Maria’s enthusiastic passion is helping people to get and stay strong. She was introduced to Pilates while living in Greece 15 years ago. Ever since, she has studied, practiced, and taught this very creative and unique form of exercise.
Actively followed by enthusiasts all over the world, Pilates is a very effective and adaptive. Joseph Pilates, its founder, noted that, “it is not just about great posture and a rock-hard core, it is more than just physical exercise, and can radically enhance mental and emotional wellbeing.”
Maria is a Certified Pilates Instructor and a sociology graduate from the University of Ottawa. She is also a Fascial Stretch Therapist (FST) – a full body stretch therapy that improves mobility of the nerves and flexibility of muscles and fascia. Performed on a stretch table in the Pilates Studio, Maria will design a customized, combined workout/stretch program that is best suited to fit your overall fitness goals.
EDUCATION & QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor of Social Sciences, University of Ottawa
- STOTT Pilates Full Comprehensive Pilates Certification
- Fascial Stretch Therapist, Stretch to Win
- Exercise Technique Strength Training Specialist, Sport Performance Institute (SPI)
BEST PIECE OF ADVICE SHE'S EVER RECEIVED:
"Your body is a business, take care of it or soon you'll be out of business."
FAVOURITE WORKOUT SONG:
"I" - Kendrick Lamar
FAVOURITE CHEAT MEAL:
The 80/20 guideline works well for me. 80% of the time I eat well and healthy...20% of the time I eat anything I feel like eating (i.e., pizza, candy, and/or cake).
TESTIMONIALS:
“Maria is outstanding! She has been my Pilates Instructor at TAC for more than three years. In our enjoyable – and always challenging – twice-weekly sessions, Maria has helped me remarkably and progressively develop and improve my strength, flexibility, and balance. Maria is excellent at varying and enhancing the sessions to keep them comprehensive and unique. She is also very dynamic and is a real pleasure to train with. I highly recommend Maria to anyone who is motivated to significantly improve their overall fitness level.” – John D
“Maria brings knowledge, enthusiasm, and sensitivity to her role as Pilates Instructor. She takes the time to discuss what we are doing and why it is beneficial. She encourages me to let her know what effect I am experiencing with exercises so she can find the right level where I am challenged but not over-stressed. This is particularly important since I had a shoulder replacement operation. I enjoy learning from her.” – Paul P
“Maria is great at tailoring the sessions to suit my needs and goals, and challenges me and encourages me. And I love her warmth, her energy and enthusiasm, and her serious commitment to making sure that her clients stay strong, mobile and pain-free. I feel lucky to have the benefit of her training, her experience, and her warmth and passion, and to have great fun doing it as well.” – Silvana D