Transform your health and wellbeing through pilates

About Andrea

I was first introduced to Pilates many years ago, while taking dance classes in college. I enjoyed the precision of movement inherent in the practice, and the ability to fix imbalances in my own body. In 2000, I pursued a comprehensive certification with STOTT Pilates, then began teaching in the Bay Area. Working under the tutelage of several physical therapists; these experiences greatly influenced my Pilates path. During this time, I realized that my observational skills from my fine art background helped me develop a keen eye for detecting movement imbalances. 

My teaching style is precise, detailed, and based on postural analysis. I employ a holistic vision to help you achieve your goals and see this process as a partnership, in which I offer my experience and knowledge to assist you in bringing your body into a state of balance. Specializing in individualized lesson planning, I will customize a program designed to support your unique path to transformation—whether you are looking for full body workouts, improved ease of movement, or recovering from an injury. I will gladly communicate with the medical and other professionals involved in your progress, as well as providing thoughtful referrals.

My desire is to be an instrument of positive change and encouragement on your fitness journey, as I have personally experienced the depth of change that Pilates can bring to a body. I strive to help clients increase their physical self awareness, understand the foundations of body placement, and integrate this learning into their daily lives.

What I specialize in

My training has included workshops with such greats as Sheri Betz, Ron Fletcher, Karen Clippenger, Melissa Condron, Carla Hales, Elizabeth Larkam, Brent Anderson, Marie Jose Laurence-Blom, Suzanne Martin, and Art Riggs.

  • Improve your core strength and stability, leading to better posture, balance and a deeper sense of body awareness

  • Deepen your experience and relieve tension in your body through controlled breathing

  • Ease the muscles in your body with the targeted release of tension

  • I am experienced working with a wide range of injuries, including Scoliosis, knee and hip issues, repetitive stress injuries, and back pain

  • Achieve your fitness goals with full body workouts focused on core strength and improving endurance

  • Boost your alignment, ease everyday discomfort, and address challenges including Bunions, instability and arch correction

What I Offer

  • In Person Lessons

    I teach both solo and duet classes, always customizing the practice to fit your goals and needs. For working with injuries or other challenges, I recommend choosing solo classes to better address your specific needs.

  • Online Training

    I provide comprehensive training sessions via the Zoom platform, ensuring you can work towards and achieve your goals no matter where you are located.

  • Consultation

    I offer all prospective clients a complementary 15 minute consultation to learn what you are looking for and discuss steps to meet your goals.

What People Are Saying

  • “Having worked with Andrea now for three months, my breathing, posture, and flexibility have all improved. Her attentiveness is key. She uses a variety of cues such as breath-work, imagery, micro movements, and hand dominance techniques which translate to immediate noticeable bodily shifts. I am so encouraged by the progress I have been making with Andrea—and this has been on Zoom!”

    Sylvia S

  • “I first started working with Andrea when I had been experiencing low back pain for a few years and felt quite disabled. Her coaching and support helped me to overcome pain and to regain strength as well as my previous function. Her knowledge, experience, humor, and empathy made each session an enjoyable experience and made me a faithful convert to the Pilates tecnnique!”

    Rupali D., MD, MPH

  • “Andrea is a smart, organized professional. She was able to work with me personally on special areas of concern and fine tune a Pilates workout to suit my needs and limitations. Andrea was always very professional and personable, and a pleasure to work with.”

    Karen R

  • “I worked with Andrea at Optimum Pilates in Oakland, first as a 'casual' Pilates student doing an occasional class, and ultimately as a 'devotee,' using Pilates as a primary form of exercise. She is an excellent teacher with a depth of skill that few people have, and she has the ability to inspire and energize. I can’t recommend her highly enough.”

    Marjanne P

  • “I’ve worked with her for six years. She is fabulous, and has restored my somewhat crooked body to a much more even and strong shape. Working with Andrea is the only thing that has allowed my back to function without pain, and I highly recommend her. If you need rehab, her individual sessions are the best. ”

    Vali F

Contact me

alchemyandconceptpilates@gmail.com
(510) 214-2328