A mind when housed in a healthful body possesses a glorious sense of power -- Joseph Pilates

Shanta Kokatay began her Pilates training ten years ago while dancing nationally with the Santa Barbara Festival Ballet. She enjoyed the increased strength and sense of balance that Pilates gave her. For the last eight years, she has taught ballet and creative movement to people of all ages, from toddlers to adults. Shortly after earning her bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley, she received her Pilates certification from Core Dynamics in Santa Fe, New Mexico under the tutelage of Pilates elder Eve Gentry's student Michele Larsson.

She has continued to satisfy her academic interest in mind-body research by pursuing research for the UC Berkeley,UCSB, and UCSF Psychology Departments on the mind-body connection of stress, cognition and illness. She is currently working on her Ph.D in Natural Health. Opening her own Pilates studio, Metamorphosis, in 2002 has provided an arena to facilitate body/mind centered wellness.

For the past six years Shanta has been teaching Pilates in the Bay Area and in Santa Barbara. Her teaching style encorporates the classical training of Pilates masters such as Eve Gentry, Michelle Larsson, Kathy Grant, and Rael Isacowitz. She offers private and group instruction in a fully equipped Pilates studio as well as advising/consulting for those training to become certified in the Pilates Method. Shanta enjoys interacting with clients in this body-centered arena, as it offers a continual opportunity for education as well as discovery for both client and teacher. From her background in health, psychology and movement, she seeks to empower her clients to transform the way they move and think about their bodies.

Metamorphosis Studio adopts a holistic approach to wellness. The individual is assessed as an integrated whole addressing nutrition, stress level and coping mechanisms, home/office ergonomics, and posture/body mechanics. Injury prevention, muscle tension/weakness, and rehabilitation are assessed holistically. To be able to move efficiently, with ease, and enjoy being in your body is a key component to improving the quality of life.

RATES
Private instruction (one hour):
Introductory package: 3 sessions + nutritional assessment for $165
10 sessions for $600
20 sessions for $1100

Semi-Private Instruction (one hour):
1 session $40
10 sessions $350
20 sessions $600

Onsite instruction (home and office) available upon request.

SPECIAL NEEDS
Arthritis
Pilates is the number one recommended form of exercise for arthritis according to the National Association for Arthritis Foundation. By strengthening muscles and teaching proper body mechanics (posture and alignment) pressure is alleviated at arthritic joints. The result is less pain and more range of motion. Pilates is a safe, zero-impact form of exercise that re-educates the body to move efficiently and lessens the effect that gravity and misalignment have placed on the joints.

Scoliosis
Nothing is completely symmetrical in nature. Bone development is affected by genetic and environmental factors. Either structurally from birth (malformations in the bone) or acquired through life experience (accidents, repetitive movement, etc.) we favor one side, have one leg stronger or weaker than the other. These asymmetries need to be addressed to rehabilitate and prevent injuries. Pilates is a specified method of movement that teaches the body to work symmetrically and efficiently. In the case of scoliosis, the body has adapted to the curvature of the spine which may affect the angle of the ribs, the size of the lungs, and placement of the shoulders and hips. Pilates addresses these asymmetries by strengthening and lengthening muscles and helping to break up scar tissue, thereby alleviating pain. Pilates breathing techniques can increase lung capacity, which may be limited on one side due to the curvature of the spine. The body is intelligent. It adapts to the environment. The pilates method does not seek to straighten the curvature. It merely aids in increased efficiency of movement: flexibility, strength, range of motion, lung capacity and scapular and pelvic stability. All of these prevent injury and impart a sense of ease of living in your body.

Prenatal and Postnatal Pilates
Pilates is an excellent form of exercise during pregnancy. Breathing techniques, proper body mechanics, gentle stretching and strengthening of muscles help prepare for your baby. Maintain balance and posture through exercises modified for your changing body. Exercises are approved by the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Pilates aids in the recovery postpartum by emphasizing a neutral spine, training muscles to support proper postural alignment, and re-introducing the use the pelvic floor and intrinsic abdominal musculature. Every woman varies in her experience of pregnancy and childbirth. The pilates method can provide the specific attention needed during this dynamic time.

Take Action, Take Care, Take Shape….