In this episode of CoLab Conversations, we’re joined by brilliant educator Nancy Myers, an early adopter and advocate of the CoreAlign, and a true leader in the world of Pilates, posture, and gait training.

Nancy takes us on a journey through her 30+ year career, from her early days at the St. Francis Dance Medicine Center and Ellie Herman Studios to becoming co-owner of EHS Pilates in San Francisco. Along the way, she developed a unique perspective on gait, functional movement, and how the CoreAlign could support healing in real, lasting ways. She was one of the very first movement professionals invited to test the CoreAlign before it went into full production, and she’s been helping to shape its evolution ever since.

In this conversation, you’ll hear how Nancy:

• Became a sought-after gait specialist and educator

• Helped integrate the CoreAlign into the Pilates world by developing creative, accessible programming like “Pilates on the CoreAlign”

• Watched her studio welcome new clients including a 30% increase in male participation after adding the CoreAlign to their offerings

• Sees walking not just as a daily act, but as a diagnostic tool and a window into healing

• Continues to mentor and educate teachers through her Foot & Gait Mentorship Program, offered online and in person

We also talk about how the CoreAlign can bring the principles of Pilates, alignment, awareness, and functional strength into upright, everyday life. Nancy’s passion for walking, feet, and movement shines through in every story she shares. Whether you’re new to the CoreAlign or have been teaching it for years, this conversation will leave you inspired and full of practical insight.

Featured On-Demand CoreAlign Labs with Nancy Myers:

🌀 Lower Body Corrective Protocols (with the Precision Rotator Discs)

https://momence.com/c/10487

💪 Upper Body Corrective Protocols (with the Precision Rotator Discs)

https://momence.com/c/10656

Explore all live and on-demand CoreAlign CoLab workshops here:https://www.colabmovement.com/corealign-education

Guest Bio:Nancy Myers is the Co-owner and CEO of EHS Pilates, Inc. in San Francisco, CA. A Certified Senior Pilates Trainer with special expertise in gait therapy and posture, Nancy is also a lead faculty member of EHS Pilates Institute, a Balanced Body educator, MBT trainer, and Director of EHS's international teacher training programs and retreats.

Her specialties include:

• Postural alignment and gait patterning

• Pilates-based rehab for common foot issues

• Teaching diverse fitness populations, including dancers, seniors, and clients with injuries

Nancy is the author of Fabulous Feet and Walkilates, and has spent her career exploring how our walking patterns reflect and affect our overall health. She continues to be a passionate advocate for bringing Pilates principles into real-life movement and for helping teachers grow their skillset and impact.

Connect with Nancy:📸 @walkwithnancy on Instagram

Follow CoreAlign CoLab:📸 @corealign.colab📸 @arwenbrooke_pilates▶️ @ArwenBrooke_CoreAlignCoLab on YouTube🌐 corealigncolab.com | colabmovement.com

Join Arwen Brooke and Jonathan Hoffman, the creator of CoreAlign, as they delve into the transformative power of mindful movement. Discover how CoreAlign enhances Pilates practice, the importance of pain-free functional exercise, and Jonathan's inspiring journey from physical therapist to movement innovator. This episode explores the synergy between CoreAlign and Pilates, the role of movement in healing, and the future of functional exercise.

In this episode, we’re discussing…

• Jonathan's Background and Approach: Jonathan shares his experience as a physical therapist in Israel, where he utilizes exercise as a primary treatment method, emphasizing pain-free and holistic movement. He discusses his unique system of exercise training and its impact on clients.

• The Evolution of CoreAlign: Jonathan recounts the story of CoreAlign's creation, from its initial conception using skateboards to its integration into the Pilates world. He highlights the "aha" moment that solidified its potential and the challenges of bringing it to market.

• CoreAlign and Pilates: A Natural Partnership: Jonathan explains the connection between CoreAlign and Pilates, comparing Pilates mat work to childhood development and CoreAlign to the upright movement patterns we develop as toddlers. He emphasizes the importance of standing exercises and how CoreAlign complements and enhances Pilates practice.

• The Power of Pain-Free Movement: Jonathan stresses the significance of pain-free, harmonious, and functional exercises in healing and rehabilitation. He shares his belief that CoreAlign and Pilates, when used effectively, can be powerful tools in combating chronic pain.

• The Importance of Functional Exercise: The conversation explores the role of functional exercise in daily life and how CoreAlign and Pilates can improve movement patterns, balance, and overall well-being.

• Jonathan's Journey into the Pilates World: Jonathan describes his path to discovering Pilates, his certification as an instructor, and his research into the history of mind-body movement practices. He discusses the influence of Joseph Pilates and the broader context of movement pioneers in the early 20th century.

• The Future of Movement and Healing: Jonathan shares his vision for the future of movement education and how CoreAlign and Pilates can play a crucial role in promoting health and well-being. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between movement professionals and the need for accessible, effective movement solutions.

• The Star Bar: Expanding Access to CoreAlign Principles: Jonathan briefly introduces the Star Bar as a tool that allows individuals to experience CoreAlign-inspired movements without the need for specialized equipment, making the benefits of CoreAlign more accessible.

  
  

Connect with CoreAlign CoLab:

@corealign.colab on Instagram

@arwenbrooke_pilates on Instagram

@ArwenBrooke_CoreAlignCoLab on YouTube

corealigncolab.com

colabmovement.com

Welcome back to CoLab Conversations! In this episode, we are joined by Denise Graef, an incredible NASM certified personal trainer and Balanced Body educator for Pilates and CoreAlign. Denise shares her insightful journey using movement as medicine, particularly in navigating and understanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Discover how CoreAlign and Pilates, alongside water fitness and strength training, can be powerful tools for building strength, enhancing mobility, and promoting healing for individuals with RA and related conditions. Learn about Denise's personal experiences and her approach to functional aging and holistic wellness. Plus, get a sneak peek into her upcoming CoreAlign CoLab workshop designed for instructors working with clients facing these challenges.

In this episode, we’re discussing…

• Denise Graef's Extensive Expertise: Denise brings a wealth of knowledge as a NASM certified personal trainer, Balanced Body educator for Pilates and CoreAlign, functional aging specialist, and certified health coach.

• Personal Experience with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Denise's personal journey with RA deeply informs her compassionate and effective approach to movement and wellness.

• Movement as a Vital Tool for Healing: Movement is presented not just as exercise, but as essential "medicine" for managing pain, improving mobility, and fostering a positive mindset for individuals with RA and similar conditions.

• CoreAlign as a Supportive Modality: CoreAlign is highlighted as a low-impact, supportive tool that promotes connection and is particularly beneficial for those with joint pain and mobility limitations.

• Importance of Individualized Approach: Recognizing the variability of RA and other conditions, Denise emphasizes the need for instructors to provide space, listen to individual needs, and offer modifications.

• Challenging Limiting Beliefs: A key aspect of Denise's work involves helping individuals overcome perceived limitations and discover their potential through movement.

• Integration of Pilates and Strength Training: Denise advocates for a holistic approach that combines the foundational stability of Pilates with targeted strength training to combat muscle loss associated with RA and aging.

  
  

Connect with Denise Graef

Instagram: www.instagram.com/denisegraeffitness/

Website: https://www.denisegraef.com/

Denise’s upcoming workshop: 

https://momence.com/s/115751122

Connect with CoreAlign CoLab:

@corealign.colab on Instagram

@arwenbrooke_pilates on Instagram

@ArwenBrooke_CoreAlignCoLab on YouTube

corealigncolab.com

colabmovement.com

Welcome to the pilot episode of CoLab Conversations! In this first episode, we’re joined by Joy Puleo, a leader in the Pilates and CoreAlign community, to explore how this innovative tool is transforming movement and rehabilitation practices.

Joy shares her experiences with CoreAlign, highlighting its powerful impact on core strength, alignment, and functional movement. From fostering ease, economy, and efficiency in motion to supporting injury recovery, CoreAlign has become an essential tool for Pilates instructors and movement professionals.

Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just starting your journey into upright exercise and gait training, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration to kickstart your CoreAlign continuing education.

In this episode, we're discussing:

Connect with Joy Puleo:

@balanced_body

@joy.puleo on Instagram

Connect with CoreAlign CoLab:

@corealign.colab on Instagram

@arwenbrooke_pilates on Instagram

@ArwenBrooke_CoreAlignCoLab on YouTube

corealigncolab.com

colabmovement.com

What if your CoreAlign education didn’t stop after training? CoLab Conversations brings together experts in CoreAlign, Pilates, and mindful movement to share insights, teaching strategies, and the power of movement to heal and inspire.

Join host Arwen Brooke, founder of CoreAlign CoLab, as we explore new ideas and refine our practice together. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation!