd love to hear from you with any questions or to schedule an appointment. You can contact us by phone at 206-621-8862 or by filling out the form below.
